“Our approach understands that homelessness is not an issue of personal failing, but of historical discrimination and structural barriers that have driven inequality for Black families across the nation, and of course, right here in Illinois,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Thursday.
Stories by
Pritzker Announces New State Funding Aimed at Addressing Racial Disparities in Homelessness
Apr 25, 2024 | Matt Masterson
The Swans of Harlem: How a Group of Pioneering Black Ballet Dancers Are Telling Their Story and Reclaiming Their Place in History
Apr 25, 2024 | Angel Idowu
Together they made history under the direction of Arthur Mitchell, co-founder of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and the first Black principal ballet dancer with the New York City Ballet.
Coal Byproduct, Other Pollution Sources at Waukegan and Michigan City Power Plants Face Strict Regulations Under New EPA Rules
Apr 25, 2024 | Nick Blumberg
Environmental advocates in the Chicago area and northwest Indiana applauded a tough new slate of Environmental Protection Agency rules for coal-fired power plants — rules that cover local generating stations that are already offline or slated to be phased out.
Lady Luck Smiles on New Production of ‘Guys and Dolls’ at Drury Lane Theatre: Review
Apr 25, 2024 | Marc Vitali
Sin and salvation form an odd power couple in Frank Loesser’s “Guys and Dolls,” a true classic of American musical theater that’s tuneful and fresh nearly 75 years after it premiered. And Drury Lane Theatre’s new staging of the beloved 1950 musical finds the funny in its sturdy old bones.
Much-Needed Financial Aid for CTA, Metra and Pace Should Be Tied to Merger of Transit Agencies, Civic Federation Says
Apr 25, 2024 | Nick Blumberg
Failing to tackle a looming $730 million budget hole for CTA, Metra and Pace could have “potentially debilitating” effects on disinvested Chicago area communities that rely on transit – but boosting funding for public transportation without drastic governance reform would be a major failure, a new report says.
US Fertility Rate Dropped to Lowest in a Century as Births Dipped in 2023; Teen Birth Rate at Record Low
Apr 25, 2024 | CNN
There were about 3.6 million babies born in 2023, or 54.4 live births for every 1,000 females ages 15 to 44, according to provisional data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 Rape Conviction Overturned by New York Appeals Court
Apr 25, 2024 | Associated Press
Weinstein, 72, will remain imprisoned because he was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 of another rape. But the New York ruling reopens a painful chapter in America’s reckoning with sexual misconduct by powerful figures — an era that began in 2017 with a flood of allegations against Weinstein.
Cubs Reliever Luke Little Forced to Change His Glove Because of White in American Flag Patch
Apr 25, 2024 | Associated Press
Chicago Cubs reliever Luke Little said he had to change his glove before he entered Wednesday night’s 4-3 victory over the Houston Astros because of an American flag patch.
Imani Is Back at Montrose Beach. Will This Be the Year Chicago’s Piping Plover Bachelor Finds a Mate?
Apr 25, 2024 | Patty Wetli
Imani is the son of Chicago's beloved late piping plover lovebirds, Monty and Rose.
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, April 24, 2024 - Full Show
Apr 24, 2024 | WTTW News
Plans for a new Bears stadium on the lakefront. What’s behind changes at Rainbow PUSH. And we look back at the very first “Chicago Tonight” — which aired 40 years ago tonight!
Rainbow PUSH Coalition Searching for New Leader After CEO Steps Down Just Months After Taking the Job
Apr 24, 2024 | Emily Soto
The Rev. Frederick Haynes III announced last week he would step down as president and CEO after just months on the job. It has raised questions about the future of the historic civil rights organization.
James ‘Big Cat’ Williams on the Bears’ Stadium Plans and 2024 NFL Draft
Apr 24, 2024 | Paul Caine
For the Chicago Bears, this week may just turn out to be one of the most significant in the history of the franchise.
‘Chicago Tonight’ Celebrates 40th Anniversary. See How It All Began With Harold Washington Interview
Apr 24, 2024 | WTTW News
Forty years ago, John Callaway went on the air with the very first edition of “Chicago Tonight.” Watch him interview then Mayor Harold Washington on April 24, 1984.
