Stories by Associated Press
AP-NORC Poll: 3 in 4 Americans Back Requiring Wearing Masks
| Associated Press
Three out of four Americans, including a majority of Republicans, favor requiring people to wear face coverings while outside their homes, a new poll finds.
Trump Calls Off Florida Segment of GOP National Convention
| Associated Press
“It’s a different world, and it will be for a little while,” President Trump said, explaining his decision during one of his newly resuscitated White House briefings on the coronavirus. “To have a big convention is not the right time.”
Ask Geoffrey: Revisiting Chicago’s Drive-ins
| Erica Gunderson
It’s not so glamorous anymore, but there was a time when people clamored to enjoy the novelty of eating fast food from the comfort of their cars. Geoffrey Baer serves up some fast food history with a side of super signs in this week’s Ask Geoffrey.
How ‘Mural Moves’ is Using Art to Invest in Communities
| Angel Idowu
A family of artists is encouraging communities to reclaim their neighborhoods through the art of storytelling. We check out their work at 71st Street and Jeffery Boulevard in South Shore.
#ReleaseTheRecords Movement Seeks Release of Police Misconduct Files
| Angel Idowu
Organizers are pushing for the Chicago Police Department to release officer misconduct records, saying publicly available top-level data omits the public’s narrative and prevents them from seeking “narrative justice.”
Chicago’s Annual Chicken Coop Tour Is Still on for 2020. It Just Needs Host Sites
| Patty Wetli
Organizers are moving forward with the outdoor event, which showcases urban livestock and agriculture in its many forms. Prospective hosts have until July 26 to apply to be part of the September 2020 tour, no chickens required.
Report: Streets & Sanitation Inefficient in Clearing Weeds from Vacant Lots
| Patty Wetli
An audit by the Inspector General’s Office found numerous flaws in the Department of Streets and Sanitation’s system of clearing weeds from vacant lots, including the lack of an up-to-date list of city-owned vacant property.
Local Researchers Develop Wearable Sensor to Monitor COVID-19 Symptoms
| Kristen Thometz
Worn 24/7, the soft, flexible sensor is being used to monitor cough, shortness of breath and fever in a small number of patients and front-line health care workers. Researchers hope the device can provide more insight about the coronavirus.
Opening Day Amid Virus: Masks, Empty Parks, Social Justice
| Associated Press
A baseball season that was on the brink before it ever began because of the virus outbreak is set to start Thursday night.
Pritzker Extends Ban on Evictions to Aug. 22; Applications for Rental Assistance Open Aug. 10
| Heather Cherone
The three-week reprieve ordered by Gov. J.B. Pritzker allows state officials time to set up a program to distribute more than $300 million in help to landlords and tenants struggling to make ends meet during the coronavirus pandemic.
Activists File Suit to Protect Protesters With Federal Agents Coming to Chicago
| Matt Masterson
Attorneys representing Black Lives Matter Chicago and several other groups filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking an injunction to halt the feds from interfering with peaceful protests or making arrests without probable cause.
WTTW News Seeking Freelance Reporters for Weekend Coverage
| WTTW News
Interested in contributing to WTTW News? We are seeking experienced, motivated news reporters for weekend coverage of Chicago news and events. Learn more.
Trump Deploys More Federal Agents Under ‘Law-And-Order’ Push
| Associated Press
President Donald Trump is expanding the administration’s intervention in local enforcement as he runs for reelection under a “law-and-order” mantle.
Chicago Pastor on Mass Shooting: ‘I Haven’t Seen a Scene Like This’
| Amanda Vinicky
Chicago police say Tuesday’s mass shooting is a chilling example of gang revenge and retaliation — a cycle that needs to end. They are pleading with witnesses for help, while residents deal with the trauma.
Spotlight Politics: Trump Weighs in on Chicago’s Violence
| Alexandra Silets
Gun violence in Chicago is again taking the national spotlight. Our politics team weighs in on President Donald Trump’s plans to send 100 federal agents to the city and more.
‘It’s Affecting Everyday Life’: Community Leaders Respond to Gun Violence
| Marissa Nelson
A mass shooting injures at least 15 people outside a funeral home in the city’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood. How community leaders are responding to the gun violence crisis.
Attorney to Sheriff Dart: Protect Jail Detainees, Not Your Reputation
| Nick Blumberg
The Cook County sheriff says an advocate for detainees is lying about what the jail has done to curb the coronavirus. She responds on “Chicago Tonight.”
Park District Board Says of Douglas Park Name Change: ‘It Will Be Done’
| Patty Wetli
Students leading the movement to change the name of Douglas Park said they were frustrated to have been left out of the board’s meeting Wednesday, and for their broader campaign to have been ignored.
Trump Sends More Than 100 Federal Agents to Chicago to Fight Violence
| Heather Cherone
President Donald Trump will send “more than 100” federal agents to crack down on surging crime in Chicago — but will not order a Portland-style paramilitary strike force to patrol the city.
A Tour of the ‘Notorious RBG’ Exhibition With Son James Ginsburg
| Marc Vitali
A look at the life and legal work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, with family stories from her son.
Some Tenants to Get More Notice Before Evictions Under New Law
| Heather Cherone
Mayor Lori Lightfoot has repeatedly said 30 days’ notice is not nearly enough time for a single person, let alone a family, to find a new place to live and move. Now, long-term renters will get more notice of an eviction without cause.
City Council Tightens Rules That Allow CPD to Impound Cars
| Heather Cherone
The Chicago Police Department can no longer impound cars that may have been used to commit a crime following a unanimous vote Wednesday to rein in the program in an effort to ease the debt burden imposed on low-income residents.
Illinois Officials Warn of Fraud Linked to Federal Pandemic Unemployment Program
| Kristen Thometz
State officials announced Wednesday they are investigating a widespread nationwide fraud schemed linked to each state’s federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.
1,598 New COVID-19 Cases in Illinois as Officials Again Implore Residents to Wear Masks
| Kristen Thometz
State officials on Wednesday reported the highest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases for the month of July, prompting a stern warning from Illinois’ top doctor: Wear a mask or we’ll move backwards.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
2026 Chicago Summer Festival Guide
Deep Tunnel Reservoirs Nearly Full as Chicago Region Pounded With Rain Over Holiday Weekend
2nd Piping Plover Chick Dies at Montrose, Monitors Report
Chicago’s Pension Debt Increased in 2025 to $36.4B: City Analysis
Pritzker Signs Landmark AI Regulation Bill That Aims to Mitigate Risks
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter