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Stories by Illinois Answers Project

Under ‘Crime-Free Housing’ Laws, Families May Be Evicted for Minor Offenses

An investigation by The New York Times and the Illinois Answers Project shows that many cities in Illinois have turned crime-free housing programs into a blunt instrument to oust families for virtually any alleged infraction, no matter how minor.

New Health Center in Edgewater Provides Clinical Treatment, Social Services for People With HIV

The health center Vivent Health+TPAN, located at 5537 N. Broadway, is providing clinical care in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine as well as wraparound social services for people living with HIV.

Should the Chicago Park District’s HQ Become ‘Commissioners Park’? Weigh in on the Proposed Name

Ever since it opened in 2023, the Chicago Park District’s new 17-acre headquarters in Brighton Park has been known as Park 596.

Chicago’s Parks Are Full of Trees, But No One Knows How Many. They’re About To Get Counted

The Chicago Park District is undertaking an inventory of its trees — counting their numbers and recording their health — in order to develop a management plan.

With Labor Contract Secured, CTU Members Now Set to Vote on Union Leadership

Weeks after ratifying a new labor agreement, rank-and-file members of the Chicago Teachers Unions this week will be voting once again, this time to decide on their leadership for the next three years.

Local Live Music Recommendations for May 14-20

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

Illinois on Track to End Health Coverage Program for Immigrant Adults

The Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program, or HBIA, was launched in 2021. It covers qualifying individuals aged 42-64.

Consumer Advocates Tell Regulators to Slash Rate Hike Requests From Ameren, Nicor

Natural gas customers in the Chicago suburbs and downstate Illinois are likely to see an increase in their monthly bills next year, but it's up to state regulators to decide how big a hike, if any, to approve.

Ald. Moore Warns CTA Board Not to Be ‘Backbiting Snake’ by Opposing Mayor’s Pick for Agency Leader as Some Call for National Search

The Chicago Transit Authority board of directors saw a highly unusual heated exchange at its monthly meeting, with Ald. David Moore (17th Ward) warning directors not to be a “backbiting snake” and oppose Mayor Brandon Johnson’s reported pick for the transit agency president.

PAWS Chicago Aims to Find Homes For 120 Animals During Spring Adoption Event

The event will be held at the PAWS Chicago Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center, 1997 N. Clybourn Avenue, in Lincoln Park. The shelter is extending its adoption hours and adding additional appointments for the upcoming event.

After Staff Cuts, National Weather Service Now Works to Fill 155 ‘Critical’ Vacancies Ahead of Hurricane Season

The wave of early retirements, firings of probationary workers and other Trump administration incentives for federal employees to leave government service led to more than 560 departures from the NWS, according to a NOAA employee who requested anonymity for fear of retribution.

EPA Announces Rollback for Some Biden-Era Limits on So-Called Forever Chemicals in Drinking Water

The Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday that it plans to weaken limits on some so-called forever chemicals in drinking water that were finalized last year, while maintaining standards for two common ones.

May 13, 2025 - Full Show

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson came into office with a list of progressive priorities for the city of Chicago. He looks back on the last two years and what lays out his goals are for the next two years.

‘The Bear’ Releases Season 4 Premiere Date

The fourth season of the FX series will premiere June 25 at 7 p.m., with all 10 episodes being available on Hulu, and on Disney+ internationally, FX announced Tuesday.

Hasan Piker, Popular Turkish American Political Commentator, Was Detained and Questioned at O’Hare Airport

Hasan Piker, who has 2.8 million followers on Twitch, recounted his experience online Monday saying he was questioned for hours a day earlier despite being born in the U.S. and enrolled in Global Entry, a federal program allowing low-risk passengers to travel through customs and passport control quickly.

Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson Reinstated by Major League Baseball, Making Them Hall of Fame Eligible

Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson were reinstated by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday, making both eligible for the sport’s Hall of Fame after their careers were tarnished by sports gambling scandals.

Chicago Early Childhood Care Workers to Receive Pay Bump with $7M Investment From City

Starting in July, about 3,000 early childhood professionals at 86 early childhood care and education agencies funded by the city will see a cost-per-child increase in their salaries, averaging to a 5-10% increase in wages, according to city officials.

Illinois Joins 20 States in Suing Trump Administration Over Immigration Conditions Placed on Federal Funding

Raoul and 19 other Democratic attorneys general announced a pair of new lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation and their respective secretaries claiming they’re attempting to illegally coerce states into enacting sweeping immigration enforcement.

‘Very Sick’ Ex-Ald. Carrie Austin Could Endure Trial With Additional Medical Care, Expert Testifies

Federal prosecutors argued that former Ald. Carrie Austin would be able to stand trial as long as she was given additional medical care and breaks when necessary.

3.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Central Illinois

A 3.3 magnitude earthquake struck Illinois shortly before midnight Monday, with an epicenter roughly 75 miles southeast of Springfield.

May 12, 2025 - Full Show

Meet one of the candidates hoping to succeed Sen. Dick Durbin. And a bill that would allow community college in Illinois to offer some four-year degrees.

Proposal Would Allow Illinois Community Colleges to Offer Some 4-Year Degrees, Which Advocates Say Benefits Nontraditional Students

New proposed legislation in Illinois aims to increase those rates by offering some four-year degrees at community colleges, but critics say efforts should instead be made in improving the transfer process — and are concerned it could cut into some universities’ enrollment.

US Rep. Robin Kelly Lays Out Her Pitch to Voters as Senate Campaign Begins

The race to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin is heating up. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the changes coming to Illinois politics and her candidacy for the U.S. Senate.

Analyzing Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson at the Midpoint: Lurching from Crisis to Crisis While Working to ‘Disrupt Status Quo’

Despite Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s trademark optimism, the unrelenting turmoil of the past two years, and his missteps in handling problems both new and old, has weakened his political standing, ensuring that if he runs for and wins a second term in office in 2027, he will have to do it the same way he won the first time: as an underdog.

JB Pritzker Signs Order Making Illinois First State to Block Federal Access to Personal Data on Autism

Democrat Pritzker, who has been one of the more vocal critics of Trump’s second administration, signed the order last week, saying he wanted to protect “dignity, privacy, and the freedom to live without fear of surveillance or discrimination.”

McDonald’s Plans to Hire 375,000 People During Busy Summer Season

The hiring surge is focused on staffing up its 13,000 US restaurants as the company prepares to open 900 new locations over the next two years. McDonald’s made the announcement Monday at a restaurant in Ohio with Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
 

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