Stories by Josh Terry

Local Live Music Recommendations for Apr. 2-8

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

Waves of Storms Expected Wednesday; Officials Issue ‘Overflow Action Day’ Asking Chicagoans to Use Less Water

Waves of rainstorms are expected to move through Chicago Wednesday, prompting an “overflow action day” alert from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.

Johnson Taps Anthony Quezada to Fill Vacant 35th Ward Seat

Mayor Brandon Johnson called Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada, 29, a “progressive champion.”

Swap Till You Drop at Massive Clothing Exchange This Weekend in Chicago

The Chicago Fair Trade Museum is hosting what it's billing as “Chicago's biggest community clothing swap,” Friday through Sunday.

The Shingles Vaccine Prevents a Painful Virus. It Also May Fight Dementia

A new study found shingles vaccination cut older adults’ risk of developing dementia over the next seven years by 20%. The research is part of growing understanding about how many factors influence brain health as we age – and what we can do about it.

Tesla Sales Tumble 13% as Elon Musk Faces Backlash, Competition and an Aging Lineup of Cars

The double-digit drop is likely due to a combination of factors, including its aging lineup, competition from rivals and a backlash from Musk’s embrace of right wing politics. It also is a warning that the company’s first-quarter earnings report later this month could disappoint investors.

Val Kilmer, ‘Top Gun’ and Batman Star With an Intense Approach, Dies at 65

Val Kilmer, the brooding, versatile actor who played fan favorite Iceman in “Top Gun,” donned a voluminous cape as Batman in “Batman Forever” and portrayed Jim Morrison in “The Doors,” has died. He was 65.

Wisconsin Supreme Court, Florida Congressional Elections Provide Early Warning Signs to Trump and Republicans

In the marquee race for a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat, the conservative judge endorsed by Trump and backed by Musk and his groups to the tune of $21 million lost by a significant margin in a state Trump won in November.

2-Term Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin Concedes to Challenger John Laesch

Irvin, who was first elected as mayor in 2017, garnered 47.5% of the vote to Laesch’s 52.5%, according to the unofficial results available late Tuesday night.

Cory Booker Sets a Record With Marathon Senate Speech. Will It Rally Anti-Trump Resistance?

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker took to the Senate floor on Monday evening, saying he would remain there as long as he was “physically able.” More than 24 hours later, the 55-year-old senator, a former football tight end, was still going.

April 1, 2025 - Full Show

The Chicago Teachers Union reaches a tentative contract deal — we explore what’s in it. And Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on her decision to run for a fifth term.

Chicago Teachers Have a Tentative Contract Agreement. From Pay Raises to Class Sizes, Here’s What It Includes

CTU leaders called the four-year deal a “historic achievement” that represents the fulfillment of promises Mayor Brandon Johnson made to transform CPS into a school district that offers a well-rounded education to every Chicago child and security to its employees.

Ronan Farrow on Journalism, Diplomacy and New Project ‘Not a Very Good Murderer’

Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Ronan Farrow has uncovered stories of sexual harassment and assault, chronicled the decline of America’s soft power and explored how powerful people try to track and manipulate journalists.

Retirement Not in Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s Lexicon

“If I didn’t do this job, I’d pick another one and it wouldn’t be as interesting or challenging or as impactful,” said Toni Preckwinkle, who has led Cook County since 2010.

Chicago Drivers With Eligible Ticket Debt Can Have Late Fees Waived Under New Program

Chicago drivers with eligible ticket debt will be able to pay off their debt in the next three months without incurring any late penalties, interest or additional fees as part of a new program launched Tuesday by the mayor’s office.

As Johnson Continues to Resist Calls for Expanded Downtown Curfew, Ban on Teens in Millennium Park Remains

“Working to relocate or displace the problem is not how we solve the problem,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “Of course, we’re going to continue to make sure that there are accountability mechanisms in place to keep people safe.”

Illinois Secretary of State Unveils New ‘Flagship’ DMV Location in Loop

The center, at 24,000 square feet, is nearly five times the size of the office’s former Chicago Central DMV on LaSalle Street, which closed Friday and often experienced long lines and wait times because of its small size, according to a news release.

Pritzker Moves to Slash Cover Crop Funds Despite Rising Demand

Six years ago, Illinois became the second state in the nation to offer subsidies to farmers for planting cover crops in the fall, an effort to reverse its status as one of the worst states for agriculture runoff.

Students, Women in Trades Advocate for More Career and Technical Education

A recent study highlighted continued barriers to entry into the trades, including unpaid internships and minority-based disparities, such as low participation from female and non-white apprentices in certain fields.

US Justice Department to Seek the Death Penalty for Luigi Mangione, Attorney General Announces

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Tuesday the Justice Department will seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing an insurance company CEO.

Layoffs Begin at US Health Agencies Responsible for Research, Tracking Disease and Regulating Food

Employees across the massive U.S. Health and Human Services Department began receiving notices of dismissal on Tuesday in an overhaul ultimately expected to lay off up to 10,000 people.

Warning Notices Begin for 16 New Speed Cameras Near Chicago Schools and Parks. Here’s Where They Are

After a 30-day warning period without fines and a 14-day blackout period, citations will begin being issued to the registered owners of vehicles going over the speed limit by six miles per hour or more.

Europe Warns Donald Trump: We Have ‘a Strong Plan’ for Retaliation Against Tariffs Ahead of Planned Announcement

For weeks, Trump has promoted April 2 as “Liberation Day” in America, when a number of hefty tariffs will be unveiled to implement his administration’s radical economic agenda. The United States has already announced a sharp increase in tariffs on all imports of steel, aluminum and cars.

In Recruiting Battle, Illinois Lawmakers Consider Giving College Athletes a Tax Break on NIL Earnings

Lawmakers see the legislation they are proposing as a way to level the hyper-competitive recruiting field if not gain an advantage. Their universities are going against schools from Florida, Tennessee and Texas, states where income is not taxed.

Carson Kelly Becomes 1st Chicago Cubs Player to Hit for the Cycle in 32 Years

Carson Kelly homered in the fourth inning, had a two-run single in the fifth, doubled and walked in the sixth, and tripled in the eighth. The previous Cubs player to hit for the cycle was Mark Grace on May 9, 1993, against San Diego — before Kelly was even born in 1994.

March 31, 2025 - Full Show

The Trump administration is blocking millions in funding for Illinois health programs. And the U.S. Postal Service is facing massive cuts that could impact you.
 

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