Stories by WTTW News
April 27, 2026 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Murder charges are filed in the death of a Chicago police officer killed in a hospital shooting. And a deep dive into crime on the CTA and what’s being done to address it.
Local Agencies Adjust Their Approaches Amid Concerns Over CTA Crime
| Blake Thor
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office last month announced a new internal transit crime task force made up of 30 specially trained prosecutors focused on crimes committed on the Chicago Transit Authority.
Pepper the Piping Plover Has Landed in Waukegan, Joining Chicago’s Arrivals
| Patty Wetli
Pepper has been spotted on a Waukegan beach, where he and mate Blaze nested in 2024 and '25.
Murder Charges Filed in Fatal Shooting of CPD Officer John Bartholomew
| Matt Masterson
The Chicago Police Department on Monday announced the charges against 26-year-old Alphanso Talley. He now faces 20 felony charges including first-degree murder, attempted murder and aggravated battery.
Appeals Court Upholds Michael Madigan Verdict; House Speaker Will Remain in Prison on Corruption Convictions
| Matt Masterson
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday said it has upheld Madigan’s convictions on charges of bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud reached after a four-plus month trial early last year.
Katie Abraham Would’ve ‘Hated’ Association to ‘Midway Blitz,’ Mother Tells Accountability Commission
| Matt Masterson
The Accountability Commission has spent the last several months collecting evidence and witness testimony and is set to issue its final report by this week.
Johnson Taps Former Federal Prosecutor Brought in to Clean Up After ComEd Scandal as Chicago’s Inspector General
| Heather Cherone
Mayor Brandon Johnson called David Glockner “a seasoned public servant with the experience, independence, and integrity needed to serve as the city’s watchdog and strengthen accountability across our operations.”
Man Charged With Attempted Assassination of Trump in White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting
| Associated Press
Cole Tomas Allen appeared in court Monday to face federal charges in a chaotic encounter that resulted in shots being fired, Trump being rushed off the stage and guests ducking for cover underneath their tables.
CEO of Chicago-Based United Airlines Says American Airlines Merger Would Be Good for Travelers
| Associated Press
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby on Monday outlined why he thinks a merger between his airline and rival American would benefit travelers, despite American’s refusal to engage in negotiations.
Researchers Say Remote Lake Superior Island’s Wolves Are Thriving as Packs Prey on Moose
| Associated Press
Isle Royale in far western Lake Superior between Grand Marais, Minnesota, and Thunder Bay, Canada offers scientists a rare opportunity to observe wolves and moose largely free from human influence.
Chicago Police Officer Killed in Hospital Shooting Identified, Second Officer in Critical Condition
| Associated Press
A police officer died and another was critically injured after a man in police custody and receiving treatment at a Chicago hospital opened fire on them Saturday, according to officials.
Top Cop Agrees That 3 CPD Officers Who Stopped, Shot Dexter Reed Should Be Suspended for Violating Rights of 3rd Driver
| Heather Cherone
Officials have now determined that officers assigned to tactical team in the Harrison (11th) Police District on the West Side, one of the most violent in the city, violated dozens of department rules during three traffic stops.
CTA Kicks Off Construction on Long-Awaited $5.7B Red Line Extension on Far South Side
| Eunice Alpasan
The Red Line extension will extend the rail line by more than five miles, starting where the Red Line currently ends, at 95th Street, through 130th Street. Four new, accessible stations will be built at 103rd Street, 111th Street, Michigan Avenue and 130th Street.
Justice Department to Allow Execution by Firing Squad in Effort to Ramp Up Capital Punishment
| Associated Press
The Justice Department is also reauthorizing the use of single-drug lethal injections with pentobarbital that were used to carry out 13 executions during the first Trump administration — more than under any president in modern history.
Judge Set to Rule Next Month on Request for Special Prosecutor to Investigate ICE Crimes in Chicago
| Matt Masterson
Cook County Chief Judge Erica Reddick on Friday heard arguments from petitioners who claim a special prosecutor must be appointed to investigate crimes committed during “Operation Midway Blitz."
FDA Plans Ultra-Fast Review of Three Psychedelic Drugs Following Trump Directive
| Associated Press
President Donald Trump signed an executive order last weekend directing the FDA and other federal agencies to speed research and loosen restrictions on psychedelics, a class of hallucinogenic drugs which remain illegal under federal law.
The City Nature Challenge Is Here, So Get Out There and Have a Wild Weekend
| Patty Wetli
The annual City Nature Challenge has rolled around again, and everyone's invited to join the effort to boost the Chicago region's standing in this friendly global competition.
Baby Rhino Will Make Her Debut at Lincoln Park Zoo Next Week, and She Has a Name
| Patty Wetli
Lincoln Park Zoo’s baby Eastern black rhino is ready to meet her adoring public.
April 23, 2026 - Full Show
| WTTW News
How a bill in Springfield could help the Bears move to Arlington Heights. And we examine the causes, impacts and solutions of flooding in Chicago.
Fighting Floods, From the Deep Tunnel to Neighborhood Infrastructure
| Andrew Montequin
Since March, multiple rounds of severe storms have caused flooding, plus hail damage and even tornadoes. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, and that moisture can turn into rainfall.
James ‘Big Cat’ Williams on the Bears’ Priorities Heading Into an Important Draft
| Shelby Hawkins
With seven total picks, including four in the top 89, a major roster shakeup, and quarterback Caleb Williams entering his third season, the front office is under pressure to deliver immediate impact talent.
CPS Outlines Plans for May Day Classes, Field Trips to Labor Rally
| Matt Masterson
A week ahead of May Day, Chicago Public Schools officials have outlined how classes will operate and what civic engagement students and staff can participate in on the annual labor holiday.
Illinois House Approves Megaprojects Bill, but the Bears Want Changes
| Ben Szalinski — Capitol News Illinois
After three years on the legislative backburner, the Illinois House approved a major economic development bill that would clear the path for the Chicago Bears to build a new domed stadium in Arlington Heights.
Trump Reclassifies State-Licensed Medical Marijuana as a Less-Dangerous Drug in a Historic Shift
| Associated Press
President Donald Trump’s acting attorney general on Thursday signed an order reclassifying state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug, a major policy shift long sought by advocates.
Adam Bianchi Used to Manage Forests in the Rockies. Now, He’s Leading the Cook County Forest Preserves. Here’s Why
| Patty Wetli
What kind of outdoorsman leaves Colorado for Illinois? Six months into his tenure as general superintendent with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Adam Bianchi still gets asked that question.
A Music Box Premiere and a Talk Show: 4 Arts Picks for Your Week
| Josh Terry
Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.
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