Stories by WTTW News

McDonald’s is “de-arching” in Russia and leaving the country after more than 30 years; as the baby formula crisis deepens, a local congressman is putting pressure on Abbott Labs; and Boeing leadership faces criticism from an Ireland-based airline.

WNBA star Brittney Griner has been in Russian custody since just before Russia invaded Ukraine. Her pre-trial detention was extended another 30 days last week — a sign some experts say could actually provide a glimmer of hope.

The value of commercial properties increased 56% from 2018 to 2021, compared with 10% for single-family homes and small apartment buildings, according to the data released by the Cook County assessor’s office. That could result in a consequential change in how Cook County’s property tax burden is carved up. 

In its 30-year history, Friends of the Chicago River’s annual cleanup has evolved from a focus on litter to invasive species. An invasive crayfish pulled from the river over the weekend highlights the work to be done.

Brittney Griner, 31, faces drug smuggling charges that carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The two-time Olympic gold medalist who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, was detained at a Moscow airport in February after vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis were allegedly found in her luggage.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday she had no choice but to act after the murder of 16-year-old Seandell Holliday just before 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the heart of Millennium Park amid what Lightfoot called “chaos and unnecessary violence.” 

While the map set to take effect in time for the next round of municipal elections in 2023 has been the subject of more public scrutiny than any other revised map in Chicago’s history, it still allows incumbent alderpeople to pick their own voters and punish their enemies.

In addition an arrest in the fatal schooting, police say charges are also currently pending against six adults and one possible juvenile accused of spray-painting the Bean and Cancer Survivor Wall in Maggie Daley Park.

The confirmed number of dead is equivalent to a 9/11 attack every day for 336 days. It is roughly equal to how many Americans died in the Civil War and World War II combined. It’s as if Boston and Pittsburgh were wiped out.

The White House said it is working with all major formula producers to boost production, including reaching out to their suppliers to encourage them to prioritize production and delivery of formula ingredients. 

Chicago police said five people were killed and 28 others were injured in 28 separate shootings over the weekend. That included a 17-year-old killed Friday, a 19-year-old killed Saturday and Seandell Holliday, 16, who was shot and killed near “The Bean” sculpture.

Seandell Holliday, 16, was shot around 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the chest near The Bean in the heart of Millennium Park and downtown, according to police and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The Chicago Reader, the city’s famed alt-weekly, is expected to become a nonprofit this month after the sale was nearly derailed over a co-owner’s column opposing COVID-19 vaccine requirements for children. Critics including former and current Reader staff blasted his take, arguing that Goodman relied on sources repeatedly fact-checked by media and infectious-disease experts.

Connecting more people to quality internet, the latest push in bridging the digital divide. Plus, the first Black woman named to the state’s Supreme Court. And the Last Word from Chicago French Press.

The Internet Equity Initiative is analyzing data from the U.S. Census and city of Chicago Data Portal which shows 80% of Chicago households are online, but there are deep disparities between neighborhoods. In some neighborhoods, especially on the South and West sides, nearly 40% of the neighborhood doesn’t have internet.

The state’s highest court will soon have its first Black woman justice as Fourth District Appellate Court Judge Lisa Holder White is set to replace Justice Rita Garman, who’s retiring this summer. Holder White’s term begins in July. 

A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot near “The Bean” sculpture in Millennium Park, authorities said. Police said the teen was shot in the chest at about 7:30 p.m. Saturday near the popular tourist attraction. At least two suspects were taken in for questioning and at least two weapons were recovered, authorities said.

While many companies struggled during the pandemic, Chicago French Press saw sales skyrocket. The coffee brand can now be found on Amazon and in several stores, including Chicago-area Targets, which started selling the products in February. 

The South Chicago Dance Theatre is celebrating five years of movement in a showcase. Among those creatives is choreographer, dancer and artist Ron De Jesus. Arts Correspondent Angel Idowu caught up with the Humboldt Park native and shares how he choreographed his piece “Hybrid Line” ahead of next week’s world premiere.

Efforts to keep kids safe as the school season wraps up. Plus, getting more Latinos in the nursing industry. And what you need to know about Chicago Park District activities this summer.

In recent weeks, children as young as three years old have been caught by crossfire in incidents of gun violence. Oftentimes those pulling the trigger are themselves very young. But community groups and anti-violence organizations are mobilizing to stop violence before it starts through outreach and intervention.

As the American population ages and needs more healthcare — and as the American demographic continues to become increasingly Latino — finding ways to draw more people, especially Latinos, into nursing is crucial to providing effective health care.

The warm weather has finally arrived, and that means it's time to start planning your summer activities. The Chicago Park District opened registration at the park district website for all its summer programs, including the one many parents have been waiting for — day camps. 

Saturday’s rallies were being held three days after the Senate failed to muster enough votes to codify Roe v. Wade. Sponsors included the Women’s March, Move On, Planned Parenthood, UltraViolet, MoveOn, SEIU and other organizations.

The company’s 15 sensational dancers performed “Decadance/Chicago,” a superbly mixed-and-matched compilation of segments from nine of Naharin’s works. They were created between the years 1993 to 2011, during his long tenure as Artistic Director of Israel’s fabled Batsheva Dance Company.

After a string of clear, sunny days, rain and clouds are expected to move in for the weekend. Depending on the extent of the cloud cover, the eclipse could still deliver an “ooh-aah” moment, or it could be a womp-womp for Chicago.