Stories by

Thousands of restrictive laws govern people who have been released from prison in the United States, making it difficult for them to find housing, employment and to restart life after they have done their time.

Tawana Pope and Nicholas Crayton had their own unexpected journeys and challenges, but continue to push for a better life. Pope is the founder of the nonprofit Diamonds In The Making Outreach and previously had been in and out of jail, struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Crayton was released from prison just last year from the Life Skills Re-Entry Center.

As a more complete, and complex, portrait has emerged of John James Audubon, birders and ornithologists have struggled to reconcile their missions with the troubling aspects of his legacy: buying and selling slaves, plagiarism and the exploitation of natural resources.  

Improvements to the mall are planned, including new roofs and facades, parking lot resurfacing, new landscaping, new lighting and an underground storm water detention system. 

Enter Aurora’s beautiful 1,800-seat Paramount Theatre for an ideally cast production of a the grand-scale Stephen Sondheim classic "Into the Woods." This is a production that not only entertains but also pays a winning tribute to the late Sondheim

Another unidentified object was shot down over northern Canada on Saturday, marking the third time in a week that US fighter jets have taken down objects in North American airspace. Here's everything we still don't know, and some of the things we do.

The downing comes after earlier objects in Alaska and Canada were shot out of the sky because they were flying at altitudes that posed a threat to commercial aircraft, according to the officials, who had knowledge of the downings and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive operations.

Teresa Fraga of the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council has been a homeowner in Pilsen for the last 43 years. She said she was expecting a $2,500 bill in December but instead received one for $14,279.

Chef Carlos Garza heads the kitchen at one of Chicago’s biggest and most recognizable restaurants, Carnivale. He said Carnivale’s pan-Latin menu reflects the way he thinks about food — a connecting of cultures.

Some South Shore residents have been without heat and hot water. Organizers said the situation highlights concerns over possible displacement and rising housing costs caused by the coming Obama Presidential Center, just blocks away.

In days when the bonds holding the country together can feel fragile, it can be difficult to see past the worry and anger in order to work toward justice. In his new book, the Rev. Otis Moss III draws upon stories from his congregation, forebearers and family.

A group of Chicago artists is creating a unifying voice in a new collective geared toward strength in numbers. The New Vanguard Coalition is committed to uplifting Chicago creatives.

The 22nd Chicago International Salsa Congress, a four-night, three-day event, kicks off Thursday with three free beginner dance workshops teaching salsa, bachata and rueda casino.

A major ruling on guns and those accused of domestic violence. A push for a standalone library in Back of the Yards. And what Chef Carlos Garza is serving up On the Pass. 

Heat and displacement concerns in South Shore. Spiritual resistance in turbulent times. A coalition uplifting artists of color. And a sweet success story in this week's throwback.

A recent ruling by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals said the Second Amendment allows people accused of domestic abuse to have guns. The ruling applies only to the 5th District, but advocates said there could be ramifications nationwide.

Last June, a team doing research at the courthouse in Leflore County, Mississippi, found an unserved 1955 arrest warrant for Carolyn Bryant, listed on that document as “Mrs. Roy Bryant.”

Illinois is among 21 states that issued relief checks to residents last year. The IRS provided 11th hour guidance Friday, announcing those checks aren’t subject to federal taxes.

Exclusive details on controversial new plans to house hundreds of migrants. Candidates for mayor on a Department of Environment. And we’re live from the Chicago Auto Show as we ponder why Illinoisans can't buy cars on Sunday.

Sources told WTTW News the migrants — mostly asylum seekers — will be relocated from the suburbs, where they are currently staying at hotels. The 100,000-square-foot Kmart has sat vacant at the corner of 71st Street and Pulaski Road since 2016.

Political speechwriter, debate strategist and senior lecturer Jason DeSanto joins WTTW News to give his assessment of the state of play in the 2023 Chicago mayoral race.

During press interviews held after WTTW's mayoral forum Tuesday evening, challengers to Mayor Lori Lightfoot pledged to reestablish a Department of Environment — disbanded in 2011 under Rahm Emanuel — if elected.

The Chicago Auto Show, now in its 115th year, is the largest auto exhibition in North America. This year, there’s a big focus on electric vehicles and letting drivers get behind the wheel.

Mike Pence is the latest in a string of former top U.S. officials who have been found in possession of sensitive records after leaving the White House — including former President Donald Trump and former Vice President, now President, Joe Biden.

WTTW News probes Paul Vallas’ suburban residency as his campaign closes in on the final two weeks. Meanwhile, candidates get testy with each other and moderators at numerous debates this week. And tax breaks back on the table for the Bears.

Early voting sites for Chicago’s municipal election will open in all of the city’s 50 wards on Monday, running through Election Day Feb. 28.