WTTW
Week in Review – May 1, 2026, Full Episode
- Title
- Week in Review – May 1, 2026, Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:47
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- A state commission slams federal immigration agents for “illegal and violent conduct” during “Operation Midway Blitz” — and pushes Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke to act.
But O’Neill Burke says she can only act after getting a completed investigation from law enforcement.
Democrats defend the law that ended cash bail in Illinois after a defendant released on electronic monitoring is accused of shooting two police officers, one fatally.
Meanwhile, a federal judge denies former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s appeal bid.
Mayor Brandon Johnson nominates a new Chicago inspector general as the former watchdog takes over as chief of staff for Illinois’ attorney general.
And after more than two months, Congress votes to end a partial government shutdown.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- April 30, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:40
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Illinois Accountability Commission Documents Alleged Abuses by Federal Agents
The commission found that federal immigration agents engaged in unconstitutional uses of force including “extreme physical force, indiscriminate use of chemical agents, shootings, beatings, and other violent acts” while White House officials routinely lied to conceal the motivations behind “Operation Midway Blitz.”
Documentary Offers Fresh Look at the Legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois
In her new documentary, Rita Coburn tells the story of how trips to Europe, the lynching of a young Black man in Georgia and another civil rights icon all played a role in shaping W.E.B. Du Bois into a giant of American history.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- April 29, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:57
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Iran War Reaches 60 Days. Will Trump Need Congressional Approval Going Forward?
The 1973 War Powers Act gives President Donald Trump 60 days to wage war without congressional approval.
The Onion Reaches New Deal to Take Over Alex Jones’ Infowars
About 18 months ago, The Onion won a court-mandated auction for Infowars' parent company after Alex Jones was found liable for defamation after calling the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting a hoax. The acquisition sat in limbo while legal roadblocks got in the way — until now.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- April 28, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:46
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Illinois Lawmakers on What They Hope to Accomplish in the Spring Session
Affordability is front of mind for many as bills on megaprojects and zoning reform make their way through the General Assembly.
New Book on Tulsa Race Massacre Details Ongoing Fight for Reparations
The story of the survivors and their descendants is outlined in “Redeem a Nation: The Century-Long Battle to Restore the Soul of America” by Damario Solomon-Simmons.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- April 27, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:47
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Murder charges are filed in the death of a Chicago police officer killed in a hospital shooting. And a deep dive into crime on the CTA and what’s being done to address it. #chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- April 23, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:46
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- After more than three years on the legislative backburner, the Illinois House on Wednesday approved a major economic development bill that would clear the path for the Chicago Bears to build a new domed stadium in Arlington Heights.
Flooding has always been a threat during Chicago’s warmer months. But that threat is more and more present in the spring. Since March, multiple rounds of severe storms have caused not only flooding but hail damage and even tornadoes.
The 2026 NFL draft takes place in Pittsburgh. With seven picks, key roster losses and a pivotal year ahead for quarterback Caleb Williams, how with the Chicago Bears try to shape the future of the franchise?
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- Meet the New Head of the Cook County Forest Preserves, Adam Bianchi.
- Runtime
- 1:21
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- What kind of outdoorsman leaves Colorado for Illinois? Six months into his tenure as general superintendent of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Adam Bianchi still gets asked that question.
A former ranger with the U.S Forest Service, Bianchi was most recently assigned to Colorado’s White River National Forest located west of Denver, where part of his job description included skiing the slopes at resorts like Breckenridge to clear them of debris. So again, there’s that question: Why leave?
What often gets lost in his resume: Bianchi grew up in central Iowa, hunting and fishing with his dad on the rare parcels of public land that hadn’t been drained and plowed under in the heavily agricultural state.
“We spent a lot of time at local parks and state parks. It made me realize just how important and vital those spaces are for communities,” Bianchi said. “I even noticed this at a young age. That’s where I saw the most deer and ...
- Title
- April 22, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:46
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The significant increase in the number of times Chicago police officers have used force against members of the public since 2022 merits a “full-scale review,” Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office told a federal judge.
