Stories by
Community Groups Vow to Fight Plan for ‘Mountain of Dredge’ on Chicago’s Southeast Side
| Annemarie Mannion
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
| Evan Garcia
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?
| Amanda Vinicky
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
| Associated Press
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
| Blair Paddock
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’
| Marc Vitali
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
| Heather Cherone
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
| Paul Caine
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
| WTTW News
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
| Kristen Thometz
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
| Patty Wetli
“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
| Heather Cherone
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
| Matt Masterson
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.
Push to Boost Investment on South, West Sides Starting to Pay Off: Lightfoot
| Heather Cherone
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
| Patty Wetli
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
| Associated Press
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
| Heather Cherone
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
| Annemarie Mannion
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
| WTTW News
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
| Erica Gunderson
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
| Matt Masterson
“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
| Associated Press
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
| WTTW News
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
| Associated Press
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
| WTTW News
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.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
Northwestern President Michael Schill, Who Led University Amid Hazing Scandal and Funding Freeze, Announces Resignation
Chicago Police Officer Shoots, Kills Person in Car That Intentionally Struck CPD Vehicles, CPD Says
Pritzker Says He’ll File Suit to Stop ‘Nefarious’ Plan to Send National Guard, Military to Chicago
Under Threat of ICE Strikes, El Grito Canceled and Communities Prepare for Mexican Independence Day Celebrations
CPS Rebuffs Remote Learning Calls, Says School Remains ‘Best and Safest’ Place for Students Amid ICE and National Guard Fears
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter