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Stories by Associated Press

$785M Mega Millions Prize Is 6th Largest in US History

The jackpot is the largest since someone in California won a record $2.04 billion Powerball prize on Nov. 8. There still has not been an announced winner of that jackpot.

Jan. 6 Panel Shutting Down After Referring Trump for Crimes

Lawmakers said they wanted to make their work public to underscore the seriousness of the attack and Trump’s multi-pronged effort to try to overturn the election.

A Pregnant Mom Crossed the Rio Grande to Give Her Child a Better Life. Now Her Daughter, Delia Ramirez, Will Be a U.S. Congresswoman

As constant and controversial as conversations around immigration in Washington have become, many lawmakers weighing in don’t have direct personal connections to the issues they’re debating. Delia Ramirez, 39, has lived them her entire life.

Tesla Says Company Sold a Record 1.3 Million Vehicles Last Year, Falls Short of 50% Growth Pledge

The 2022 figure topped the prior record of 936,000 vehicles delivered in 2021, but it was shy of the 1.4 million needed to reach the company's 50% growth target. Sales grew 40% year over year, while production climbed 47% to 1.37 million.

Sparing Residents from Tax Hikes Months Before Election, Chicago’s 2023 Budget Takes Effect

With less than two months until Election Day, Mayor Lori Lightfoot touts the $16.4 billion spending plan she crafted as a “stability budget” for a city enjoying a faster than expected recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s what it does.

Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger: I ‘Fear for the Future of This Country’ If Trump Isn’t Charged Over Jan. 6

Outgoing Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger said Sunday he fears for the future of the country if former President Donald Trump isn’t charged with a crime related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, though he believes the Justice Department will “do the right thing.”

Time Zone by Time Zone, Another New Year Sweeps Into View

Across the world, at least for a day, thoughts focused on possibilities, even elusive ones like world peace, and mustering — finally — a resolve to keep the next array of resolutions.

Illinois Supreme Court Pauses Plans to Eliminate Cash Bail on Eve Before Taking Effect

The Illinois Supreme Court on Saturday posted an online notice that it is staying the Pretrial Fairness Act, the law within a broader criminal justice overhaul called the SAFE-T Act, which contains the cashless-bail change. The stay will remain in place until the justices issue a new order.

Week in Review: Looking Back at the Biggest Stories of 2022

From a wide-open mayoral contest to major issues on the agenda statewide like guns and abortion, to the economic picture, and the outlook in local sports — we recap the year that was and look into our crystal ball to 2023.

S&P 500 Closes Out Dismal Year With Worst Loss Since 2008

The benchmark index finished with a loss of 19.4% for 2022 — its worst loss since the financial crisis 14 years ago and a painful reversal for investors after the S&P 500 notched a gain of nearly 27% in 2021.

Chicago Police to Deploy 1,300 Additional Officers on New Year’s Eve

Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said the additional officers will be sent into neighborhoods and high-traffic areas like Navy Pier, where a fireworks show will ring in the new year Saturday night.

An Afghan Interpreter Risked His Life for US Marines. Now, They’re Fighting So He Can Stay In the US

An Afghan interpreter who served alongside U.S. Marines fled the country with his family over safety concerns. Now, his Special Immigrant Visa was denied for the last time. 

Trump’s Tax Returns Released After Long Fight with Congress

Democrats in Congress released six years of former President Donald Trump’s tax returns on Friday, the culmination of a yearslong effort to learn about the finances of a onetime business mogul who broke decades of political precedent when he refused to voluntarily release the information as he sought the White House.

Southwest Airlines Schedule Returns to Relative Normalcy

Southwest Airlines returned to a relatively normal flight schedule Friday, as the focus shifts to making things right with what could be well more than a million passengers who missed family connections or flights home during the holidays, and many of whom are still missing luggage.

Dec. 29, 2022 - Full Show

The latest on a judge’s ruling striking down the law to end cash bail. More new laws to know for 2023. The latest on the Southwest Airlines fiasco. And a new ranking of the greatest movies of all time.

Chicago Film Critics Break Down Sight and Sound’s New Greatest Films of All Time List

The latest edition of the revered “Greatest Films of All Time” list by Sight and Sound magazine was unveiled this month, sparking discussion about representation in film and which movies are often either included or left out in prestigious lists.

‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Looking Back on 2022

In 2022, WTTW News visited 33 Chicago community areas, some more than once, plus 10 Chicago suburbs. We even ventured up north to take the pulse of Milwaukee. Take a look back through our In Your Neighborhood series. 

Domestic Violence Protections to Minimum Wage Bump, Here’s the New Illinois Laws Taking Effect Jan. 1

The Illinois legislature was busy in 2022, enacting hundreds of new laws, many of which will take effect on Sunday.

Pair of Chicago Children’s Musicians Up for Same Grammy Award

Two of the five Grammy nominees this year for Best Children’s Album are from the Chicago area. For Justin Roberts, it’s his fifth nomination. And for the duo Wendy and DB, it’s their first.

Judge Rules Portions of SAFE-T Act Eliminating Cash Bail Are Unconstitutional; Cook County Officials Moving Forward

Kankakee County Judge Thomas Cunnington issued his ruling after dozens of state’s attorneys sued to prevent Illinois from eliminating cash bail beginning Jan. 1.

Pelé, Brazil’s Mighty King of ‘Beautiful Game,’ Dead at 82

Pelé, the Brazilian king of soccer who won a record three World Cups and became one of the most commanding sports figures of the last century, died Thursday. He was 82.

Southwest Says It Expects Normal Operations to Resume Friday

It is likely that far more than 1 million passengers have been affected. Southwest has canceled more than 13,000 flights since its meltdown began on Dec. 22. Its planes have 143 to 175 seats and were likely nearly fully booked around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

10 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Chicago

Fireworks, cruises, competitive games and comedy shows usher in the new year. We’ve got 10 ideas for your big night out.

Jan. 6 Panel Drops Trump Subpoena as It Wraps Up Work

The House Jan. 6 committee has dropped its subpoena against former President Donald Trump as it wraps up work and prepares to dissolve next week.

Dec. 28, 2022 - Full Show

A look at the gains labor unions made in 2022. A Trump-era immigration order will stick around for now. A local architect known for her public spaces wins a coveted award. And a local TikTok star makes a career reviewing food.

Explainer: Supreme Court Keeps Title 42 — For Now. How Do the COVID Asylum Restrictions Work?

Title 42 has been used more than 2.5 million times to expel migrants since March 2020, although that number includes people who repeatedly attempted to cross the border. The case will be argued in February, and the stay will be maintained until the Supreme Court decides.
 

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