Facebook icon Twitter icon Instagram icon YouTube icon

Stories by

Community Groups Vow to Fight Plan for ‘Mountain of Dredge’ on Chicago’s Southeast Side

Community organizers on Chicago’s Southeast Side are marshaling their forces and looking for solutions to address what they see as yet another environmental threat to their already beleaguered neighborhood.

Firsthand Gun Violence: Helping Communities in Times of Need

As Chicago experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases, data shows the city’s 2020 homicide rate outpacing 2019. We speak with Jamal Cole, founder of My Block, My Hood, My City, as part of our series.

What is the Future of Abortion Rights in Illinois?

Newly confirmed Justice Amy Coney Barrett recently dodged questions about how she’d weigh cases dealing with abortion. Advocates on both sides view her leanings as a primary reason she was picked for the nation’s high court.

Amy Coney Barrett Confirmed as Supreme Court Justice in Partisan Vote

Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the Supreme Court late Monday by a deeply divided Senate, with Republicans overpowering Democrats to install President Donald Trump’s nominee days before the election.

Chevy Humphrey Makes History as New Leader of MSI Chicago

She’ll be the first woman and the first Black American to be president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry when she starts her new job in January. Chevy Humphrey joins us in discussion.

Chicago’s Manual Cinema Animates Spooky Trailer for ‘Candyman’

A trailer for the film uses only handmade animation – not scenes from the movie – to set up the story of a supernatural killer in a Chicago housing project and his horrifying backstory. We meet the artists behind the work.

Aldermen Balk at Plan for Property Tax Hike, Layoffs To Fill Budget Gap

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s plan to close a projected $1.2 billion budget gap by hiking property taxes and laying off employees got a cool reception Monday from aldermen, who pleaded for other options amid a raging pandemic.

Candidate Forum: Former Judge O’Brien Aims to Unseat Cook County State’s Attorney Foxx

It’s one of the most contentious races on the Cook County ballot. Former Cook County judge and prosecutor Patrick O’Brien talks about his campaign to unseat Democratic incumbent Kim Foxx.

Crain’s Headlines: Illinois Gains Skilled Workers

Illinois moves up in a technology and innovation ranking as skilled workers move into the state. Crain’s Chicago Business Editor Ann Dwyer takes us behind the headlines of that story and more.

COVID-19 Rates Rising Statewide, Restrictions Return to Suburban Cook County, Metro East

Starting Wednesday, indoor service at bars and restaurants will be suspended in suburban Cook County and the Metro East region of the state due to rising coronavirus positivity rates.

‘The Batman’ Treats Chicagoans to Preview of Caped Crusader in Full Batsuit

“The Batman” continued filming stunt sequences in Chicago over the weekend, rewarding onlookers with a sighting of the new batsuit.

GOP Challenger Uses Top Cop’s Criticism of Kim Foxx in Campaign Ad

The latest television ad from the Republican challenger running for Cook County State’s Attorney uses a statement from Chicago police Superintendent David Brown to blast incumbent Kim Foxx.

US Attorney’s Office Sets Up Hotline to Report Voting Issues

With just over a week to go until Election Day, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has launched a hotline for residents in Chicago and the surrounding areas to report any complaints of voter fraud or intimidation.

October 26, 2020 - Full Show

Watch the Oct. 26, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Push to Boost Investment on South, West Sides Starting to Pay Off: Lightfoot

A year after the fanfare-filled launch, city officials said the program had begun to show results — with $70 million in public funds attracting $300 million in private investments.

1st Trace of Snow Recorded Monday at O’Hare Airport

Chicago recorded its first official trace of snow of the season at O’Hare Airport on Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Oct. 30 is the “normal first date” for snow.

Pope Names 13 New Cardinals, Including 1st Black US Prelate

In a surprise announcement from his studio window to faithful standing below in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis said the churchmen would be elevated to a cardinal’s rank in a ceremony on Nov. 28. 

As Chicago Budget Hearings Start, Ratings Agency Sounds Alarm

As Chicago grapples with a second wave of the pandemic, a Wall Street ratings agency fired a shot across the bow as aldermen prepared to start a month of hearings on Mayor Lightfoot’s spending plan.

RBG Mural on Michigan Avenue Aims to Spark Discussion, Reflection

A vibrant mural taking shape on North Michigan Avenue honors former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her pioneering support of gender equality.

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, Oct. 25, 2020 - Full Show

The Chicago Teachers Union reacts to plans for returning to in-person learning. How African American sororities are stepping up for one of their own. And a Pointer Sisters classic gets a reboot.

‘Stroll to the Polls’: Black Sororities Lead the Way to Get Out the Vote

The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority has fought for voting rights for more than a century. We talk with AKA member Kimberley Egonmwan about what they’re doing to get the vote out today.

CTU Files Complaint Over School Reopening, Quality of Ventilation System

“We all want to return to our students. We don’t want to die doing our jobs, and we don’t want to be vectors for spreading illness or death to our students and their families,” CTU Vice President Stacy Davis Gates said.

Senate Votes to Advance Barrett; Confirmation Expected Monday

Senate Republicans voted overwhelmingly Sunday to advance Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett toward final confirmation despite Democratic objections, just over a week before the presidential election. 

COVID-19 in Illinois: 4,062 New Cases, 24 Additional Deaths

A day after reporting a record number of new COVID-19 cases over a 24-hour period in Illinois, state health officials said another 4,000-plus residents had become infected with the virus.

Surging Coronavirus Colors White House Race in Closing Days

President Donald Trump assured supporters packed shoulder to shoulder at weekend rallies that “we’re rounding the turn” on the coronavirus and mocked challenger Joe Biden for raising alarms about the pandemic.

Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Oct. 24, 2020 - Full Show

What you need to know about the so-called fair tax amendment. A win for Southwest Side residents fighting gentrification. Why Dia de los Muertos is a family reunion. And we visit a Peruvian kitchen.
 

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