The annual Cinco de Mayo Parade in Little Village is being canceled for the second year in a row due to concerns over federal immigration raids, organizers announced. The Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce and Casa Puebla said in a statement the Mexican community continues to face challenges under the Trump administration, and community members have “understandably withdrawn” from public gatherings and celebrations.
Chicago bills itself as a world-class city, but when it comes to recycling, its performance has been less than first-rate. For comparison, places like San Francisco and L.A. claim to keep 80% of their waste out of landfill, while Chicago’s recycling rate has been stubbornly stuck at 9% for years. What’s gone wrong...
- Title
- April 21, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:46
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Ald. Gilbert Villegas on New Role as Zoning Committee Chair
It's considered one of the most powerful positions in City Hall.
What Comes After Artemis II? A Look at NASA's Plans
Scientists and space enthusiasts were delighted last month as four astronauts spent 10 days circling the moon before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- April 20, 2026 Chicago Tonight: Trump Clashes With Pope Leo; CPS and CTU Reach May Day Deal
- Runtime
- 26:47
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Trump Faces Backlash From Religious Leaders
President Donald Trump has clashed with Pope Leo XIV and posted an AI image of himself as Jesus Christ. The president is scheduled to livestream a Bible reading from the Oval Office.
Activist Jahmal Cole on Plans to Live in All 77 Community Areas
The founder of My Block, My Hood, My City is entering his second year of the six-year project. He plans to live for a month in each of Chicago's community areas.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- Week in Review: Trump Clashes With Pope Leo; CPS and CTU Reach May Day Deal
- Runtime
- 26:47
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- After a lengthy back-and-forth, Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union reach a compromise — calling May 1 a Day of Civic Action.
Classes will remain in session despite CTU demands, but CPS will provide transportation to an afternoon rally in Union Park and won’t retaliate against students and staff who attend.
Local religious leaders and beyond slam President Donald Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo XIV.
The Chicago City Council fails to override Mayor Brandon Johnson’s veto of a measure that would roll back the phaseout of tipped minimum wage.
Meanwhile, an appeals court orders the release of two members of the so-called ComEd Four allegedly caught up in former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption scheme.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey says he moved into an apartment in Chicago as he tries to woo voters.
And the CEO of United Airlines sends many eyebrows sky-high as...
- Title
- April 16, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:45
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Inspector General Deborah Witzburg Reflects on Her Tenure
As Chicago’s top watchdog prepares to step down, she leaves behind a series of sharp critiques of police oversight and accountability — including new findings that raise concerns about how misconduct is investigated and documented within the Chicago Police Department.
4 Months Into the Year, Chicago Has Spent at Least $175.6M to Resolve Police Misconduct Lawsuits
Wrongful convictions have long been the most expensive kind of police misconduct in Chicago, and that is set to continue in 2026, records show.
Oscar-Winning Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney on New Steppenwolf Play
A son lost in a clash with the police. A huge cash settlement on the table. And a father torn between staying put in Chicago or starting anew. That all-too-real dilemma is what underpins “Windfall,” a new work written by Oscar-winning Steppenwolf ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney.
Meet the W...
- Title
- April 15, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:46
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- City Council Fails to Override Johnson’s Veto, Keeping Phaseout of Tipped Minimum Wage in Place
The Chicago City Council failed Wednesday to override Mayor Brandon Johnson’s veto of a measure designed to reverse a 2023 City Council vote to phase out the tipped minimum wage, keeping one of Johnson’s major legislative accomplishments intact.
Should CPS Cancel Classes May 1? CTU, School Board Disagree
Chicago Public Schools are expected to remain open May 1, or International Workers' Day. That's after a monthslong public dispute between the Chicago Teachers Union and members of the Chicago Board of Education.
Chicago’s School Board Election Is Coming This Fall — Here’s How It Will Work
For decades, Chicago’s Board of Education has been the only one in Illinois handpicked by the city’s mayor. And for just as long, education advocates have called for that board to be an elected body, representative of Chicago’s diverse residents....
