(WTTW News)

Recent data shows that the murder rate in the U.S. is experiencing one of the largest decreases ever. Yet that good news doesn’t always make the headlines. Instead, mainstream media is often accused of furthering a narrative about rampant crime.

(WTTW News)

Chicago chooses Brandon Johnson for mayor. Turnover on the City Council. And former President Donald Trump battles indictment.

Former Ald. Willie Cochran is sentenced to one year in prison. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle reverses course on retirement plans. And new details emerge about a toddler struck by a foul ball in May.

Ald. Ed Burke gets his day in court. Gov. J.B. Pritzker gets his budget priorities passed. Chicago grapples with a spike in violence. And the Cubs get some much-needed pitching help.

The controversial Lincoln Yards project gets the OK from City Council as Mayor Rahm Emanuel bids farewell to the chamber. And Chicago’s inspector general releases a damming report on the police department’s so-called gang database.

Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle battle for votes ahead of the runoff election. Mayor Rahm Emanuel gets his way on two controversial projects. CSO musicians trade instruments for picket signs. And Boeing’s very bit 737 problem.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel hangs it up, J.B. Pritzker defeats Gov. Bruce Rauner, and the Chicago Police Department has a tumultuous year. We recap the top stories of the year and predict the biggest of 2019.

An October surprise in the governor’s race. Mayor Rahm Emanuel delivers his final budget address. Chance the Rapper rolls the dice on the mayoral election. And the Bears prep for the Patriots.

A man faces charges after confronting a woman at a Cook County forest preserve. The mayor and governor feud on Twitter over a controversial anti-violence march. And Groupon’s biggest offer ever: the company itself.

Elon Musk’s Boring Company wins a bid to build high-speed transportation from downtown Chicago to O’Hare. How technologically and economically feasible is the plan? That story and more with Paris Schutz and guests Steve Daniels, Derrick Blakley, Becky Vevea and Rick Telander.

A presidential plan for Jackson Park moves a step closer to construction. Gov. Bruce Rauner backs reinstating the death penalty. CPS hands over control of its special education program. And an up-and-down week in Chicago baseball.

J.B. Pritzker’s offshore holdings draw fire. Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoes a gun dealer bill. Should the public be able to fire the Chicago Police chief? And Loyola rambles on in the NCAA tournament.

Democratic candidate for governor Chris Kennedy slams Mayor Rahm Emanuel for overseeing a “strategic gentrification plan” designed to “push people of color out of the city.” This story and more with Eddie Arruza and guests.

A mass exoneration in Cook County clears 15 men. Proposed layoffs in the wake of the failed soda tax. And controversy over playmaking decisions by Bears coach John Fox.

The governor signs a controversial bill. Chicago cops mimic NFL player protests. City leaders push hard for Amazon headquarters. Chicago native Hugh Hefner dies at age 91. And the Cubs clinch their division for the second straight year. 

Lawmakers reach a deal on school funding. Gov. Bruce Rauner cleans house again. Chicago sees its most violent weekend since July 4. And the Cubs grow a comfortable lead in their division.