Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard falls to the ice after being checked by New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith (2) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, in Newark, N.J. (Adam Hunger / AP Photo)

The 18-year-old Connor Bedard has been Chicago’s best player, living up to the hype after he was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft.

(Brenna Hernandez / Shedd Aquarium)

If you’re seeking activities that don’t break the bank this winter, look no further than local museums, zoos and gardens. A number have announced free admission days in 2024.

© 2023 Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

Even an artistic genius gets by with a little help from his friends. “Picasso: Drawing from Life” spotlights the artist’s works on paper and explores the influence of friends, muses, fellow artists and dealers.

Soldier Field. (WTTW News)

Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks will headline a double-bill at Soldier Field on June 21, officials said Thursday morning.

Top left: Radio Free Honduras plays in Little Village. (WTTW News) Top right: Felix Martinez was named residential sanitation driver of the year. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News) Bottom left: Artist Mia Lee. (WTTW News) Bottom right: Art Johnston and Pepe Peña in the documentary “Art and Pep.” (Provided)
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Over the last year, WTTW News introduced you to a variety of Chicago-area residents. Some accomplished extraordinary feats, while others made a difference in their communities through small acts of everyday work.

FILE - Tom Wilkinson arrives at the “Denial” premiere on Day 4 of the Toronto International Film Festival at the Princess of Wales Theatre on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, in Toronto. (Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP, file)

Tom Wilkinson was nominated for a best actor Academy Award for his work in 2001’s family drama “In The Bedroom” in 2001 and in the best supporting actor category for his role in “Michael Clayton,” a 2007 film that starred George Clooney.

FILE - DePaul coach Joey Meyer reacts to his team's play against LSU in an NCAA men's college basketball tournament Midwest Regional semifinal in Cincinnati, March 20, 1987. (Al Behrman / AP Photo, File)

Joey Meyer, who played at DePaul and coached the Blue Demons to seven NCAA Tournament appearances in 13 seasons, has died. He was 74.

Top left: Mayor Brandon Johnson takes “Chicago Tonight” co-host Brandis Friedman around the Austin community on April 13, 2023. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News) Top right: The state Capitol. (WTTW News) Bottom left: Field Museum staff collected 1,000 dead birds Oct. 5, 2023, from the grounds of McCormick Place. (Courtesy of Taylor Hains) Bottom right: File photo of guns. (WTTW News)
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Chicago elected a new mayor, Illinois banned so-called assault weapons and the Boss played at Wrigley Field. Here’s what people were reading in 2023.

Edgar sits precariously atop an electrical pole before his eventual rescue. (Marc Vitali / WTTW News)

A 9-year-old orange tabby named Edgar spent a frosty night alone atop a utility pole in an alley earlier this week. WTTW News reporter Marc Vitali details Edgar’s rescue.

Frank Thomas in a photo he posted to X on Dec. 29, 2023. (Credit: @TheBigHurt_35 / X)

A Fox News mistake misidentified White Sox legend Frank Thomas as among the notable people who died in 2023. 

The labels from Funkytown Brewery pay tribute to Black cultural influences. (WTTW News)

Funkytown’s beers can be found at more than 100 locations around the Chicago area. It was their pale ale called Hip Hops and R&Brew that kick-started the trio into the craft beer industry.

(WTTW News)
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CTA has announced that it is partnering with Miller Lite to offer free rides, which will be available across the city on both trains and buses from 10 p.m. Sunday until 4 a.m. Monday.

Dionne Warwick appears on “Soundstage” in 1980. (WTTW)

Singer, actress and television host Dionne Warwick can add another accomplishment to her legendary career. Warwick is one of the recipients of a Kennedy Center Honors.

Lisa Ann Walter appears on the Dec. 26, 2023, episode of “Chicago Tonight.” (WTTW News)

Lisa Ann Walter is set to appear in Rosemont later this month for a series of comedy shows. Ahead of her visit to the Chicago area, she spoke with WTTW News about what it’s been like since getting back to work with her comedic cast, and what’s in store for her upcoming comedy set.

(Gonzalo Guzmán García / Pexels)

“Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices” host Joanna Hernandez went out to ask people to share what they enjoy about this time of year.

Items on sale at the Buddy store inside the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. (Marc Vitali / WTTW News)

Museum shops and galleries have a great deal of goods you won’t find elsewhere. The Buddy store in the Chicago Cultural Center is top of the heap for art-loving localvores.