- Title
- April 14, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:46
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- How Some People Charged With Sex Offenses Are Subject to Indefinite Detention
Under two different Illinois laws, people charged with sex offenses are subject to indefinite detention. More than 500 people are currently being held under the procedure known as civil commitment.
Yusef Jackson on the Future of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Following the death of the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Yusef Jackson is inheriting an organization with decades of history. He is charged with taking it into the future.
Efforts to Create More Accessible Housing in Chicago
Chicago’s lack of affordable housing impacts thousands of residents across the city. This problem is exacerbated when accessibility accommodations, such as needing a wheelchair, are also necessary.
WTTW News Explains: What's the Story Behind Chicago's Piping Plovers?
Chicago’s lakefront is famously open and free. So why is a prime section of Montrose Beach roped off every summe...
- Title
- Back of the Yards Coffeehouse Is Bringing Seniors Together With Free Coffee, Activities
- Runtime
- 2:46
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- As people age, staying connected can become harder.
Research shows loneliness is a real concern for older adults, including those living in Chicago neighborhoods.
Every Monday, Back of the Yards Coffeehouse hosts Senior Mondays, welcoming seniors to enjoy a free coffee and pastry while participating in activities designed to foster community and connection.
The idea for Senior Mondays came after owner Jesse Iñiguez and his wife noticed their own parents struggling to find social spaces in the neighborhood.
WTTW News reporter Joanna Hernandez recently stopped by Back of the Yards Coffehouse to learn more.
Story & Video: Joanna Hernandez/WTTW News
#ChicagoTonightWTTW #wttwnews
- Title
- How a Decades-Old Illinois Law Detains Some Convicted Sex Offenders Indefinitely
- Runtime
- 3:00
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Under two different Illinois laws, people charged with sex offenses are subject to indefinite detention. More than 500 people are currently being held under the procedure known as civil commitment.
Brandis Friedman, the Alexandra and John Nichols Chief Correspondent and Anchor for “Chicago Tonight,” examines the law that continues to hold people after they’ve served their sentences, sometimes for decades.
Read the full story on our website.
Story: Brandis Friedman/WTTW News
Video: Nicole Cardos, Brandis Friedman & Blair Paddock/WTTW News
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- April 13, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:46
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Bill Would Ban No-Knock Warrants Across Illinois
Anjanette Young, a social worker who was handcuffed while naked during a botched 2019 Chicago Police Department raid, has renewed her push for a new state law that would ban officers from serving no-knock warrants or from pointing guns at children during raids.
Geoffrey Baer Explores Chicago's Rail System in New WTTW Special
Our very own train enthusiast Geoffrey Baer takes us through the evolution of rail travel and how it got Chicago's landscape and culture on track.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- Week in Review: Calls to Invoke 25th Amendment; Big Moves in Chicago Basketball
- Runtime
- 26:45
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Illinois Democrats join a chorus of calls to remove President Donald Trump from office after he warns Iranians that a “whole civilization will die tonight.”
Trump’s critics call for removing the president from office as the U.S. reaches a tenuous ceasefire with Iran.
Anjanette Young renews efforts to get state lawmakers to ban no-knock warrants, years after the wrongful raid on her home.
Activists and labor groups plan an economic blackout and demonstrations on May Day — with the Chicago Teachers Union calling for classes to be canceled.
Meanwhile, Mayor Brandon Johnson announces a replacement for the controversially fired deputy mayor for community safety.
And big moves in Chicago basketball as the Bulls clean house in the front office and the Sky trade star Angel Reese.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- April 9, 2026 Chicago Tonight Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:48
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- After last month’s win in the Democratic primary, congressional candidate and Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss is gearing up for the Nov. 3 general election, where he will face Republican John Elleson and independent Delila Barrera.
