Stories by Jennifer Cotto
Illinois Awards $14M in Grants to Social Service Providers Across the State
| Jennifer Cotto
The competitive grants were awarded to 70 nonprofits providing social services in Illinois. The funds will help organizations address physical construction and accessibility improvements.
Baby Boom in Will County, With 5 Bald Eagle Hatchlings: ‘It’s Really a Population Explosion in Our Area’
| Patty Wetli
After months of great eggs-pectations, the Forest Preserve District of Will County has announced the arrival of five baby bald eagles.
Lion Cubs Make Their Public Debut at Lincoln Park Zoo and They’re Totally the Cat’s Meow
| Patty Wetli
On Friday, Lincoln Park Zoo’s three new male African lion cubs greeted the public in their outdoor habitat for the first time since they were born Jan. 9.
Taking the Stand in Her Defense, Former ComEd CEO Describes Relationship With Madigan and His Lobbyist
| Amanda Vinicky
As CEO of Illinois’ powerful ComEd utility company, Anne Pramaggiore had to take risks. On Thursday, she took another as she stepped to the witness stand at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse downtown, to testify in her own defense.
April 13, 2023 - Full Show
| WTTW News
A Chicago fireman is laid to rest. A look at mental health care for first responders. The latest testimony in the “ComEd Four” bribery trial. And residents call out Walmart for closing its doors.
Raising Awareness About Mental Health Concerns for First Responders
| Jennifer Cotto
The recent deaths of two Chicago firefighters are a stark reminder of the physical dangers first responders face. Often unseen are mental health concerns, which can take a heavy toll.
Demonstrators Threaten Walmart Boycott Over Chicago Store Closures
| Nick Blumberg
Many Chicagoans were shocked by retail giant Walmart’s announcement that it’s closing four stores this weekend — fully half of its locations in the city.
The ‘Birthplace’ of House Music is on Its Way to Becoming a Chicago Landmark
| Patty Wetli
The Commission on Chicago Landmarks approved preliminary landmark status for the Warehouse, a “magical place” where DJ Frankie Knuckles is credited with creating House music.
Threatened With Demolition, Century and Consumers Buildings Receive Preliminary Landmark Status
| Patty Wetli
The Commission on Chicago Landmarks voted unanimously Thursday to grant preliminary landmark status to a pair of early 20th century skyscrapers slated for demolition by the federal government.
5 Things to Do This Weekend: Art on the Mart, Chicago Clothing Swap
| Erica Demarest
Art exhibits, a boxing tournament and Earth Month festivities usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.
Millennium Park Summer Movie Lineup Features ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ ‘Wakanda Forever,’ ‘Everything Everywhere ...’ and More
| Patty Wetli
Free concerts, theater and dance performances, and workouts are also part of the slate of summer events in Millennium Park announced Thursday by city officials.
Chicago Blackhawks Announce Jonathan Toews Will Not Be Back Next Season, Ending 15-Year Run
| Associated Press
Toews helped Chicago put together the best stretch in franchise history, winning the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
Temps Could Hit a Record High Thursday as April Continues to Feel Like Summer
| Patty Wetli
Chicagoans will enjoy another summer-like day, with the temperature predicted to hit what would be a record-setting 83 degrees on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
April 12, 2023 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Illinois Democrats do a victory lap on bringing the DNC to Chicago. Testimony from Madigan insiders in the “ComEd Four” trial. A change in course at the Chicago Police Board. And the Chicago Golden Gloves boxing tournament turns 100.
Spotlight Politics: CEO to Testify as ‘ComEd Four’ Defense Begins; Johnson Names Transition Team
| Paul Caine
The prosecution rests its case in the corruption trial of the “ComEd Four.” The challenges facing Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson. And Chicago is named to host the DNC in 2024.
Police Board Starts Considering Whether Officer Who Fatally Shot Adam Toledo Should Be Fired
| Heather Cherone
The filing was a necessary step in the complicated and lengthy process required before a Chicago police officer can be fired as a result of misconduct.
Chicago Is ‘The Key To Victory’ in 2024: Democrats Celebrate Winning Convention Bid
| Heather Cherone
The victory was a coup for Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who urged national Democrats to pick Chicago, even though Illinois has not been a true swing state for more than a generation.
Hyde Park Summer Fest Sails Through Chicago’s New Approval Process, But Riot Fest Organizers Still Face Wall of Opposition
| Patty Wetli
A new policy gives Park District commissioners final say over permits for so-called “mega festivals.” It received its first test Wednesday.
Chekhov’s Play About Change Also Marks a Moment of Change for Director Robert Falls
| Hedy Weiss
“The Cherry Orchard,” Anton Chekhov’s masterful play, is about change — social, historical, financial and emotional. And change is of the essence at the Goodman Theatre too, with this production marking the retirement of artistic director Robert Falls.
Art Institute, MSI To Raise Fees, But Hikes Only for Out-of-Towners
| Patty Wetli
Leaders of both museums cited inflation and the higher cost of wages and benefits among the reasons for raising admission fees.
Illinois to Receive $67.6 Million From Multistate Juul Labs Settlement
| Associated Press
The agreement with New York, California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico and Washington, D.C. marks the latest in a string of recent legal settlements Juul has reached across the country with cities and states.
US Designates Veterinary Drug Xylazine, Fentanyl Mixture ‘Emerging Threat’
| Associated Press
The Office of National Drug Control Policy announced the designation Wednesday, the first time the office has used it since the category for fast-growing drug dangers was created in 2019.
Cheaper Gas and Food Provide Some Relief From US Inflation
| Associated Press
The government said Wednesday that consumer prices rose just 0.1% from February to March, down from 0.4% from January to February and the smallest increase since December.
Walmart Closing 4 Chicago Stores, Company Says Losses Have Doubled in Last 5 Years
| Patty Wetli
Walmart says it is cutting its losses in the Chicago market, announcing Tuesday it will close four of its eight stores in the city by April 16.
April 11, 2023 - Full Show
| WTTW News
More on what sealed the deal for Chicago to host the 2024 DNC. The appellate court abortion pill ruling’s impact on Illinois. And we’re live from EXPO Chicago at Navy Pier.
At Expo Chicago, the World is on Display With Over 170 International Art Galleries
| Angel Idowu
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Expo Chicago, the city’s biggest annual celebration of all that Chicago's art scene has to offer.
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Chicago Advocates Call for New Gun Violence Prevention Efforts After Mass Shooting, Trump Response
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