WTTW - Chicago PBS
@wttw.bsky.social
As Chicago's PBS station, WTTW is committed to producing and presenting independent, trusted, best-in-class content fueled by a distinctly Chicago sensibility.
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https://t.co/QTmgsrKIaj
Jerry Costello II, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, said this week the latest aid package is not nearly enough to make up for the losses farmers are suffering.
“Tariffs are crushing farmers again,” Costello said in a statement.
https://to.wttw.com/3MrFdG
“Tariffs are crushing farmers again,” Costello said in a statement.
https://to.wttw.com/3MrFdG
Illinois Agriculture Director Says Trump Trade Policies Are ‘Crushing’ Farmers
Jerry Costello II, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, said the money being offered is not nearly enough to make up for the losses farmers are suffering.
to.wttw.com
December 13, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Jerry Costello II, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, said this week the latest aid package is not nearly enough to make up for the losses farmers are suffering.
“Tariffs are crushing farmers again,” Costello said in a statement.
https://to.wttw.com/3MrFdG
“Tariffs are crushing farmers again,” Costello said in a statement.
https://to.wttw.com/3MrFdG
As freezing temperatures kick into high gear in the Chicago area, utility watchdog and consumer advocate groups are warning that rising gas bills are likely to exacerbate hardships for households looking to stay warm this winter.
https://to.wttw.com/48zB5Nk
https://to.wttw.com/48zB5Nk
Rising Gas Bills Could Exacerbate Hardships for Chicagoans This Winter, Consumer Advocates Warn
A review of the gas market in northern Illinois released by the consumer advocate groups Citizens Utility Board and Illinois PIRG highlighted that rising natural gas prices, in addition to rate hikes ...
to.wttw.com
December 13, 2025 at 12:04 AM
As freezing temperatures kick into high gear in the Chicago area, utility watchdog and consumer advocate groups are warning that rising gas bills are likely to exacerbate hardships for households looking to stay warm this winter.
https://to.wttw.com/48zB5Nk
https://to.wttw.com/48zB5Nk
The Trump administration is ruffling more feathers with some fans of America’s national parks — this time by replacing images of the picturesque parks on some annual passes with an image of President Donald Trump’s face.
https://to.wttw.com/44qgIQ9
https://to.wttw.com/44qgIQ9
Trump’s Face Will Replace Images of National Parks on Some Annual Passes, Environmental Group Sues to Stop Change
The Department of the Interior, which oversees national parks, announced recently it was unveiling “commemorative new designs” for park passes — one of which features Trump’s face alongside George Was...
to.wttw.com
December 12, 2025 at 9:22 PM
The Trump administration is ruffling more feathers with some fans of America’s national parks — this time by replacing images of the picturesque parks on some annual passes with an image of President Donald Trump’s face.
https://to.wttw.com/44qgIQ9
https://to.wttw.com/44qgIQ9
A federal appeals court blocked the immediate release of hundreds of immigrants detained during a Chicago area immigration crackdown in a split decision Thursday.
https://to.wttw.com/4oPRuSw
https://to.wttw.com/4oPRuSw
Court Blocks Release of Hundreds of Immigrants Arrested in Chicago-Area Operations
Last month, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings, who found the government violated the agreement, ordered the release of more than 600 immigrants on bond, which the appeals court paused. Roughly 450 ...
to.wttw.com
December 12, 2025 at 8:16 PM
A federal appeals court blocked the immediate release of hundreds of immigrants detained during a Chicago area immigration crackdown in a split decision Thursday.
https://to.wttw.com/4oPRuSw
https://to.wttw.com/4oPRuSw
"When we get sent out of our firehouses, it’s always to help somebody for whatever reason," said battalion chief James "Jimmy" Spalla. "Man, the stuff that we’ve seen, the stuff that we’ve done." #ChicagoWorksWTTW to.wttw.com/44kc5Ho
Firefighting Is in the Family for this Chicago Fire Department Battalion Chief
When Chicago Fire Department Battalion Chief James Spalla was a little kid growing up in Bridgeport, he remembers looking forward to seeing Uncle Jack and Uncle Jerry at family parties... Continue rea...
www.wttw.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:21 PM
"When we get sent out of our firehouses, it’s always to help somebody for whatever reason," said battalion chief James "Jimmy" Spalla. "Man, the stuff that we’ve seen, the stuff that we’ve done." #ChicagoWorksWTTW to.wttw.com/44kc5Ho
The Chicago man who allegedly set a passenger on fire aboard a CTA Blue Line train last month is now accused in a separate incident stemming from an attempted sexual assault on a train earlier this year. https://to.wttw.com/3Mqo93R
Man Charged in Blue Line Arson Attack Facing New Charges From Separate CTA Incident
Lawrence Reed, 50, is scheduled to be arraigned next week on two counts of aggravated battery stemming from a March incident on a Blue Line train.
to.wttw.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:15 PM
The Chicago man who allegedly set a passenger on fire aboard a CTA Blue Line train last month is now accused in a separate incident stemming from an attempted sexual assault on a train earlier this year. https://to.wttw.com/3Mqo93R
Judge Charles Beach has inherited the nation’s second-largest unified court system — and it comes with some baggage.
The new chief judge joined “Chicago Tonight” on Thursday to discuss his priorities and vision for the future. https://to.wttw.com/3KN4lXR
The new chief judge joined “Chicago Tonight” on Thursday to discuss his priorities and vision for the future. https://to.wttw.com/3KN4lXR
December 12, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Judge Charles Beach has inherited the nation’s second-largest unified court system — and it comes with some baggage.
