Facebook icon Twitter icon Instagram icon YouTube icon

Stories by

Speaking Spanglish: How to Reach America’s $1.7 Trillion Latino Consumer Market

Latinos now make up 19% of the country's population, and half of them are under age 29. And while America’s Latinos spend an estimated $1.7 trillion annually, the Hispanic Marketing Council says only 6% of overall industry investment is spent targeting the Latino community.

Fashion Fair Cosmetics Receives Makeover, Returns to Stores

Many Black women may be familiar with the cosmetics brand Fashion Fair — founded in 1973 by Eunice Johnson, wife of John Johnson, the Black publishing magnate behind Ebony and Jet magazines.

US Jobless Rate Sinks to 4.2% as Many More People Find Jobs

Employers in some industries, such as restaurants, bars, and hotels, pulled back on hiring in November. By contrast, job growth remained solid in areas like transportation and warehousing, which are benefiting from the growth of online commerce.

Contact Tracing Revs up in Some States as Omicron Reaches US

In New York City, officials quickly reached out to a man who tested positive for the variant and had attended an anime conference at a Manhattan convention center last month along with more than 50,000 people. Five other attendees have also been infected with the coronavirus, though officials don’t yet know whether it was with the omicron variant.

Bond Set at Combined $1M after Michigan Parents Enter Pleas

A Detroit business owner spotted a car tied to the Crumbleys in his parking lot late Friday, Oakland County Undersheriff Michael McCabe said in a statement. A woman seen near the vehicle ran away when the business owner called 911, McCabe said. The couple was later located and arrested by Detroit police.

Parents of Michigan Boy Charged in Oxford School Shooting

James and Jennifer Crumbley committed “egregious” acts, from buying a gun on Black Friday and making it available to Ethan Crumbley to resisting his removal from school when they were summoned a few hours before the shooting, Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald said.

The Week in Review: Latino Caucus Blasts New Map, Files for Public Vote

Jussie Smollett on trial again for alleged fake hate crime attack. City ward remap deadline comes and goes as Black and Latino alderpeople still at odds. COVID-19 cases skyrocket with Omicron variant now in the U.S., and more.

World’s Largest Motorcycle Parade Hits Chicago’s Streets Sunday for Annual Toys for Tots Ride

Now in its 44th year, the ride draws tens of thousands of participants and collects heaps of toys for children in need.

Omicron-Stricken South Africa May Be Glimpse Into the Future

New COVID-19 cases in South Africa have burgeoned from about 200 a day in mid-November to more than 16,000 on Friday.

Biden Signs Stopgap Funding Bill to Keep Government Running

The White House released a statement noting the bill signing and thanking congressional leaders for their work.

US Needs National Strategy to Deal With Plastic, Report Says. This Sandhill Crane’s Injured Beak Shows Why

The U.S. needs a national strategy to deal with its plastic waste problem, which the country produces at a greater rate than the entire European Union combined, according to a new report. Interventions can’t come soon enough for wildlife.

More Than $1M in Stolen Retail Items Recovered in ‘Major’ Seizure: Illinois Attorney General

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Friday said law enforcement recovered “four semitrailers of merchandise” from eight storage units in two Chicago locations Wednesday night that had been stolen from major national retailers.

DA Who Released Waukesha Suspect Ahead of Tragedy Says It Was the Result of Human Error

The Milwaukee district attorney whose office allowed for the release of a man accused of running over holiday parade attendees last month said Thursday that his low cash bail amount was the result of “human error” by an early-career prosecutor.

State Rests Case at Smollett Trial After Star Witnesses

After a three-day presentation of evidence, special prosecutor Dan Webb told the presiding judge Thursday evening that the prosecution was done. The defense began its case immediately, calling, among others, an emergency room physician who saw Jussie Smollett after the purported attack.

‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Andersonville

Located in the Edgewater community on Chicago’s North Side, Andersonville has one of the most concentrated areas of Swedish heritage and is home to a large LGBTQ community. Learn more about the history as well as what the area is doing to adopt eco-friendly initiatives.

COVID-19 Mortgage Assistance Won’t Be Available Until Spring

Illinois, Chicago Opening New Rental Funding Round on Monday

Illinois has dispersed $750 million to help those who fell behind on rent during the coronavirus pandemic. Far less – so far $100 million – has gone to homeowners having trouble keeping up with their bills. And it may be months before homeowners receive funding.

December 2, 2021 - Full Show

The latest on the City Council’s ward remap process and what it means for voters. One-on-one with Chicago’s top doctor as COVID-19 cases increase. And live in Andersonville for “In Your Neighborhood.”

After Ending Losing Streak, Bears Face Stern Test Against Arizona Cardinals

The drama out of Halas Hall over the rumored departure of head coach Matt Nagy has died down this week — with the Bears coming off a victory over the winless Detroit Lions. But this Sunday a much tougher opponent awaits in the shape of Super Bowl contender the Arizona Cardinals.

‘Momnibus’ Bill to Support Moms Who Served in the Military Signed into Law

The Protecting Moms Who Served Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood and championed by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to invest in quality maternal care for mothers across the country.

Illinois Records More than 11,000 Cases for First Time Since 2020

The number of new COVID-19 infections has been steadily increasing for weeks and on Thursday surpassed 11,000 for the first time in a 24-hour period since December 2020 – when vaccines weren’t available, according to state health officials.

‘Let the People of Chicago Decide’: Latino Caucus Moves to Force a Referendum on Ward Maps

By filing the map crafted by the Chicago Latino Caucus with the city clerk’s office, the alderpeople ensured that the June 28 primary election ballot could ask voters to decide what the ward map should look like for the first time in 30 years.

Landmark Status a ‘Slam Dunk’ for Austin Neighborhood’s Oldest House

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks unanimously approved a landmark recommendation for the 152-year-old Seth Warner house, which boasts layers of heritage.

Pushing COVID-19 Boosters, Biden Says ‘We Need to be Ready’

“Experts say the COVID-19 cases will continue to rise in the weeks ahead this winter, so we need to be ready,” President Biden said Thursday during a visit to the National Institutes of Health in suburban Maryland after a briefing with scientific advisers.

Cook County Officials, Faith Leaders Urge COVID-19 Vaccinations, Boosters

“We’re coming together with one simple message: the time to get your shot is now,” said Dr. Claudia Fegan, chief medical officer of Cook County Health.

Chicago Police Release Footage of Suspect in Fatal Lincoln Square Shooting

The Chicago Police Department released surveillance footage showing the moments before 59-year-old Rae Park was shot and killed by a male suspect at around 7 a.m. Wednesday in the 2600 block of West Catalpa Avenue.

The ‘Home Alone’ House Could Be Yours for One Night Only

Calling all filthy animals: Airbnb is renting out the “Home Alone” house this month for one hijinks-filled night.
 

Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors