The deadline for applications is Friday. And while there are more than 100 suburbs in the county that are eligible, only two have applied, including Oak Park and Ford Heights.
Stories by sean keenehan
‘Chicago Mysteries’ Takes a Deep Dive Into a City Full of Tall Tales
From cemeteries to hot dogs, Geoffrey Baer investigates a slew of Chicago mysteries in a new WTTW special.
Advocates Push for Expanded Work Permits for Long-Term Undocumented Immigrants
“Here to Work” advocates say extending legal work permits to long-term undocumented residents will help unite communities, stabilize the workforce and promote fair wages. Opponents argue that could come at a cost to taxpayers and drive down wages for legal citizens.
Examining Donald Trump’s Support Among Latinos in Light of a New Poll
According to a poll by The New York Times and Siena College, Hispanic voters could be favoring former President Donald J. Trump over President Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential election, but sample size limits exact conclusions about the support.
Little Village, Humboldt Park Among 10 State-Designated Cultural Districts Eligible for $3M in Funding
The program was launched in 2023 with an aim to uplift and preserve cultural communities throughout Illinois. The districts are eligible to apply for some of the $3 million in available funding to help stimulate economic development in those areas.
Book-to-Film Adaptation Puts Chicago Author on Path to Hollywood With ‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter’
In 2017, poet and author Erika L. Sánchez published her first novel, “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.” Now, Hollywood is calling, with a book-to-film adaptation with award-winning actress America Ferrera on board to make her big-screen directing debut.
Wicker Ice Outdoor Rink Opens Sunday Following Seasonal Delays
After more than a month of trials and tribulations, including an unseasonably warm December and apparent vandalism, the Wicker Ice outdoor skating rink is set to open—weather permitting—this Sunday, Jan. 17.
Otis Clay, Blues Hall of Fame Singer, Humanitarian, Dies at 73
The music community is mourning the loss of singer Otis Clay, who died after suffering a heart attack last Friday. A longtime resident of the city’s West Side, Clay was increasingly active in community-based economic and cultural initiatives. Clay visited “Chicago Tonight” in 2006. We revisit his interview and performance.
JBTV Hopes to Save Lives this Holiday with 'Drive Safe' Music Marathon
Emmy Award-winning JBTV founder and producer Jerry Bryant launched the nation’s longest-running music television show in 1984. We caught up with him to talk about the origins of his annual holiday show and some of the artists whose careers he's helped launch over the years.
2015 Geminids Meteor Shower Brings Best Sky Show of the Year
With an average of 60 to 70 meteors per hour and roughly one or two sightings per minute during its peak, the Geminids offers the most abundant, reliable meteor show of the year. Find out when to turn your eyes to the sky.
Ice Skating in Chicago: Outdoor Rinks Serve Up Frozen Fun
Bundle up, strap on those blades and hit the ice at Chicago’s citywide outdoor ice skating facilities. From old-school to the cutting-edge, we’ll have you gliding gracefully into the long winter season.
Holiday Events Guide from 'Chicago Tonight': 'Tis the Season!
Ready or not, the most wonderful time of the year is here. “Chicago Tonight’s” celebratory guide to the sights, sounds and tastes of the season will have you reveling in the spirit.
Emanuel Announces Increased CHA Support for Homeless Veterans
As part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s plan to end veteran homelessness in Chicago, Emanuel and the Chicago Housing Authority announce a three-year plan to provide 450 additional housing-choice vouchers for homeless U.S. veterans.
'Peanuts … Naturally' Embraces Schulz’ Serious Side at the Nature Museum
For half a century, “Peanuts” creator Charles M. Schulz entertained and educated the masses with didactic characters that fans came to know as real people—with real causes. From pollution to recycling, the “Peanuts ... Naturally” exhibit at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum embraces Schulz’ forward-thinking ability to confront global issues through the hearts of children and adults alike.
CTA Yellow Line to Reopen Friday with Free Rides
After a monthslong shutdown following an embankment collapse, the CTA Yellow Line will reopen Friday and provide free rides from its Dempster-Skokie and Oakton stations, the CTA announced.
Chicago Bears Sack Jeremiah Ratliff, Sign Ziggy Hood
The Chicago Bears have released 34-year-old veteran defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff after two-and-a-half seasons and signed former first-round pick Ziggy Hood from the Jacksonville Jaguars, the organization announced on Thursday.
Harry’s Lumber Co. Torched by Fire for Second Time in 25 Years
Smoke filled the streets and skies of Chicago’s Norwood Park neighborhood this morning as an extra-alarm fire engulfed Harry’s Lumber Company in flames for the second time in 25 years.
Day of the Dead Comes to Life at the National Museum of Mexican Art
This year’s free exhibit–the largest of its kind in the country–features 116 pieces of artwork from more than 90 artists and offers an inside look at some of the traditions of the holiday.
Chicago Cubs Winners On and Off the Field with Authentics, Charities Programs
Throughout the Chicago Cubs’ monumental 2015 playoff season, the team has displayed huge hearts through their performance on the field and charitable efforts off the field. One of the organization’s programs that has stepped up to the plate for those in need is Cubs Authentics, a program that is now donating 100 percent of its net profits of MLB authenticated game-used and autographed Cubs memorabilia to the Cubs Charities program.
Photo of the Day: Chicago from Space
American astronaut Scott Kelly has allowed the human race an opportunity to live vicariously through his #YearInSpace travels by sending global images back to Earth through his Twitter and Instagram feeds. Sent from day 189 of his 12-month mission, Kelly shared this astonishing nighttime view of Chicago from space on Oct. 2.
Harvest Supermoon Eclipse Result of Rare Combination of Celestial Events
Weather permitting, the Chicago area will be treated to prime time, front-row seats for a rare astronomical phenomenon Sunday evening when a total lunar eclipse of a simultaneous harvest moon, supermoon and blood moon rises above the horizon.
Northwestern University's New Ryan Center Brings Harmony to Bienen
Encased in glass and measuring approximately 155,000 square feet, Northwestern's new Ryan Center for the Musical Arts has set sail along the Evanston lakefront.
AC/DC Concert Tech, a Lifelong Cubs Fan, Returns to Wrigley Field
From Fergie to Ozzy, Chicago-native Tim "Grape" Mattefs has traveled the world as a touring live concert technician. But the lifelong Chicago Cubs fan has never experienced a live performance at Wrigley Field, until now. In the midst of a massive world tour with Australian rock and roll giants AC/DC, Mattefs will take the field of the "friendly confines" on Tuesday for a sold-out rock show of the ages.
Chicago Bears Poised to Tackle Green Bay Packers in NFL's Oldest Rivalry
'Big Cat' and the Bears returns Monday
The Chicago Bears kick off the 2015 NFL season at noon this Sunday against division rivals the Green Bay Packers. After a dismal 5-11 outing in 2014, new head coach John Fox and general manager Ryan Pace were brought in to pick up the pieces and the Bears will take the field with a lot to prove.
Sketch Released of Child Found in Garfield Park Lagoon
The Chicago Police Department, with assistance from the Cook County Sheriff's Office, has released a composite sketch of the dismembered child found in the Garfield Park lagoon last weekend, and authorities are asking residents for assistance in identifying the remains.
Northwest Chicago Film Society Launches New Season at NEIU
The Northwest Chicago Film Society kicks off its fall season of 35-millimeter film screenings on Wednesday at the auditorium at Northeastern Illinois University in the North Park neighborhood.
