Plans for a new Bears stadium on the lakefront. What’s behind changes at Rainbow PUSH. And we look back at the very first “Chicago Tonight” — which aired 40 years ago tonight!
Stories by
Rainbow PUSH Coalition Searching for New Leader After CEO Steps Down Just Months After Taking the Job
Apr 24, 2024 | Emily Soto
The Rev. Frederick Haynes III announced last week he would step down as president and CEO after just months on the job. It has raised questions about the future of the historic civil rights organization.
James ‘Big Cat’ Williams on the Bears’ Stadium Plans and 2024 NFL Draft
Apr 24, 2024 | Paul Caine
For the Chicago Bears, this week may just turn out to be one of the most significant in the history of the franchise.
‘Chicago Tonight’ Celebrates 40th Anniversary. See How It All Began With Harold Washington Interview
Apr 24, 2024 | WTTW News
Forty years ago, John Callaway went on the air with the very first edition of “Chicago Tonight.” Watch him interview then Mayor Harold Washington on April 24, 1984.
Chicago’s Famed ‘Rat Hole’ Removed After City Determines Sidewalk With Animal Impression Was Damaged
Apr 24, 2024 | Associated Press
The imprint has been a quirk of a residential block in Chicago’s North Side neighborhood of Roscoe Village for years, but it found fresh fame in January after a Chicago comedian shared a photo on the social media platform X.
Bears Ask Taxpayers for $2.4B Subsidy to Build $4.75B Domed Stadium Along Lakefront
Apr 24, 2024 | Heather Cherone
Mayor Brandon Johnson enthusiastically endorsed the plans for a new stadium, calling the renderings of the futuristic oval-shaped stadium with a translucent roof “miraculous.”
Judge Allows Ex-Northwestern Football Players to Consolidate Hazing Lawsuits With Former Coach Pat Fitzgerald’s Litigation
Apr 24, 2024 | Matt Masterson
Attorneys for the players on Wednesday announced that a judge has granted a motion to consolidate their various cases with that of ex-Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald.
Black, Brown Communities Bear the Brunt of Pollution From Distribution Warehouses and Truck Traffic in Illinois, Advocates Say
New bill would give Illinois EPA greater oversight
Apr 24, 2024 | Nick Blumberg
Black and Brown communities in Illinois are up to 200% more likely to live near a distribution warehouse than the overall statewide population, according to a new report by the Environmental Defense Fund on the state’s “warehouse boom.”
JoJo Siwa, Natasha Bedingfield and Bob the Drag Queen Among Headliners for Chicago Pride Fest 2024
Apr 24, 2024 | Eunice Alpasan
The Chicago Pride Fest, a celebration of LGBTQ+ life & community, is set for June 22-23 in the city's landmark LGBTQ+ neighborhood Northalsted.
These Apps Allow Workers to Get Paid Between Paychecks. Experts Say There Are Steep Costs
Apr 24, 2024 | Associated Press
Earned Wage Access apps extend small short-term loans to workers in between paychecks so they can pay bills and meet everyday needs. On payday, the user repays the money out of their wages. Between 2018 and 2020, transaction volume tripled from $3.2 billion to $9.5 billion.
Biden Just Signed a Potential TikTok Ban Into Law. Here’s What Happens Next
Apr 24, 2024 | CNN
President Joe Biden signed a bill Wednesday that could lead to a nationwide TikTok ban, escalating a massive threat to the company’s U.S. operations. Here’s what we know and how it could affect you.
Biden Signs $95 Billion War Aid Measure With Assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan
Apr 24, 2024 | Associated Press
President Joe Biden signed into law on Wednesday a $95 billion war aid measure that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan and that also has a provision that would force social media site TikTok to be sold or be banned in the U.S.