An ordinance allowing 34 of Chicago’s 50 wards to build additional dwelling units, or ADUs, took effect April 1. Adopted last September, the ordinance permits Chicagoans to build small homes in their backyards, basements and attics and rent them out. Often called granny flats or coach houses, ADUs are the city’s latest effort to address rising housing costs in Chicago.
Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th Ward) was the ordinance’s main sponsor. He said that legalizing ADUs in Chicago has been a goal from the start of his time in City Council.
Every Monday, Back of the Yards Coffeehouse hosts Senior Mondays, welcoming seniors to enjoy a free coffee and pastry while participating in activities designed to foster community and con...
- Title
- Nurses at Rush University Medical Center Hold Rally, File Petition to Unionize
- Runtime
- 0:55
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Nurses at Rush University Medical Center rallied across the street from the hospital in the Illinois Medical District on Thursday in support of efforts to unionize.
Rush nurses, in collaboration with National Nurses United and its affiliate National Nurses Organizing Committee, filed a petition Wednesday with the National Labor Relations Board for a union election, according to union organizers.
Nurses are hoping forming a union will lead to improved staffing ratios, increased pay, improved benefits and more transparency from management, Rush nurses told WTTW News.
When filing an election petition, workers need to show that at least 30% of co-workers support holding a union election, according to National Labor Relations Board regulations. If the union receives a majority of the votes cast at the election, the NLRB will certify the union and the employer must bargain in good faith over working conditions.
In a statement, Rush sp...
- Title
- April 8, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:46
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Calls to Remove Trump From Office Are Growing. Here's What to Know About the 25th Amendment
A number of elected officials are calling for President Donald Trump’s removal from office after he threatened that “a whole civilization will die tonight” in a social media post about Iran.
Chicago James Beard Award Nominees on What It Takes to Be a Great Chef
The awards, often likened to the Academy Awards of the food world, recognize chefs, restauranteurs, food writers, critics and journalists in the United States.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- April 7, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:46
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The Debate Over Taxing Wealthy Illinois Residents at a Higher Rate
The Illinois Economic Policy Institute says the income generated could fund public schools or offer property tax rebates to homeowners. Critics argue such a tax could open the door for increased taxation on thousands of small businesses.
One on One With Illinois' Newest Supreme Court Justice
Sanjay Tailor began his term in January and will serve until at least December 2028, when Cook County voters will elect a justice to a 10-year term.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- April 6, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:45
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Trial Starts in Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed by Family of 13-Year-Old Adam Toledo
A high-stakes trial began Monday to determine whether the Chicago Police Department is liable for the death of Adam Toledo, the 13-year-old who was shot and killed by an officer after a brief foot chase in March 2021.
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Her Bid for US Senate
If the Democratic candidate wins, she will be the sixth Black woman to serve as U.S. senator and the second from Illinois.
Free Doula Program Launches on Chicago's South Side
Black mothers die from pregnancy-related causes at higher rates than White women. A new doula program is working to fight that disparity.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- Week in Review: Johnson Moves to Oust Head of CHA Board; Arguments on Birthright Citizenship
- Runtime
- 26:48
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- A meeting of Chicago’s police oversight commission turns tumultuous as protesters call out CPD Supt. Larry Snelling.
Snelling’s long-awaited appearance centered on whether Chicago police aided federal immigration agents — with the top cop arguing his officers kept anti-ICE demonstrators safe.
After nearly a year, Chicago Public Schools finally has a permanent leader with the elevation of interim CEO Macquline King.
Meanwhile, Mayor Brandon Johnson moves to oust the head of the Chicago Housing Authority board and claims commissioners broke the law in hiring a new CEO against Johnson’s wishes.
The U.S. Supreme Court casts a skeptical eye on the president’s plan to curtail birthright citizenship.
And the Fighting Illini gear up for their first Final Four appearance since 2005.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- April 2, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:47
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Chicago's Top Cop Faces Questions Over Claims Officers Collaborated With ICE
Police Supt. Larry Snelling has faced months of intense criticism over allegations officers violated city law by helping federal immigration agents during aggressive raids of the city.
