Stories by WTTW News
Trump Declares Support for Saudis Despite Khashoggi Murder
| Paul Caine
President Donald Trump says the U.S. stands with Saudi Arabia despite the murder of a Washington Post journalist by agents of the Saudi regime.
Running and Life Lessons with ‘Wait, Wait’ Host Peter Sagal
| Alexandra Silets
You may know him as the funny and irreverent host of NPR’s “Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me!” But did you know Peter Sagal is also an avid runner? We get the rundown on “The Incomplete Book of Running.”
Bob Dylan’s Legendary Electric Guitar on Display in Chicago
| Evan Garcia
The first electric guitar Bob Dylan played live in performance – a legendary instrument which sparked uproar – is on public display at the American Writers Museum. We go for a look.
Monsters, Musicals and Must-Sees at the Theater
| Nicole Cardos
From monsters and novelists to a depressed construction foreman in Belarus, the Chicago theater scene is as varied as ever. Hedy Weiss joins us with reviews and recommendations.
Mary Zimmerman Puts English Panto Twist on Heartbreaking Tale
| Hedy Weiss
To bring Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” to vivid life, director Mary Zimmerman looks to the English pantomime tradition, and draws on her ingenious, visually stunning storytelling tricks.
City Mourns Officer, Staff Killed in Mercy Hospital Shooting
| Matt Masterson
A mass shooting at a Chicago hospital left four people dead, including an emergency room doctor, a police officer with less than two years on the force and a first-year pharmaceutical resident.
Mercy Hospital Gunman Was Kicked Out of Chicago Firefighting Academy
| Associated Press
The gunman who fatally shot his ex-fiancee outside a Chicago hospital before killing two people inside the building was once kicked out of the city’s firefighting academy after threatening a female cadet, officials said Tuesday.
Report: Slime, Other Popular Toys Pose Threats to Children
| Kristen Thometz
With the holiday season upon us, consumer advocates are warning shoppers about hazardous toys. Find out which products to leave on the shelf.
Air Pollution Reduces Life Expectancy by Nearly 2 Years, Study Finds
| Alex Ruppenthal
Air pollution’s impact on life expectancy exceeds that of communicable diseases such as AIDS, cigarette smoking and even war, according to a first-of-its-kind study from the University of Chicago.
Ask Geoffrey: What Happened to Andy Frain Ushers?
| Erica Gunderson
For many years, sports fans in Chicago were welcomed to games by clean-cut and friendly Andy Frain ushers. The story of the man behind the house of ushers in this encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.
Chicago Police Officer Among 4 Killed in Mercy Hospital Shooting
| Amanda Vinicky
A Chicago police officer, two female medical professionals and the suspected gunman are dead following a shooting rampage Monday afternoon at Mercy Hospital on the city’s Near South Side.
Chris Jones’ Book ‘Rise Up!’ Examines Contemporary American Theater
| Marc Vitali
From “Angels in America” to “Hamilton,” a new book from Chicago Tribune critic Chris Jones looks at the last quarter century of American theater.
Brain Donations Power Groundbreaking Study of Alzheimer’s Disease
| Eddie Arruza
An estimated 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to rise. We learn about one of the world’s most comprehensive studies of the disease, taking place right here in Chicago.
New Podcast ‘The City’ Digs Up Dirt on Old Chicago Scandal
| Erica Gunderson
We speak with Robin Amer, the creator of a new podcast from USA Today that takes a broad look at the events that led up to the so-called Operation Silver Shovel scandal – and the fallout that continues to this day.
Political, Financial, Housing Issues Face Next Mayor, City Council
| Alexandra Silets
City Council overwhelmingly approved a 2019 budget with no major tax or fee increases, but the next mayor and City Council will face rapidly rising city pension obligations and a host of other issues.
The Race Begins: Mayoral, Aldermanic Candidates File to Run for Office
| Paris Schutz
And they’re off. Candidates for Chicago mayor, alderman and other municipal posts made it official on Monday, the first day they were able to file petitions with the Chicago Board of Elections.
‘Mansfield Park’ a Sparkling Reminder of Why Jane Austen Endures
| Hedy Weiss
Watching Northlight Theatre’s luminous world premiere stage version of Jane Austen’s third published novel, it was impossible not to wonder what the writer might make of her enduring cult status among 21st century audiences.
Study: Chicago Not Only City in Illinois Struggling to Boost Recycling Rate
| Alex Ruppenthal
Chicago’s recycling woes have been well-documented, but a new report shows that at least five other cities in Illinois are failing to meet average U.S. recycling rates.
Prison Inmate Death After Run-In with Staff Ruled Homicide
| Associated Press
The death of an inmate following an “altercation with correctional staff” at Western Illinois Correctional Center in May has been ruled a homicide, according to an autopsy report.
Bob Fioretti Makes Moves to Run for Chicago Mayor
| Paris Schutz
Former 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti, who tried to unseat Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2015, and ran against Toni Preckwinkle for Cook County Board president in the 2018 Democratic primary, appears to be running once more for mayor.
Irving Berlin’s ‘Holiday Inn’ Becomes Newly Minted Gem on Marriott Stage
| Hedy Weiss
The recent Broadway musical based on the hit 1942 film is an old-fashioned charmer on every level, with just enough of a sardonic bite to make it feel fresh, and just enough nostalgia to pierce your heart.
Lincoln Park Zoo Opens New $9.3 Million Visitor Center
| Alex Ruppenthal
A movie theater-sized screen highlighting daily programs, plus gardens and a member center will provide additional comforts and services to visitors, the zoo says.
Teen Charged After Fireworks Incident Inside Morgan Park High School
| Matt Masterson
An Instagram video that captured the incident Tuesday morning shows students yelling and running through smoke-filled hallways after the fireworks were set off. A 16-year-old now faces a felony charge.
The Week in Review: Mendoza Confirms Mayoral Run, Amazon Snubs Chicago
| Evan Garcia
Susana Mendoza is in the race for mayor. Outrage and confusion surround the fatal police shooting of a security guard. Chicago gets the big snub from Amazon. And the Bears get ready for their prime time matchup against Minnesota.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
‘This is Only the Beginning’: Illinois Accountability Commission Hears First Testimony on Federal Agents’ Use of Force in Chicago
Chicago Bears’ Threat to Move to Indiana a ‘Slap in the Face,’ Gov. Pritzker’s Office Says
City Council Votes 30-18 to Approve Final Part of 2026 Budget. Will Mayor Veto It?
City Council Votes 29-19 to Approve Rival Spending Plan, Rebuking Mayor Johnson
Johnson Stops Short of Vowing to Veto Rival Budget Plan, But Calls It ‘Morally Bankrupt’
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter