June 1, 2023 - Full Show
Live from Edgewater, where residents tussle over a proposed shelter for migrants. Investigating illegal trash pickups. And the latest on the debt ceiling as the default deadline approaches.
US House Members on Debt Ceiling Deal, Immigration Policy for Assisting Migrants Arriving in Chicago
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a deal Wednesday night to divert a U.S. default on its debt; the bill now heads to the Senate for approval. However, the deal was not without controversy for lawmakers of both political parties.
Edgewater Residents Call for Answers as City Eyes Broadway Armory as Possible Migrant Center
Broadway Armory Park is one of Chicago Park District’s largest indoor and active recreational facilities. Residents are worried this would mean youth and senior programs getting canceled or postponed and said it would be a loss for the neighborhood ahead of summer.
Rude Awakening: Tracking Illegal, Early Morning Trash Pickups
WTTW News saw private garbage hauler Groot making four separate pickups before 7 a.m. last week. It’s not just a nuisance — it’s illegal. Under Chicago’s noise ordinance, trash haulers are banned from work between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
May 31, 2023 - Full Show
A heated debate in City Council over funding for migrants sent from Texas. One on one with Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch. And a ride-along on the NASCAR street course.
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch on Budget, Bipartisanship and Immigration
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch joined “Chicago Tonight” for a one-on-one conversation about the spring legislative session, recently passed $50 billion state budget and asylum seekers.
Spotlight Politics: Heated City Council Meeting; Memorial Day Weekend Violence
Tempers and emotions flared at Wednesday’s Chicago City Council meeting over the vote to use $51 million for migrants who are struggling to find shelter and food in the city.
Touring the NASCAR Chicago Street Race Course With Dale Jarrett, Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Racing legends Dale Jarrett and Dale Earnhardt Jr. took WTTW News correspondent Paris Schutz around the specially designed track that weaves in and out of Grant Park and provides some iconic views for spectators.
City Council Votes 34-13 to Spend $51M to Help Care for Migrants After Tension Between Black, Latino Chicagoans Boils Over at Meeting
In all, city officials expect to spend $112 million through the end of June from a combination of state, federal and local funds to feed and shelter the migrants. More than 4,000 recent arrivals from Texas are living in city shelters, leaving another 500 people to sleep on the floor of police stations across the city.
May 30, 2023 - Full Show
The city’s watchdog on Chicago cops who lied while on the job. Toxic lead paint threatening kids’ health in suburban Cook County. And closing loopholes in property tax sales.
Inspector General Report Finds Chicago Police Department Allows Dishonest Cops to Stay on the Job
An audit by Inspector General Deborah Witzburg reveals the Chicago Police Department has allowed more than 100 officers who filed false reports to stay on the job. Some were even promoted after being found to have lied.
Lawmaker Raises, Car Title Changes: What’s Included in Illinois’ New $50B State Budget
Backers of a new state budget say they've passed a balanced plan crafted in cooperation. Many Republicans, however, say the measure largely ignores their input and sets the state up for obligations it won’t be able to meet.
Nearly Half Million Suburban Cook County Homes at Risk for Toxic Lead Paint
Toxic lead-based paint was banned in 1978, but the threat of poisoning persists. In suburban Cook County, officials say as many as half a million homes have lead paint hazards that present enormous health threats for young children.
Bill Designed to Revamp Property Tax Sale System That Fueled ‘Urban Decay’ Headed to Governor’s Desk
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas called the legislation “the most significant property tax reform legislation the General Assembly has approved in decades.”
Week in Review: Johnson’s First City Council Meeting; State Budget Deal
Officials try to clamp down on holiday weekend crime. Mayor Brandon Johnson passes first City Council test. State lawmakers have a budget — we think. And a damning report on sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.