Biden Nominates April Perry to Become Federal Judge After Delays Derailed Bid to Become Chicago’s First Female U.S. Attorney
Apr 24, 2024 | Matt Masterson
Officials are back to square one in the search for Chicago’s next U.S. attorney as President Joe Biden has nominated April Perry — the presumptive pick to succeed John Lausch — to instead become a federal judge.
Anti-Violence Groups Look to Empower Chicago’s Youth to Become Leaders
Apr 24, 2024 | Sean Keenehan
Community organizations are on a mission to empower Chicago’s youth through anti-violence programs in neighborhoods across the city.
April 23, 2024 - Full Show
Apr 23, 2024 | WTTW News
In the latest in our “A Safer City” series, we meet teens working to change the narrative around gun violence and hear from local organizations empowering youth.
How Teens Are Using Social Media to Try to Change the Cultural Narrative Around Guns
Apr 23, 2024 | Joanna Hernandez
People can spend hours scrolling through social media. An organization called Project Unloaded is helping teens educate their peers on the risks of owning a gun by empowering youth to become social media influencers for change.
Chicago Teens Talk Safety, Making a Positive Impact Through Community Involvement
Apr 23, 2024 | Andrea Guthmann
According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the average age for Chicagoans to witness a shooting is 14. Research also shows that exposure to violence can lead to long-lasting mental health issues.
Hyde Park Art Center Transitions to Contribute-What-You-Can Model for All Art Classes
Apr 23, 2024 | Eunice Alpasan
The center will now offer all its art classes on a contribution-based model in order to ensure more equitable access to artmaking, education and community engagement.
Providers Should Consider Giving Kids 2nd Dose of Measles Vaccine Sooner as Chicago Sees New Cases, Health Officials Say
Apr 23, 2024 | Eunice Alpasan
Measles cases in Chicago account for more than half of reported cases in the U.S. so far this year. More than half of the measles cases in the city were in children ages 4 or younger.
Chicago Bears Call a Reverse, Prepare to Unveil Plan for New Domed Stadium on Lakefront
Apr 23, 2024 | Heather Cherone
The news that the Bears now want to remain the Chicago Bears in more than just name is the latest twist in the team’s high-profile search for their forever home that faces at least two major obstacles: the need for millions of dollars from taxpayers to subsidize the new stadium and an all-but-certain legal challenge.
College Students, Inmates and a Nun: A Unique Book Club Meets at Cook County Jail
Apr 23, 2024 | Associated Press
The student-led volunteer effort started years ago as an offshoot of a DePaul University program offering college credit classes at the jail on the city’s Southwest Side for students and detainees.
5 CPS Schools Listed Among Top 100 High Schools in US News Rankings
Apr 23, 2024 | Matt Masterson
Walter Payton College Prep checked in at No. 5 in U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of top high schools in the country.
Minnesota, Illinois and Other Democratic-Led States Lead Pushback on Book Bans
Apr 23, 2024 | Associated Press
Minnesota is one of several Democratic-leaning states where lawmakers are now pursuing bans on book bans. The Washington and Maryland legislatures have already passed them this year, while Illinois did so last year.
Chicago Police Seeking to ID Man in Connection to Fatal Shooting of Officer Luis Huesca
Apr 23, 2024 | Matt Masterson
The CPD released multiple surveillance footage clips of a man, who can be seen entering a pair of convenience stores. Investigators believe that man is connected to Huesca’s death.
April 22, 2024 - Full Show
Apr 22, 2024 | WTTW News
How much are taxpayers spending to settle lawsuits alleging police misconduct from the 2020 protests? Safety concerns over a swimming event in the Chicago River. And protesters blocking roadways could soon be charged with a felony.
Would You Swim in the Chicago River? Navigating Safety Concerns Ahead of Open Water Swim Event
Apr 22, 2024 | Shelby Hawkins
The nonprofit A Long Swim is planning an open water swim event in the Chicago River this fall. Proceeds will support ALS research and Learn to Swim, a program that teaches children in underserved communities how to swim.