Stories by Heather Cherone

Key City Council Panel Advances Ban on Intoxicating Hemp in Chicago

The License and Consumer Protection Committee voted 10-6 to send the measure to the full City Council, where it faces an uncertain fate and the opposition of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Trump Proposal Would Weaken Vehicle Mileage Rules That Limit Air Pollution

The plan, if finalized next year, would significantly reduce fuel economy requirements, which set rules on how far new vehicles need to travel on a gallon of gasoline, through the 2031 model year.

Pope Leo XIV Shares His Thoughts on the Conclave, Reflects on Spirituality and Future Travels

Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday shared for the first time what he was thinking when the votes started going his way during the conclave that elected him, saying he resigned himself to the inevitable and put the rest in God’s hands.

Republicans Brace for Tough Midterms After Tennessee Special Election

Republicans held onto a reliably conservative U.S. House district in Tennessee’s special election, but only after a late burst of national spending and high-profile campaigning helped them secure a margin less than half of last year’s race.

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Dec. 3-Dec. 9

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

Arctic Blast to Send Chicago Into Deep Freeze. Prepare for Sub-Zero Overnight Temps

Prepare for overnight lows in the negative single digits and wind chills of -15° to -20°. Thursday will be the coldest, with daytime highs in the teens, the weather service said.

Director and Actor Robert Townsend Returns to Chicago for Namesake Film Festival

The event will take place Saturday and Sunday and features a variety of film screenings, discussions, a game night and a master class taught by Townsend himself. 

Appeals Court Weighs Release of Chicago-Area Immigration Detainees to Electronic Monitoring

A federal appeals court is deliberating whether hundreds of undocumented immigrants arrested in the Chicago area in recent months should be released from detention and sent home with electronic monitoring.

Dec. 2, 2025 - Full Show

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson rejects a rival budget proposal. And what you should know about crowd limits for one of your favorite holiday attractions.

Chicago Attorneys Abruptly Drop Lawsuit in Case Over Federal Immigration Agents’ Use of Force

Attorneys representing the Chicago Headline Club and local journalists who fought for a broad injunction limiting federal agents’ use of force have abruptly moved to dismiss their lawsuit as the Trump administration’s vastly increased immigration efforts across Illinois appear to have “ended.”

Chicago-Based Shriver Center on Poverty Law to Close at the End of the Year

For over 50 years, the Chicago-based organization has worked nationally on anti-poverty advocacy by litigating, shaping policy and training networks of lawyers, community leaders and advocates.

Pritzker Signs Vaccine Access Bill to Combat Trump Admin’s ‘Dangerous Misinformation’ Ahead of CDC Meeting

The bill signing comes ahead of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee meeting later this week for an expected vote on potential changes to the childhood vaccination schedule and how hepatitis B shots are administered.

Cook County’s Top Prosecutor, New Chief Judge Seek Improvements to Electronic Monitoring System

Speaking at the City Club of Chicago on Tuesday to mark her first year as the county’s top prosecutor, O’Neill Burke said her office will be looking into possible improvements to the electronic monitoring system.

Mayor Johnson Rejects Rival Budget Proposal, Vowing to Veto Garbage Fee Hike

Even as City Council members returned to City Hall on Tuesday after the Thanksgiving holiday, there is no clear path to a deal with just 28 days left before the deadline to avoid an unprecedented shutdown of city government.

Pay $15.4M to Man Who Spent 33 Years in Prison for Double Murder He Didn’t Commit: City Lawyers

If approved, it would bring the total amount spent by taxpayers in 2025 to compensate those wrongfully convicted based on evidence developed by Chicago police officers to $204.6 million, according to a WTTW News analysis.

Dec. 1, 2025 - Full Show

A look at where the negotiations over the city budget stand. And how local advocates are commemorating World AIDS Day.

As Federal Government Declines to Recognize World AIDS Day, Local Advocates Emphasize Importance of Research and Prevention

Started by the World Health Organization as a way to honor individuals who died in the epidemic, World AIDS Day raises international awareness about the ongoing public health crisis.

Chicago’s Budget Director on State of Negotiations, New Revenue Plans

Chicago Budget Director Annette Guzman joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the budget negotiations.

Christkindlmarket Organizers and Chicago Officials Negotiating Capacity Compromise. Is a Change in Venue Next?

After strictly limiting visitors, city officials said they are working with the Christkindlmarket's organizers to allow more people to enjoy the experience, safely.

Michigan State Hires Ex-Northwestern Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald

Pat Fitzgerald has been out of coaching for two seasons following a hazing scandal at Northwestern that led to his firing.

Son of Drug Kingpin ‘El Chapo’ Pleads Guilty in US Drug Trafficking Case in Deal With Prosecutors

A son of notorious Mexican drug kingpin “El Chapo” pleaded guilty Monday to U.S. drug trafficking charges, months after his brother entered a plea deal.

Charles Beach Sworn in as Cook County’s New Chief Judge

Charles Beach took his oath of office and officially took over as chief judge, months after he defeated eight-time incumbent Tim Evans in a September election held by Cook County judges.

Indiana Lawmakers in State House to Convene Session With Redistricting Top of Mind

Republicans who control the House have said there’s no doubt that redistricting will pass that chamber. But the fate of any proposal remains uncertain in the Indiana Senate.

Weekend Storm Set a Chicago Record for November Snowfall

The weekend snowstorm set a new record for November.

Northwestern to Pay $75 Million in Deal with Trump Administration to Restore Federal Funding

Northwestern University has agreed to pay $75 million to the U.S. government to end a series of investigations and restore hundreds of millions of dollars in federal research funding.

Lawsuit Filed by Man Police Shot in CTA Red Line Station Set for Trial

The trial, set to start Dec. 8 and last 10 days, represents a high-stakes gamble for the city, whose lawyers typically recommend settling civil cases involving actions by the police that led to criminal charges and are ruled to have violated department policy.
 

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