What to Know About the Birthright Citizenship Case Before the Supreme Court
Conservative and liberal justices on Wednesday questioned whether President Donald Trump’s order declaring that children born to parents who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens comports with either the Constitution or federal law.
A Look at the Changing Landscape for Chicago's Cultural Venues
Chicago's cultural landscape is constantly evolving. Some well-known institutions have recently undergone changes, from sales to renovations to closures, with many of these spaces trying to stay afloat.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- April 1, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:46
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- US Senate Candidate Don Tracy on Birthright Citizenship, War in Iran
The Republican candidate is facing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton in November's general election. The two are vying to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.
Local Transgender Leaders on Issues Facing the LGBTQ+ Community
On March 31, Transgender Day of Visibility raises awareness about the lives and challenges of transgender people.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- March 31, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:46
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- US Rep. Delia Ramirez on DHS Funding, War in Iran
A partial government shutdown began in February after a federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota left two U.S. citizens dead. Democrats say they won't fund DHS without reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Republicans argue the proposed changes would endanger ICE agents and the public.
What to Know About Prediction Markets
Once a niche interest, prediction markets have broken through to a wider audience. Not the public and lawmakers are trying to adapt to a world where people can bet on almost anything.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- April 2026 Birthdays — WTTW Kids Club
- Runtime
- 0:51
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Wishing a happy, happy birthday to these kids in the WTTW Kids Club!
The WTTW Kids Club is a very special level of membership. With each Kids Club membership, you can enroll a child to receive a Kids Club Birthday Card from their favorite WTTW Kids character, an On-Air Birthday Greeting, a Kids Club thank you gift, a WTTW Kids Club Card which includes 2-for-1 entrance to children’s museums in the Chicago area and discounts at popular children’s stores, invitations to special events just for kids and families, and more!
Learn more at https://www.wttw.com/kidsclub
- Title
- Julee (Full Episode) — FIRSTHAND: Democracy
- Runtime
- 20:50
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- At 72, Julee Mortensen lives by the maxim that democracy does not retire. She uses a "resistance calendar" to organize weekly protests on causes from voting rights to banned books. While her run for the Elk Grove Village Board ended in defeat, she helped usher in a new generation of candidates who are remaking her quiet, traditional suburb.
See more from FIRSTHAND: Democracy at https://www.wttw.com/firsthand/democracy
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About FIRSTHAND: Democracy
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The historical marker of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence arrives at a moment of strain for American democracy, as political polarization deepens and public trust shifts. Through firsthand accounts, WTTW’s FIRSTHAND: DEMOCRACY shares the stories of five Chicagoans – at a moment when many Americans have lost faith in government – who are tapping into the power of community-driven work to get back to the basics of democratic action and im...
- Title
- March 30, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:46
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Taxpayers Have Paid $28.6M for Chicago’s Police Monitors to Enforce Consent Decree: Data
Chicago taxpayers must foot the bill for the monitors’ work for as long as the consent decree is in effect, according to the binding court order.
Teen Takeover Raises Questions About Public Safety, Space for Young People
Mayor Brandon Johnson last year vetoed a measure that would have allowed police to impose a so-called snap curfew earlier than 10 p.m., in an effort to curb large crowds of young people from gathering.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- Camille (Full Episode) — FIRSTHAND: Democracy
- Runtime
- 25:51
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Testifying in court at age six after her mother's murder inspired Camille Williams to ensure everyone knows their legal rights. At Chicago Votes, she leads programs for inclusive democracy: winning voting rights for the incarcerated, supporting court observers, and overseeing a podcast urging Americans to take an active role in the democratic process.
See more from FIRSTHAND: Democracy at https://www.wttw.com/firsthand/democracy
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About FIRSTHAND: Democracy
----------
The historical marker of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence arrives at a moment of strain for American democracy, as political polarization deepens and public trust shifts. Through firsthand accounts, WTTW’s FIRSTHAND: DEMOCRACY shares the stories of five Chicagoans – at a moment when many Americans have lost faith in government – who are tapping into the power of community-driven work to get back to the basics of democratic ac...
- Title
- Isabel (Full Episode) — FIRSTHAND: Democracy
- Runtime
- 28:09
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- After immigrating from Mexico 23 years ago, Isabel Aguilar-Martinez became a citizen to vote in 2024. Now she tutors other immigrants, celebrating their naturalization by baking custom red, white, and blue cakes. Isabel teaches that democracy is a gift to be shared and protected, whether in the classroom or on the streets of Chicago.
See more from FIRSTHAND: Democracy at https://www.wttw.com/firsthand/democracy
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About FIRSTHAND: Democracy
----------
The historical marker of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence arrives at a moment of strain for American democracy, as political polarization deepens and public trust shifts. Through firsthand accounts, WTTW’s FIRSTHAND: DEMOCRACY shares the stories of five Chicagoans – at a moment when many Americans have lost faith in government – who are tapping into the power of community-driven work to get back to the basics of democratic action and improve t...
- Title
- Week in Review: March 27, 2026
- Runtime
- 26:46
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- #chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- Miten (Full Episode) — FIRSTHAND: Democracy
- Runtime
- 34:12
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Miten Patel teaches his students at Evanston Township High School that democracy is a verb. A British-born Indian immigrant, Miten left the corporate world to teach active citizenship: registering to vote, questioning candidates, and meeting federal judges. His goal is to show democracy is not an abstract principle, but a participatory sport practiced in everyday life.
See more from FIRSTHAND: Democracy at https://www.wttw.com/firsthand/democracy
----------
About FIRSTHAND: Democracy
----------
The historical marker of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence arrives at a moment of strain for American democracy, as political polarization deepens and public trust shifts. Through firsthand accounts, WTTW’s FIRSTHAND: DEMOCRACY shares the stories of five Chicagoans – at a moment when many Americans have lost faith in government – who are tapping into the power of community-driven work to get back to the basic...
- Title
- March 26, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:46
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Where Negotiations Stand as the Partial Government Shutdown Continues
The partial government shutdown over funding for the Department of Homeland Security wades into its sixth week — as TSA employees work without pay, resulting in long lines at major airports.
Board of Education Set to Vote on Naming Macquline King as Full-Time CPS CEO
Chicago’s Board of Education is set to vote on her appointment as full-time CEO during a special board meeting Monday morning. If approved, King’s $380,000-per-year contract would take effect July 1 and run through June 2029, according to the meeting agenda.
Activist Cesar Chavez Is Accused of Sexual Violence. Latina Leaders React
Labor rights leader Dolores Huerta says she was sexually abused by César Chavez amid reported allegations of abuse by others during his tenure as president of The United Farm Workers union.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- Chicago Works with Geoffrey Baer — Full Documentary
- Runtime
- 56:56
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- What does it take to keep Chicago running? Join host Geoffrey Baer as he goes behind the scenes to explore the massive operations and fascinating jobs that power the city. Discover the intricate, unseen work happening every day, from inside Metra's busy control center and the bridge houses of the Chicago River, to the Shedd Aquarium and the special effects set of "Chicago Fire."
Explore more key moments in Chicago's history and the people who keep the city humming: https://www.wttw.com/chicago-works
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
02:11 - Inside a Chicago River Bridge House
06:42 - The Staggering Logistics of a Suburban UPS Facility
10:03 - What Does It Take to Keep Wrigley Field Running?
15:17 - Training Belugas and Salting the Tanks at the Shedd Aquarium
19:21 - The Control Center that Keeps Metra on Track
24:14 - The Chicagoans Reviving Gold-Leaf Sign Painting
28:56 - Wigs, Props, and Other Magic at the Lyric Op...
- Title
- March 25, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:45
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Gas Prices on the Rise as Iran War Stretches Into Fourth Week
Gas prices in Cook County have reached an average of $4.50 per gallon. This comes as the war in Iran continues to threaten oil shipments around the globe.
