The embattled CTA president hits back at critics. Pritzker voices his reservations about state funding for new stadiums. And Chicago taxpayers spent at least $74 million on police misconduct last year.
Stories by
CTA President Pledges to Restore Service to Pre-Pandemic Levels, Faces Frustration at City Council Hearing
Feb 27, 2024 | Nick Blumberg
CTA President Dorval Carter said the transit agency plans to restore reduced bus and train service to pre-pandemic levels this year, including a 44% boost to bus service, with the process beginning in the coming weeks.
Are Publicly Funded Stadiums a Good Investment? State Lawmakers Weigh in on Chicago Teams’ Plans
Feb 27, 2024 | Andrea Guthmann
You’ve probably been hearing about the Chicago Bears and White Sox stadium goals. They’re not the only ones making a pitch for publicly financed stadiums.
Pritzker Announces 10 Cultural Districts in Chicago, Champaign and Springfield
Feb 27, 2024 | Capitol News Illinois
These cultural districts include ethnic enclaves in Chicago and historically Black neighborhoods in Champaign and Springfield.
Tornado Watch Issued for Chicago Region Through Late Tuesday Night
Feb 27, 2024 | Patty Wetli
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for the Chicago region, much of northern Illinois and parts of northeast Indiana, through 10 p.m. Tuesday.
‘Absolute Carnage’: Opening Statements, Testimony Begin in Murder Trial of Officer Ella French’s Alleged Killer
Feb 27, 2024 | Matt Masterson
A sea of Chicago police officers and officials filled Judge Ursula Walowski’s fifth-floor courtroom as opening statements got underway at the Leighton Criminal Court Building Tuesday, more than two and a half years after Officer Ella French was killed.
Macy’s Announces Plans to Close 150 Stores, Including 50 by End of 2024
Feb 27, 2024 | CNN
The company is closing 150 underperforming stores — 50 by the end of 2024 and the other 100 over the next few years. By 2026, it will have just 350 Macy’s stores, the company announced.
Why Does the Government Think a Merger Between Owners of Jewel and Mariano’s Would Be Bad for Grocery Shoppers?
Feb 27, 2024 | Associated Press
On Monday, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed an administrative complaint against Kroger’s $24.6 billion deal to acquire Albertsons and a federal lawsuit that asks a judge to block the merger for now.
Invasive Dupes, Part 2: Crayfish vs. Crayfish — Seeing Double
Feb 27, 2024 | Patty Wetli
In honor of National Invasive Species Awareness Week, we’re posting daily “dupes” — invasives that can easily be confused with native species. Today we’re tackling crayfish.
Federal Food Assistance Program for Mothers, Children Faces $1B Shortfall. Here’s How That Could Impact Services in Illinois
Feb 26, 2024 | Eunice Alpasan
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as WIC, is facing a $1 billion budget shortfall, and Congress has until March to secure funding. Illinois would need about $24 million in additional funding for the 2024 fiscal year to serve its eligible population.
Feb. 26, 2024 - Full Show
Feb 26, 2024 | WTTW News
A ballot measure aimed at addressing homelessness is thrown into question. Possible budget cuts for a federal food assistance program. And debating school resource officers.
Community Advocates on School Safety After CPS Moves Away From Resource Officers
Feb 26, 2024 | Andrea Guthmann
In a unanimous vote last Thursday, they decided to eliminate uniformed police officers from the 39 public high schools that still have them.
Pritzker Says He’s ‘Reluctant’ to Use Taxpayer Money to Help Build a New White Sox Stadium
Feb 26, 2024 | Amanda Vinicky
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he’s “reluctant” to use taxpayer funds to help the White Sox move from Bridgeport to the South Loop.
A ‘Latino Voices’ Community Conversation: Homelessness in Chicago
Feb 26, 2024 | Emily Soto
“Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices” host Joanna Hernandez spoke to those working directly with Chicago’s unhoused population to understand what work is being done, the barriers to finding help and some possible solutions.
New Birth Center to Open on South Side as Pritzker Touts Proposed Maternal Health Spending
Feb 26, 2024 | Dilpreet Raju — Capitol News Illinois
The nonprofit Chicago South Side Birth Center will mark the city’s second active midwife-led birth center, but the first for the South Side. Advocates say the Black-led center offers safe birthing alternatives in a medically underserved area of the city.
Biden and Trump Both Plan Trips to the Mexico Border Thursday, Dueling for Advantage on Immigration
Feb 26, 2024 | Associated Press
The trips underscore immigration’s central importance in the 2024 presidential race, for Republicans and increasingly for Democrats, particularly after congressional talks on a deal to rein in illegal migration collapsed.
What Recession? Professional Forecasters Raise Expectations for US Economy in 2024
Feb 26, 2024 | Associated Press
The economy looks set to grow 2.2% this year after adjusting for inflation, according to the National Association for Business Economics. That’s up from the 1.3% predicted in the association’s prior survey, which was conducted in November.
Second Pair of Bald Eagle Mates on the Nest in Will County. How Big Will the Eaglet Boom Be?
Feb 26, 2024 | Patty Wetli
The Forest Preserve District of Will County confirmed a second pair of eagles are incubating eggs in a newly-built, enormous nest.
Judge Allows Police Board Proceedings to Resume Amid Dispute Over CPD Discipline System
Feb 26, 2024 | Heather Cherone
A Cook County judge Monday allowed proceedings before the Chicago Police Board to resume as he prepares to rule on an effort backed by the city’s largest police union to upend the system used for 60 years to punish officers.
February Is Going Out on a Wild Note: Record-Breaking Warmth, Wildfire Warnings, Tornadoes and Maybe Snow
Feb 26, 2024 | Patty Wetli
The forecast for last week of February has a little something for everyone. Buckle in for a wild ride.
Invasive Dupes, Part 1: Teasel vs. Thistle, Will the Real Native Please Stand Up
Feb 26, 2024 | Patty Wetli
In honor of National Invasive Species Awareness Week, we'll be posting daily "dupes" — invasives that can easily be confused with native species.
14-Year-Old Boy Among 3 Killed in Chatham Home Shooting Sunday: Police
Feb 26, 2024 | Matt Masterson
According to the Chicago Police Department, four people were killed by gunfire and another 17 people were wounded in separate shootings between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
Chicago Police Officer Ella French’s Alleged Killer Set to Go to Trial This Week
Feb 26, 2024 | Matt Masterson
Jury selection in the trial of Emonte Morgan is set to begin Monday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building — more than two and a half years after he allegedly shot and killed the 29-year-old police officer.
Final Tally: Chicago Taxpayers Spent At Least $74M to Resolve Police Misconduct Lawsuits in 2023, Analysis Finds
Feb 26, 2024 | Heather Cherone
Wrongful convictions have long been the most expensive kind of police misconduct in Chicago, costing taxpayers $29.25 million in 2024, or nearly 40% of the total amount spent to resolve allegations of police misconduct, according to WTTW News’ analysis.
Northwestern, Dartmouth, Rice and Vanderbilt Settle Antitrust Financial Aid Lawsuit
Feb 25, 2024 | CNN
Dartmouth College, and Rice, Vanderbilt and Northwestern universities agreed to pay a total of $166 million to settle claims filed in a 2022 class action lawsuit alleging the schools colluded on the amount of financial aid awarded to students, while favoring applicants from wealthier families.
Cody Bellinger Returning to the Cubs on an $80 Million, 3-Year Contract, Source Says
Feb 25, 2024 | Associated Press
The slugger can opt out of the deal after each of the first two seasons, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the agreement was pending a physical.