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RFK Jr. Approves Thimerosal-Free Flu Vaccines, Despite No Evidence of Harm From Preservative

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has adopted a recommendation to remove thimerosal from all influenza vaccines distributed in the United States, even though there is no clear evidence of harm from the mercury-based preservative.

Feds Weigh in on Lawsuit Challenging How Illinois Maintains Voter Registration Rolls

In a filing known as a “statement of interest,” the Justice Department said the government has an interest in the outcome of the lawsuit, although the filing stops short of asking the court for permission to intervene as a party in the case.

Ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan Files Appeal Challenging Landmark Corruption Convictions

In an expected move, Madigan on Wednesday filed his notice of appeal to the Seventh Circuit Court after he was convicted in February on 10 felony charges including bribery and wire fraud.

Feds Seeking 15 Month Sentence for Ex-City Club President Jay Doherty in ‘ComEd Four’ Bribery Conspiracy Case

In a sentencing memo published late Tuesday, prosecutors asked that ex-City Club president and ComEd lobbyist Jay Doherty be sentenced to 15 months in prison.

July 22, 2025 - Full Show

One on one with Sen. Tammy Duckworth on the Epstein files, cuts to public media and more. Plus, new data on how much the city is spending on overtime.

Neighbors Complain of ‘Horrific Smell’ Coming From Southeast Side Factory

“My kids grew up smelling dead animals and rotting fish,” said Ljiljana Radocaj, a mother and resident of the 10th Ward. “It’s the most horrific smell — you can’t even describe it. You can just run from it.”

Sen. Tammy Duckworth on the Epstein Files, Public Broadcasting and Midterm Elections

President Donald Trump is facing backlash from his supporters over his administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The fallout comes following congressional Republicans’ success in clawing back funds from foreign aid and public media and the passage of the president’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Pritzker, Transportation Leaders Celebrate Union Station’s Centennial as Chicago-Area Transit Fiscal Cliff Looms

During a Tuesday news conference to celebrate Union Station’s centennial, leaders highlighted the station’s history, architecture and its role in Chicago serving as a national railroad hub.

Only 1 Piping Plover Chick in Waukegan Survived the Summer, and Now It Has a Name

Aster was one of four chicks hatched barely a month ago by Blaze and Pepper. It was the pair's second season breeding on a Waukegan beach.

Mayor Brandon Johnson Signs Executive Order in Effort to Crack Down on CTA Smoking

Johnson on Tuesday signed an executive order calling for a “full-force of government approach” to tackling the pervasive smoking problem on city trains and buses.

Chicago Spent $510.9M on Overtime in 2024, Including $273.8M for Police, Down Slightly From Last Year

The amount of taxpayer funds spent on overtime by all city departments, including CPD, dropped in 2024 for the first time since 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic upended the city’s operations.

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for July 23-29

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

‘This System Needs to Change’: Advocates Say Courts Must Better Address Domestic Violence Cases

Advocates say more must be done to assist domestic violence survivors amid an increase in those types of shootings and homicides.

Ozzy Osbourne, the Black Sabbath Singer and Godfather of Heavy Metal, Dies at 76

Ozzy Osbourne, the gloomy, demon-invoking lead singer of the pioneering band Black Sabbath who became the throaty, growling voice — and drug-and-alcohol ravaged id — of heavy metal, died Tuesday, just weeks after his farewell show. He was 76.

Trump’s Labor Department Proposes More Than 60 Workplace Rule Changes

If approved, the wide-ranging changes unveiled this month also would affect working conditions at constructions sites and in mines, and limit the government’s ability to penalize employers if workers are injured or killed while engaging in inherently risky activities such as movie stunts or animal training.

Federal Housing Credit Expansion Could Increase Affordable Rental Units in Illinois: Report

The latest domestic policy plan signed by President Donald Trump on July 4 will increase available funding by 12% for a key tax credit used by developers to offset a portion of construction costs.

US House Ending Session Early as Republicans Clash Over Epstein Vote

House Speaker Mike Johnson said he wants to give the White House “space” to release the Epstein information on its own, despite the bipartisan push for legislation that aims to force the release of more documents.

45-Year-Old Pitcher Rich Hill to Start for the Royals Against the Cubs

The Kansas City Royals plan to call up 45-year-old pitcher Rich Hill from the minors for a start against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, marking the left-hander’s 21st season in the majors.

July 21, 2025 - Full Show

The city’s watchdog on her decision not to seek a second term. And how new tariffs on Brazil could impact your morning caffeine fix.

How New Tariffs on Brazil Could Impact US Coffee Companies, Consumers

President Donald Trump is threatening to impose a 50% tariff on Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer and the source of 30% of U.S. coffee imports.

Following State Rep’s Encounter, Pritzker Signs ‘Squatter Bill’ Into Law

A new law will make it easier for police to remove squatters who are illegally staying at a residence. Law enforcement, real estate and property owner organizations supported the bill.

City Council Panel Skeptical of Study Showing Legal Video Gambling Won’t Ring Up Jackpot

Despite the study's findings, members of the City Council’s Subcommittee on Revenue, facing a likely deficit of nearly $1.2 billion in the city’s 2026 spending plan, were not ready to fold and walk away from the table.

Dangerous Heat, Humidity Arriving Mid-Week in Chicago With Temps Feeling Like Triple Digits

Temperatures are expected to soar between 92 and 97 degrees. High humidity will make it feel more like 105 to 115 degrees, the weather service said.

Newly Reconstructed Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr Red Line Stations Are Now Open

The reconstruction of the four Red Line stations includes new track, support structures, bridges and viaducts built along the section between the Lawrence and Bryn Mawr stations, which were more than a century old.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘Cosby Show’ Actor, Dies at 54 in Costa Rica Drowning

Malcolm-Jamal Warner the actor who played teenage son Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” has died at age 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, authorities there said.

Ex-ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore Gets 2 Years in Prison Following Conviction in Madigan Bribery Conspiracy

Anne Pramaggiore was sentenced in a downtown Chicago courtroom to two years in federal prison, more than two years after she was convicted as part of the “ComEd Four” trial.
 

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