More and more communities are turning to private security to help combat higher crime. In the Morgan Park community on the city's far south side, a new pilot program employs private security guards to watch over local businesses. Morgan Park is located just south of Beverly and just north of suburbs like Blue Island on the southern edge of the city.
Stories by Paris Schutz
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: River North
City Council members and residents are scrambling to figure out more about plans to move a giant temporary Chicago casino into the historic Medinah Temple. It's located in the heart of the fashionable River North neighborhood - home to tourism, commerce and lots of residential units.
Ken Griffin’s Trading Firm Tied to Company Aided by Richard Irvin: Report
WTTW News previously reported that communications company Scientel Solutions and its employees have given more than $135,000 to Richard Irvin’s mayoral campaign, a PAC run by his mayoral campaign manager, and his former private practice law partner Brittany Pedersen’s judicial campaign.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: O’Hare
It’s a neighborhood, not just an airport, and unofficially the second hub of Ukrainian Americans in Chicago. We get the latest on efforts locals are making to assist in Ukrainian defense back home and on preparations to welcome refugees.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Harvey
In recent years, Harvey has faced financial issues and political infighting, and it’s grappling with poverty, unemployment and crime. But officials and community leaders here say they're working to turn it around. And residents say even with the challenges the suburb faces, they feel proud of where they come from.
Kenosha Prepares for Rittenhouse Verdict As Third Day of Deliberations Closes
Jurors in the trial of Antioch native Kyle Rittenhouse have now completed three days of deliberation and still no verdict. This comes as demonstrators made their voices heard outside the Kenosha County Courthouse again, and as the outspoken judge in the case admonished a member of the news media.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Washington Heights
The predominantly African American community on the Far South Side has high rates of homeownership but a relatively low COVID-19 vaccination rate.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: West Loop
The neighborhood has changed from an industrial hub to an area bustling with bars and restaurants. And more changes are on the way, with huge new developments under consideration, including a Guinness brewery.
Feds Probe Gardiner for Bribery, Pay-to-Play: Sources
Federal officials are probing allegations that Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th Ward) took bribes and demanded payments before taking official actions, sources told WTTW News.
Watchdog Asked to Probe How Ald. Gardiner Got Court Records on Political Foe
The watchdog for the Cook County Circuit Court Clerk has been asked to probe whether one of the office’s employees improperly accessed court records and sent them to Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th Ward), who faces allegations that he has used his office to retaliate against political opponents, WTTW News has learned.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Bronzeville
The historic Bronzeville neighborhood on the city’s South Side sits just south of McCormick Place, and has been known for decades as a hub of Black arts and culture in Chicago. Wednesday, City Council paved the way for a massive new development that could reshape the community’s future.
Phil Ponce Ends Regular Appearances on ‘Chicago Tonight’
After nearly three decades at “Chicago Tonight,” Phil Ponce ends his regular appearances on the program. We reflect on his career in journalism and his leadership role in the WTTW newsroom.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Downtown Reopens
The city and state’s full reopening is a double-edged sword for many in the hospitality and entertainment industry. They wonder: the crowds may be coming back, but will the labor force return?
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Northalsted
Northalsted, formerly called “Boystown,” is known as the center of LGBTQ life in Chicago. As Pride celebrations begin, the community has just started to recover the vibrant character that made it famous following last year’s pandemic and civil unrest.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Village of Riverdale
The Village of Riverdale lags behind the rest of suburban Cook County in vaccinations. As part of our community reporting series, we speak with elected officials, community leaders and physicians about the vaccine rollout, and what they’re doing to make the vaccine more accessible.
Community Organizations Want to Help Greater Englewood Get Vaccinated
Part of our ‘Chicago Tonight’ In Your Neighborhood series
The Greater Englewood Area, made up of Englewood and West Englewood, has faced historic disinvestment. Now it’s lagging behind in the percentage of residents who are vaccinated against COVID-19. These community organizations are helping to inform residents about the vaccine and make appointments more accessible.
‘What Are We Going To Have Left In Our Community?’ Aldermen React with Panic, Sorrow to Unrest
As unrest swept the city Sunday, aldermen pleaded with Mayor Lori Lightfoot to help them protect their communities from roving bands of criminals clashing with police and looting businesses.
Before She Was Mayor: An In-Depth Profile of Lori Lightfoot
From humble beginnings in Massillon, Ohio, to a high-powered federal prosecutor – to mayor of Chicago. Our in-depth profile of the events that shaped the life of Lori Lightfoot.
Federal Judge Approves Historic Chicago Police Consent Decree
U.S. District Judge Robert Dow called the historic decree “an important first step toward needed reforms of the Chicago Police Department and its policies.”
Activists, Local Business Leaders Push Back Against Lincoln Yards
A master plan for the $6 billion Lincoln Yards development is released. The developer says it has taken community concerns to heart, but critics say the plan is being pushed too fast.
Spotlight Politics: What’s Coming in 2019
Catch up on what you may have missed over the holidays – and get a look at what’s to come in 2019 – with our political correspondents in this weekly roundtable.
Spotlight Politics: Preckwinkle Drops Petition Challenge
A major detente in the race for Chicago mayor. We take a deep dive into the 2019 election and other top political headlines in our weekly roundtable.
Census 2020: Illinois Joins Suit to Block Citizenship Question
Why the 2020 census could include a question about citizenship – and why there’s a legal effort to block it.
2020 Census Citizenship Question ‘Politically Motivated,’ Say Officials
The United States Census is not often a hot-button issue, but it’s recently been thrust into the center of controversy.
Garry McCarthy Announces Run for Chicago Mayor
Garry McCarthy is officially in. “It’s time for new leadership in City Hall that’ll fix our problems and pull us together,” the former Chicago Police superintendent said in a video announcing his bid for Chicago mayor.
Chicago Cubs Win Game 5, Send World Series Back to Cleveland
The Cubs face another do-or-die game Tuesday night in Cleveland. What did this weekend's home games mean for the local economy?