Chicago’s Famed ‘Rat Hole’ Removed After City Determines Sidewalk With Animal Impression Was Damaged
Apr 24, 2024 | Associated Press
The imprint has been a quirk of a residential block in Chicago’s North Side neighborhood of Roscoe Village for years, but it found fresh fame in January after a Chicago comedian shared a photo on the social media platform X.
Bears Ask Taxpayers for $2.4B Subsidy to Build $4.75B Domed Stadium Along Lakefront
Apr 24, 2024 | Heather Cherone
Mayor Brandon Johnson enthusiastically endorsed the plans for a new stadium, calling the renderings of the futuristic oval-shaped stadium with a translucent roof “miraculous.”
Judge Allows Ex-Northwestern Football Players to Consolidate Hazing Lawsuits With Former Coach Pat Fitzgerald’s Litigation
Apr 24, 2024 | Matt Masterson
Attorneys for the players on Wednesday announced that a judge has granted a motion to consolidate their various cases with that of ex-Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald.
Black, Brown Communities Bear the Brunt of Pollution From Distribution Warehouses and Truck Traffic in Illinois, Advocates Say
New bill would give Illinois EPA greater oversight
Apr 24, 2024 | Nick Blumberg
Black and Brown communities in Illinois are up to 200% more likely to live near a distribution warehouse than the overall statewide population, according to a new report by the Environmental Defense Fund on the state’s “warehouse boom.”
JoJo Siwa, Natasha Bedingfield and Bob the Drag Queen Among Headliners for Chicago Pride Fest 2024
Apr 24, 2024 | Eunice Alpasan
The Chicago Pride Fest, a celebration of LGBTQ+ life & community, is set for June 22-23 in the city's landmark LGBTQ+ neighborhood Northalsted.
These Apps Allow Workers to Get Paid Between Paychecks. Experts Say There Are Steep Costs
Apr 24, 2024 | Associated Press
Earned Wage Access apps extend small short-term loans to workers in between paychecks so they can pay bills and meet everyday needs. On payday, the user repays the money out of their wages. Between 2018 and 2020, transaction volume tripled from $3.2 billion to $9.5 billion.
Biden Just Signed a Potential TikTok Ban Into Law. Here’s What Happens Next
Apr 24, 2024 | CNN
President Joe Biden signed a bill Wednesday that could lead to a nationwide TikTok ban, escalating a massive threat to the company’s U.S. operations. Here’s what we know and how it could affect you.
Biden Signs $95 Billion War Aid Measure With Assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan
Apr 24, 2024 | Associated Press
President Joe Biden signed into law on Wednesday a $95 billion war aid measure that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan and that also has a provision that would force social media site TikTok to be sold or be banned in the U.S.
Biden Nominates April Perry to Become Federal Judge After Delays Derailed Bid to Become Chicago’s First Female U.S. Attorney
Apr 24, 2024 | Matt Masterson
Officials are back to square one in the search for Chicago’s next U.S. attorney as President Joe Biden has nominated April Perry — the presumptive pick to succeed John Lausch — to instead become a federal judge.
Anti-Violence Groups Look to Empower Chicago’s Youth to Become Leaders
Apr 24, 2024 | Sean Keenehan
Community organizations are on a mission to empower Chicago’s youth through anti-violence programs in neighborhoods across the city.
April 23, 2024 - Full Show
Apr 23, 2024 | WTTW News
In the latest in our “A Safer City” series, we meet teens working to change the narrative around gun violence and hear from local organizations empowering youth.
How Teens Are Using Social Media to Try to Change the Cultural Narrative Around Guns
Apr 23, 2024 | Joanna Hernandez
People can spend hours scrolling through social media. An organization called Project Unloaded is helping teens educate their peers on the risks of owning a gun by empowering youth to become social media influencers for change.
Chicago Teens Talk Safety, Making a Positive Impact Through Community Involvement
Apr 23, 2024 | Andrea Guthmann
According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the average age for Chicagoans to witness a shooting is 14. Research also shows that exposure to violence can lead to long-lasting mental health issues.