Stories by WTTW News

A preview of tonight’s presidential debate showdown between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Exploring the intersection of education and culture. And a new public art exhibit uncovers the history of an ancient civilization.

Elizabeth Alvarez has dedicated her life to teaching, empowering students and breaking down educational disparities. Alvarez shares all of this and more in her new book “Rabbit on the Moon: Embracing My Mexican-American Identity.”

Northwestern fired football coach Pat Fitzgerald in July 2023 after 17 seasons amid a hazing scandal that led to lawsuits across multiple sports with allegations including sexual abuse by teammates as well as racist comments by coaches and race-based assaults.

The rule applies mostly to states in the South and Midwest that contribute to air pollution along the East Coast. Some states, including Illinois and Wisconsin, both contribute to downwind pollution and receive it from other states.

Health officials have told Americans to expect a yearly update to COVID-19 vaccines, just like they are recommended to get a new shot each fall to protect against the latest flu strains. But many Americans aren’t heeding the CDC’s advice.

Long before the Aztecs or the Maya, there were the Olmecs. Their people once lived along the southeast border of Mexico in what is now Veracruz; they are considered one of the most influential civilizations of Mesoamerica.

President Joe Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, are set to make history on CNN Thursday night as they meet for their first 2024 debate. It’ll be the first time a president and former president have ever debated.

On Nov. 22, 1981, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood and Ian Stewart showed up at the Checkerboard Lounge, 423 E. 43rd St., to jam with their musical mentor, Muddy Waters. Two WTTW crew members were there and share their memories. 

Some of the city’s most vulnerable populations are still facing barriers of access when it comes to receiving equitable health care. The Black community faces notable obstacles when it comes to addressing mental illness.

The Board of Education on Thursday approved a resolution that will grant school leaders the ability to begin spending their funding allocations when the 2025 fiscal year begins next month — even as the full district budget has not yet been finished.

The Rolling Stones must be the most Chicago-centric band on the planet that isn’t from Chicago. In celebration of the Rolling Stones return to Chicago on their “Hackney Diamonds” tour, here are historic highlights from the many times the world’s greatest rock and roll band visited. 

Eight months after the measure was approved, Streets and San has yet to write a single ticket, despite receiving reports about dozens of scofflaws from sleepless Chicagoans.

“Many homeowners are going to be shocked and angry when they get their bills,” Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said.

The death of a man incarcerated at Stateville prison has advocates asking questions. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s promises big advancements in mental health care access. And how even the slowest runners can embrace the sport. 

Eight-time marathoner Martinus Evans says he didn’t always feel welcomed in the sport. He now wants to help others feel good about picking up their running shoes. 

The new Department of Early Childhood, which will become operational in July 2026, will take over programs currently housed across three state agencies, including funding for preschool programs, child care centers and the licensing of day care centers.

Kinzinger, a military pilot who emerged as a fierce critic of former President Donald Trump after the U.S. Capitol was attacked by Trump’s supporters, described Trump as “a direct threat to every fundamental American value” in a video announcing the Biden endorsement.

Robert Crimo III, who was expected to plead guilty Wednesday, instead appeared in a Lake County courtroom packed with victims of the shooting and rejected an agreement in which he would have pleaded guilty to seven counts of first-degree murder and dozens of other charges.

The U.S. Supreme Court may have thrown a wrench into some of the biggest corruption cases across Illinois — including the upcoming trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan — with a new ruling that redefines federal bribery statutes.

As Chicago Public Schools prepares to eliminate resource officer positions districtwide, a new study found removing police from city schools has not led to increased disciplinary issues, nor did it make students and staff feel less safe.

Chicago is currently at the center of a queer country renaissance with acts like Marlowe, Andrew Sa and #QueerCountry Bandwagon taking center stage.

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates talks negotiations over a new contract. What exactly does an alderperson do? WTTW News explains. And Chicago’s queer country music is making a mark on the local music scene. 

CTU President Stacy Davis Gates spoke with WTTW News about the ongoing contract negotiations.

The circumstances around his death have left friends, family and others incarcerated at Stateville questioning the sequence of events around his medical treatment. Friends who witnessed his death last week said he “didn’t have to die.”

As the mayor ramps up work on his second budget proposal, a newly formed Chicago City Council subcommittee is set to meet at noon Wednesday to start examining the dozens of proposals to increase the amount of money officials have on hand to spend starting in 2025.

Roenick’s 1,216 points with Chicago, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and San Jose are fourth most of any U.S.-born player. He has been a candidate since 2012 and passed over each year since.