Stories by Associated Press
Bitter Cold Brings -30 Wind Chills to Northern Illinois
| Associated Press
The National Weather Service says Friday's deep freeze is a preview of next week, which could bring more than a half-foot of snow and the potential for the “coldest stretch in years.”
New Chicago Buildings Combine Libraries with Public Housing
| Evan Garcia
Chicago is using the resources of public libraries to address the need for mixed-income housing. Chicago Public Library Commissioner and CEO Brian Bannon explains.
What’s the Price Tag of the Government Shutdown? Economists Weigh In
| Nicole Cardos
Federal workers are feeling the effects of the government shutdown, but what about everyone else? Local economists weigh in on that and the economic forecast for 2019.
School Discontent Prompts Calls for an Elected School Board
| Paul Caine
As calls grow for an elected school board, we examine whether more democracy can help bring about better schools.
Meet New WBEZ ‘Morning Shift’ Host Jenn White
| Alexandra Silets
We catch up with Jenn White, who took over hosting duties earlier this month after former “Morning Shift” host Tony Sarabia signed off.
Chicago Plan Commission Unanimously Approves Lincoln Yards Development
| Amanda Vinicky
The massive plan for a “city within the city” moves one step closer to reality – but residents worry about what the transformation will mean for their communities.
Tips for Managing Icy Sidewalks Without Harming the Environment
| Alex Ruppenthal
Although ice melt products can help clear slick walkways, they can also harm pets and cause damage to lawns, gardens and waterways. What you need to know.
Chicago Museums Offer Free Admission to Federal Workers During Shutdown
| Alex Ruppenthal
A handful of museums and cultural institutions in and around Chicago are offering free admission to workers affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Kim Foxx Plans to Expunge Misdemeanor Marijuana Convictions
| Matt Masterson
In announcing the plan, the Cook County state’s attorney said her office must avoid “needlessly bringing people into the criminal justice system” and instead focus on prosecuting violent crime cases.
Attorney General, Special Prosecutors Reviewing Van Dyke Sentence
| Matt Masterson
Last week, a Cook County judge handed down an 81-month prison sentence to former Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke. But was a different sentence required? The state attorney general’s office says it’s now taking a look at that decision to see if it fits with state sentencing requirements.
Doomsday Clock Remains 2 Minutes to Midnight
| Kristen Thometz
The clock hands didn’t move this year, but that’s no “sign of stability,” says Rachel Bronson, president and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Instead, she calls it a “stark warning.”
Art Institute Exhibit Brings ‘Floating World’ to Life
| Marc Vitali
History, beauty and pleasure are on display in the first public showing of a standout collection of Japanese art.
Released Documents Detail What Feds Sought in Burke Raid
| Paris Schutz
Newly released documents shed light on recent FBI raids of Ald. Ed Burke’s City Hall office and the broader investigation surrounding the longtime 14th Ward alderman.
Bold Mix of Classics, Rarities and New Work Planned for Lyric Opera
| Hedy Weiss
Productions of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades” and the Chicago debut of “Dead Man Walking” are among the highlights of Lyric Opera’s 2019-2020 season.
Suspect Wanted in Fatal Orland Park Mall Shooting Arrested
| Associated Press
Orland Park Police say Jakharr Williams of University Park was arrested Wednesday without incident. He was wanted in connection with Monday's fatal shooting of Javon Britten of Richton Park.
Spotlight Politics: Solis, Burke Shock Waves Reverberate in Mayor’s Race
| Paris Schutz
How do stunning new developments in an FBI corruption case impact the race for mayor? Political reporters Carol Marin and Paris Schutz dive into that story and more in this week’s roundtable.
Ald. Ed Burke Faces Challenges in First 14th Ward Forum
| Amanda Vinicky
Embattled Ald. Ed Burke faces lawyer Jaime Guzman and civil engineer Tanya Patiño in the first public forum of their contest for the 14th Ward seat Burke first won in 1969.
Former Federal Prosecutors Expect More Charges in Burke Probe
| Paul Caine
A bombshell report about secret recordings of embattled Ald. Ed Burke. We discuss the latest developments in the corruption probe.
Snow Much Fun: Cool Activities for Cold Weather
| Erica Gunderson
Why should summer get all the love? We explore the wonderland of winter adventure to be had in Chicago – both indoors and out.
Bringing Hope to Chicago Neighborhoods Through Financial Empowerment
| Nick Blumberg
The city treasurer teams up with a national nonprofit to expand financial empowerment centers in Chicago neighborhoods.
Some Aldermen Angered by Report Solis Wore Wire
| Paris Schutz
City Council reacts to a stunning report that longtime Ald. Danny Solis secretly recorded Ald. Ed Burke as part of a federal corruption investigation.
Judge Approves Settlement for 50-Year-Old Housing Discrimination Case
| Nicole Cardos
A decadeslong public housing lawsuit has nearly come to an end, marking “a seminal moment in Chicago’s history,” according to a joint statement from Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CHA CEO Eugene Jones Jr.
CPS Watchdog: 33 Adults Pulled from Schools Over Sex Abuse Allegations
| Matt Masterson
Nearly three dozen Chicago Public Schools staffers, including 12 teachers, have been removed from schools due to sexual abuse allegations in recent months, according to the district’s watchdog.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Jan. 24-27
| Kristen Thometz
Special menus, an icy plunge in the lake, winter brews and Mexican sweet bread usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
2026 Chicago Summer Festival Guide
Deep Tunnel Reservoirs Nearly Full as Chicago Region Pounded With Rain Over Holiday Weekend
Shedd Aquarium Joins Global Effort to Rescue Beluga Whales From Defunct Canadian Marine Park
Earthquake Reported on Chicago’s North Shore, USGS Says Magnitude 2.9
Bipartisan Housing Bill Still Awaits Trump’s Signature. Here’s What the Bill Would Do
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter