Stories by
Political, Financial, Housing Issues Face Next Mayor, City Council
| Alexandra Silets
City Council overwhelmingly approved a 2019 budget with no major tax or fee increases, but the next mayor and City Council will face rapidly rising city pension obligations and a host of other issues.
The Race Begins: Mayoral, Aldermanic Candidates File to Run for Office
| Paris Schutz
And they’re off. Candidates for Chicago mayor, alderman and other municipal posts made it official on Monday, the first day they were able to file petitions with the Chicago Board of Elections.
‘Mansfield Park’ a Sparkling Reminder of Why Jane Austen Endures
| Hedy Weiss
Watching Northlight Theatre’s luminous world premiere stage version of Jane Austen’s third published novel, it was impossible not to wonder what the writer might make of her enduring cult status among 21st century audiences.
Study: Chicago Not Only City in Illinois Struggling to Boost Recycling Rate
| Alex Ruppenthal
Chicago’s recycling woes have been well-documented, but a new report shows that at least five other cities in Illinois are failing to meet average U.S. recycling rates.
Prison Inmate Death After Run-In with Staff Ruled Homicide
| Associated Press
The death of an inmate following an “altercation with correctional staff” at Western Illinois Correctional Center in May has been ruled a homicide, according to an autopsy report.
Bob Fioretti Makes Moves to Run for Chicago Mayor
| Paris Schutz
Former 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti, who tried to unseat Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2015, and ran against Toni Preckwinkle for Cook County Board president in the 2018 Democratic primary, appears to be running once more for mayor.
Irving Berlin’s ‘Holiday Inn’ Becomes Newly Minted Gem on Marriott Stage
| Hedy Weiss
The recent Broadway musical based on the hit 1942 film is an old-fashioned charmer on every level, with just enough of a sardonic bite to make it feel fresh, and just enough nostalgia to pierce your heart.
Lincoln Park Zoo Opens New $9.3 Million Visitor Center
| Alex Ruppenthal
A movie theater-sized screen highlighting daily programs, plus gardens and a member center will provide additional comforts and services to visitors, the zoo says.
Teen Charged After Fireworks Incident Inside Morgan Park High School
| Matt Masterson
An Instagram video that captured the incident Tuesday morning shows students yelling and running through smoke-filled hallways after the fireworks were set off. A 16-year-old now faces a felony charge.
The Week in Review: Mendoza Confirms Mayoral Run, Amazon Snubs Chicago
| Evan Garcia
Susana Mendoza is in the race for mayor. Outrage and confusion surround the fatal police shooting of a security guard. Chicago gets the big snub from Amazon. And the Bears get ready for their prime time matchup against Minnesota.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Uptown Theatre Restoration
| Evan Garcia
Paris Schutz and guests discuss the planned $75-million restoration of the landmark Uptown Theatre.
What Social Media Posts Can Tell Us about Gang Violence
| Nicole Cardos
Gang violence in Chicago has been researched, debated and battled for years. What role might artificial intelligence play in preventing violence?
Illinois Rolls Out New Savings Program for Workers Without Retirement Plans
| Paul Caine
We learn about a new state-sponsored savings program aimed at more than one million Illinois workers not already covered by a retirement plan.
Chicago Park District Fails to Background Check Many Volunteers, Investigation Finds
| Alex Ruppenthal
Investigators described the Park District’s procedures for vetting volunteers as “outdated” and “under-resourced,” with a single employee responsible for managing the entire volunteer program.
Turnover and Turmoil at USA Gymnastics
| Erica Gunderson
Scandals plague USA Gymnastics in the wake of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse catastrophe. USA Today columnist Nancy Armour has the latest.
A New Approach to Addressing Hunger in Higher Education
| Brandis Friedman
Food pantries are popping up in a surprising, new location: colleges and universities. How City Colleges of Chicago and the Greater Chicago Food Depository are providing for local students.
Prosecutors Seek Witness Immunity as McDonald Conspiracy Case Heads to Trial
| Matt Masterson
Special prosecutors believe it will take less than a week to present their case against a trio of current and former Chicago police officers accused of trying to cover up the 2014 shooting of black teen Laquan McDonald.
Biography Explores ‘Love and Strife’ of Legendary Author Saul Bellow
| Nick Blumberg
He is widely considered one of the greatest American novelists. Saul Bellow’s anger, appetites and enormous talent are captured in a newly released biography by Zachary Leader, who joins us in conversation.
Photographer Donates His Talents to Help Dogs Get Adopted
| Jay Shefsky
More than 6,000 dogs were taken in by the city’s animal shelter last year. How one local animal lover is focusing his lens on the challenge of finding them permanent homes.
Retired Police Commander Allegedly Stole $360,000 in Social Security Funds
| Matt Masterson
Kenneth Johnson spent more than three decades with the Chicago Police Department, but federal prosecutors allege the former commander stole $360,000 in Social Security funds over the course of 23 years.
State Comptroller Susana Mendoza Running for Chicago Mayor
| Paris Schutz
She’s officially in. One week after winning re-election as comptroller, and after weeks of speculation and leaks, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza will run for mayor of Chicago.
Former First Lady Comes Home to Kick Off International Book Tour
| Brandis Friedman
Two of Chicago’s most famous women sit down for an intimate chat. What Michelle Obama told Oprah Winfrey – and 18,000 of her closest friends – to kick off her book tour.
Responding to Hate Speech in Schools
| Alexandra Silets
A recent spike in hate incidents at Oak Park and River Forest High School leads to a community march – and a criminal charge. A teacher and administrator tell us how they’re responding.
Where Do Illinois Republicans Go From Here?
| Nicole Cardos
President Donald Trump has been vocal on the topic of where the GOP stands, but where do Republicans in Illinois think they’re headed?
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
Pritzker Signs Bill Requiring Public Colleges in Illinois to Offer Contraception, Medication Abortion
Mayor Johnson Hits Back at Trump’s ‘Illegal’ Plans to Deploy National Guard to Chicago
Feds Launch New Unit to Prosecute Health Care Fraud Cases in Illinois
New Female Polar Bear Coming to Brookfield Zoo This Fall, Bringing Long Gestating Hope for Cubs With Her
Some Outbound Kennedy Lanes to Reopen Next Week, But Expect Some Ramp Closures: IDOT
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter