Stories by Eunice Alpasan

Chicago Labor Groups, Students to Participate in May Day Events on Friday. Here’s What to Know

On Friday, thousands of Chicagoans are expected to participate in a May Day rally and march, starting at Union Park and ending at Daley Plaza in downtown. Other related actions are scheduled in different parts of the city in the morning ahead of the march.

Former Chicago Watchdog Deborah Witzburg Tapped by Illinois Attorney General as New Chief of Staff

Deborah Witzburg served a single four-year term as inspector general and declined to ask Mayor Brandon Johnson for reappointment following frequent clashes with the mayor.

Man Charged in Killing of CPD Officer John Bartholomew at Swedish Hospital to be Detained in Jail

A Cook County judge on Thursday ordered Alphanso Talley, 26, be detained in jail pending trial on a litany of felony charges including first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, robbery and kidnapping.

Prediction Markets Say They’re Different From Sportsbooks. Gambling Addicts Say It’s All the Same

The rapid growth of prediction markets has sparked a high-stakes debate that is playing out in courts and legislatures all over the country.

The Onion’s Executive Editor on Infowars Plans and Holding People Accountable Through Comedy

“Comedy gives you a unique avenue into all manner of news stories,” Jordan LaFlure said. “It’s a way to break down a complex issue and get to the core of the matter. … Comedy may be the best tool to hold people accountable.”

A Film Festival and a One-Man Show From a ‘Ted Lasso’ Star: 4 Arts Picks for Your Weekend

Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.

April 29, 2026 - Full Show

The war in Iran reaches a key benchmark. And The Onion moves closer to acquiring Infowars.

Cost of Iran War Reaches $25 Billion as Shaky Ceasefire Holds

Four weeks into the ceasefire that has largely halted fighting in Iran, the U.S. and Iran remain locked in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s traded oil and gas passes in peacetime.

Feds to Dismiss Conspiracy Charges Against Remaining ‘Broadview Six’ Defendants

Federal prosecutors have dismissed felony conspiracy charges against the remaining members of the “Broadview Six,” and instead intend to proceed to trial on lesser misdemeanor counts in the politically-charged case.

Supreme Court Weakens a Landmark Civil Rights-Era Law and Aids GOP Efforts to Control the House

In a 6-3 ruling, the court’s conservative majority found that the district, represented by Democrat Cleo Fields, relied too heavily on race.

Hegseth Faces Withering Questions About Iran in First Congressional Appearance Since War Began

The hearing before the House Armed Services Committee was focused on the administration’s 2027 military budget proposal, which would boost defense spending to a historic $1.5 trillion.

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for April 29-May 5

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

Overtime Cost Chicago Taxpayers $544.4M in 2025, Including $285.8M for Police, Down 6.3% From Last Year

In all, Chicago taxpayers spent $285.8 million on overtime for members of the Chicago Police Department during 2025, 5.6% less than the previous year, according to the data.

April 28, 2026 - Full Show

The clock is ticking on Springfield’s spring session — hear from lawmakers on their priorities. And more than 100 years after the Tulsa Race Massacre, a team tries to bring justice to the survivors.

New Book Examines the Tulsa Race Massacre and Legal Battle Over Reparations

It’s been nearly 105 years since the Tulsa Race Massacre claimed the lives of hundreds of Black Tulsans. Over the course of two days in 1921, a mob of White people terrorized and burned down a thriving Black community known colloquially as Black Wall Street.

Culture and Policy Combine at Native American Summit

Multiple representatives from different tribes spoke about the importance of gathering and speaking with elected leaders to remind them about Native issues.

Illinois Lawmakers Discuss Budget, Policy Before End of Spring Session

With the spring legislative session coming to a close at the end of May, the clock is ticking to approve a budget. Meanwhile, affordability is front of mind for many, as bills on megaprojects and zoning reform make their way through the General Assembly.

Ex-FBI Director James Comey Indicted in Probe Over Online Post Officials Say Constituted Trump Threat

Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on Tuesday in an investigation over a social media photo of seashells arranged on a beach that officials said constituted a threat against President Donald Trump.

Illinois Accountability Commission Finds No Justification for Shooting of Marimar Martinez by Federal Agent

An Illinois commission created to document alleged abuses committed by federal immigration agents has determined a Border Patrol agent had no justification when he shot Marimar Martinez in Brighton Park last year.

CDC Warns of Drug-Resistant Salmonella Infections Linked to Backyard Poultry

At least 34 people in 13 states — including Illinois — have been sickened with salmonella poisoning traced to contact with backyard poultry, federal health officials said. Backyard poultry include birds like chicken, ducks, geese, guinea fowl and turkeys.

Drought Causing Ongoing Concerns, Legislative Hearings About Illinois Water Supply

Water supplies vary across the state because different regions rely on different sources, and some water is easier to access than in other regions.

April 27, 2026 - Full Show

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

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

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

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

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.
 

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