Lawsuit Aims to Block Chicago's Tax on Social Media Companies
The measure requires social media companies to pay 50 cents per month for every active user beyond the first 100,000 users.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- March 24, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Show
- Runtime
- 26:50
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The Supreme Court justices are weighing whether to count mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day but are postmarked on time. Illinois accepts ballots up to two weeks later.
And how does ranked choice voting work? We explain.
#chicagotonightwttw #WTTWNews
- Title
- Mayor Brandon Johnson Meets With Men in Prison Working Toward Northwestern University Degrees
- Runtime
- 2:58
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Earlier this month, Mayor Brandon Johnson spent some time in a place few, if any, Chicago mayors have been: an Illinois state prison, visiting incarcerated men who are students in a prison education program.
It’s something staff with the Northwestern Prison Education Program, or NPEP, has been working on for quite some time, and they were finally able to make it happen.
WTTW News has been following the NPEP program for several years, including the graduation of its inaugural class in 2023, which was the first group of incarcerated students to earn a bachelor’s degree from a top university.
The program has since moved from the now-shuttered Stateville Correctional Center to Sheridan Correctional Center, almost two hours southwest of Chicago.
It’s a medium-security prison with hundreds of men originally from Chicago, who had the chance to meet and even ask questions of the mayor on Sunday.
WTTW News, in collaboration ...
- Title
- March 23, 2026 Chicago Tonight – Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:50
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport is among at least 14 airports across the country where ICE agents were deployed to assist overwhelmed TSA agents. As the partial government shutdown continues, TSA agents are working without pay.
Supporters of the measure to keep the tipped minimum wage on the books contend that the pay raises have cut into restaurants’ already thin margins, forcing them to cut jobs and shelve expansion plans. Supporters of ending the tipped minimum wage said workers should not see their pay cut at a time when gas prices are soaring and rent increases happen annually.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- Week in Review: Illinois Primary Results; Tipped Minimum Wage
- Runtime
- 26:49
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton emerges victorious after a bruising Democratic primary to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.
After weeks of neck-and-neck polls, unofficial results show Stratton with a commanding seven-point victory.
It’s 2022 all over again as Gov. JB Pritzker is set to face a challenge from Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey.
Mayor Brandon Johnson slams an aldermanic effort to reverse course on phasing out tipped minimum wage.
Meanwhile, dueling accusations after the mayor swiftly fires his deputy mayor for public safety.
And the Chicago Housing Authority board bucks the mayor and appoints a CEO of its own choosing.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- March 19, 2026 Chicago Tonight – Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:38
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- GOP Candidate Darren Bailey on His Gubernatorial Run
Illinois is gearing up for a rematch. This November, incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker will once again face off against Republican candidate Darren Bailey.
Democratic Candidates Donna Miller, La Shawn Ford on Their Congressional Races
After successful primary runs, candidates Donna Miller and La Shawn Ford look ahead to the November general election.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- March 18, 2026 Chicago Tonight – Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:38
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Gov. JB Pritzker Talks Stratton's Big Win, 2026 Midterms
In a one-on-one interview with WTTW News, the Illinois governor talks about primary election results, the upcoming general election and more.
Chicago City Council Votes to End Phaseout of Tipped Minimum Wage
Alderpeople voted 30-18 to reverse a 2023 vote to phase out the tipped minimum wage, one of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s major legislative accomplishments. The reversal did not pass with a veto-proof majority.
Pat Hynes Wins Democratic Primary for Cook County Assessor
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi conceded defeat to Pat Hynes, a one-time employee of the two-term incumbent’s office.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- March 17, 2026, Illinois Primary Election Results
- Runtime
- 26:49
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- For months, the big question in Illinois politics has been who is going to be the Democrat running to replace U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. The Associated Press has called that race, with Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton defeating U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly.
WTTW News is live with the results of the 2026 Illinois Primary.
#chicagotonightwttw
#WTTWNews
- Title
- March 17, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Illinois Primary Preview
- Runtime
- 26:57
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- It’s Election Day in Illinois. We have the latest on key races and voter turnout. Plus, a look at what’s at stake and how local races play into the national picture.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- March 16, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:47
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Illinois voters will head to the polls tomorrow to pick a full slate nominees for the November elections. On the ballot, a hotly contested United States Senate seat that Dick Durbin has held for 30 years. Heather Cherone joins us to break down that race and more.
The battle for the Chicago Bears may be headed to the fourth quarter. As the team looks to move on from its home at Soldier Field, a suitor has emerged across the state line: Hammond, Indiana.
Students of the Northwestern Prison Education Program, which offers undergraduate degrees to men incarcerated at Sheridan, their families and professors had the opportunity to speak with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
While for some the holiday may mean green beer and lots of partying, one thing’s for certain: Chicago’s estimated 200,000 residents of Irish heritage take their traditions seriously. And there’s no more iconic Chicago St. Patrick’s Day tradition than dyeing the Chicago River gr...
- Title
- Week in Review: Election Day Preview, Tornado Recovery and Special Prosecutor Calls
- Runtime
- 26:46
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- It’s the final countdown — the Illinois primary election is, at long last, almost here.
Three leading candidates in a contentious Senate fight and a host of other races make their closing arguments as Tuesday fast approaches.
Kankakee County picks up the pieces after a tornado destroys at least 30 homes — and appears to have claimed a life.
Elected officials and animal rights leaders sound the alarm over the embattled pick to lead Chicago Animal Care and Control.
In the meantime, calls for a special prosecutor to investigate immigration agent misconduct during Midway Blitz draws the ire of the Cook County state’s attorney.
And questions over a U.S. citizen’s claim she was detained by ICE for 30 hours.
Guests:
Michael Liptrot, Block Club Chicago
Monica Eng, Axios Chicago
Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune
Violet Miller, Chicago Sun-Times ...
- Title
- March 12, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 26:48
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- War in the Middle East is disrupting oil prices and tariffs are adding a layer of uncertainty to trade. Meanwhile, stocks are down to start the year. What do you need to know about investing amid the uncertainty?
The movie “Sinners” is up for 16 Oscars this weekend. We take a look at how the film is sparking conversation around blues history and Chicago's place in the music genre.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- March 11, 2026 Chicago Tonight - Full Episode
- Runtime
- 31:57
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Chicago Council on Global Affairs President Analyzes the War in Iran
Iran's response to the surprise Israeli and U.S. bombardment that started 12 days ago has upended trade routes, choked supplies of fuel and fertilizer coming out of the Gulf and threatened air traffic through one of the world's most-traveled regions.
Preservation Chicago Announces Most Endangered Buildings for 2026
Since 2003, the organization has released an annual list highlighting historic sites at risk of deterioration or demolition in hopes of building public support to save them.
Meet the Illinois Author Preserving the History of the Underground Railroad
Glennette Tilley Turner has written several books with a passion to educate others and encourage readers of all ages to keep learning.
#chicagotonightwttw #wttwnews
- Title
- Chicago Researchers on a Mission to Bring Home Remains of Fallen American Soldiers
- Runtime
- 2:52
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Inside the Department of Behavioral Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago, a dedicated team of researchers is working to solve decades-old mysteries by locating and identifying the remains of missing American service members who never made it home from war.
Rick Elliott and Jessica Bishop work at the university’s Center for the Recovery and Identification of the Missing (CRIM). The center partners with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), a federal agency that recovers U.S. service members who were killed in past conflicts and are still unaccounted for.
“We get to participate in this mission to bring service members home and help families,” Bishop said.
The DPAA brings together teams of historians, archaeologists and forensic scientists to search for soldiers from conflicts such as World War II and the Vietnam War. CRIM researchers have searched for WWII soldiers in the Philippines and supported missions in Vietnam and Ital...