The new chief judge joined “Chicago Tonight” on Thursday to discuss his priorities and vision for the future. https://to.wttw.com/3KN4lXR
The new chief judge joined “Chicago Tonight” on Thursday to discuss his priorities and vision for the future. https://to.wttw.com/3KN4lXR
Terminally ill Illinois residents will be allowed to take life-ending medication prescribed by a doctor under a bill signed Friday by Gov. JB Pritzker.
https://to.wttw.com/4q9pNFy
https://to.wttw.com/4q9pNFy
Pritzker Signs ‘Medical Aid in Dying’ Bill
Illinois is now the 12th state to allow doctor-assisted suicide.
to.wttw.com
December 12, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Terminally ill Illinois residents will be allowed to take life-ending medication prescribed by a doctor under a bill signed Friday by Gov. JB Pritzker.
https://to.wttw.com/4q9pNFy
https://to.wttw.com/4q9pNFy
Since the start of the year, Chicago taxpayers spent $204.6 million to resolve lawsuits brought by 22 people wrongfully convicted based on evidence gathered by the Chicago Police Department, according to an analysis of city data by WTTW News.
https://to.wttw.com/48PCrlM
https://to.wttw.com/48PCrlM
Wrongful Convictions Cost Chicago Taxpayers $204.6M in 2025: Analysis
In the latest case to be settled, the Chicago City Council agreed Wednesday to pay $15.4 million to Robert Smith Jr., who spent 33 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of the 1987 double m...
to.wttw.com
December 12, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Since the start of the year, Chicago taxpayers spent $204.6 million to resolve lawsuits brought by 22 people wrongfully convicted based on evidence gathered by the Chicago Police Department, according to an analysis of city data by WTTW News.
https://to.wttw.com/48PCrlM
https://to.wttw.com/48PCrlM
Dave Willard has spent over 40 years documenting migrating birds’ deadly collisions with buildings in Chicago.
“There’s a sadness about it,” Willard conceded, but it’s also fulfilling to give purpose to the birds, to ensure they didn’t die in vain. https://to.wttw.com/3XMH1MT
“There’s a sadness about it,” Willard conceded, but it’s also fulfilling to give purpose to the birds, to ensure they didn’t die in vain. https://to.wttw.com/3XMH1MT
Meet the Scientist Who’s Spent Decades Making Sure Birds Killed in Chicago Building Collisions Don’t Die in Vain
After a career spent largely in the shadows, Field Museum ornithologist Dave Willard is enjoying a moment in the spotlight for his contributions to conservation.
to.wttw.com
December 12, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Dave Willard has spent over 40 years documenting migrating birds’ deadly collisions with buildings in Chicago.
“There’s a sadness about it,” Willard conceded, but it’s also fulfilling to give purpose to the birds, to ensure they didn’t die in vain. https://to.wttw.com/3XMH1MT
“There’s a sadness about it,” Willard conceded, but it’s also fulfilling to give purpose to the birds, to ensure they didn’t die in vain. https://to.wttw.com/3XMH1MT
Eggplant parmesan is a crowd pleaser, but frying a bunch of slices of eggplant is messy and a hands-on process. Sara Moulton saves you the trouble with this recipe.
Eggplant Parmesan Without the Frying from 'Sara's Weeknight Meals'
Eggplant parmesan is a crowd pleaser, but frying a bunch of slices of eggplant is messy and a hands-on process. Sara Moulton saves you the trouble with this recipe.
www.wttw.com
December 12, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Eggplant parmesan is a crowd pleaser, but frying a bunch of slices of eggplant is messy and a hands-on process. Sara Moulton saves you the trouble with this recipe.
Indiana’s Republican-led senate voted against a redrawn congressional map Thursday that would have favored their party in the 2026 elections, despite months of pressure by President Donald Trump for a rare mid-cycle redistricting. https://to.wttw.com/4q3Uegg
Indiana Republicans Block Trump’s Redistricting Push in a Rare Break With the President
The president has urged GOP-led states to gerrymander their U.S. house districts ahead of the midterms to create more winnable seats for Republicans. It’s an unusual move, since the district boundarie...
to.wttw.com
December 11, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Indiana’s Republican-led senate voted against a redrawn congressional map Thursday that would have favored their party in the 2026 elections, despite months of pressure by President Donald Trump for a rare mid-cycle redistricting. https://to.wttw.com/4q3Uegg
Chicago has long stood at the center of America’s labor story. From the railyards to the stockyards, the city’s workers fought for fair pay, safer conditions, and the right to organize. to.wttw.com/48NUd9b #ChicagoWorksWTTW
Key Moments in Chicago Labor History
Chicago has long stood at the center of America’s labor story. From the rail yards to the stockyards, the city’s workers fought for fair pay, safer conditions, and the right to organize, often at trem...
www.wttw.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Chicago has long stood at the center of America’s labor story. From the railyards to the stockyards, the city’s workers fought for fair pay, safer conditions, and the right to organize. to.wttw.com/48NUd9b #ChicagoWorksWTTW
The Senate on Thursday rejected legislation to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, essentially guaranteeing that millions of Americans will see a steep rise in costs at the beginning of the year. https://to.wttw.com/494BdEB
Senate Rejects Extension of Health Care Subsidies as Costs Set to Rise for Millions of Americans
Senators rejected a Democratic bill to extend the subsidies for three years and a Republican alternative that would have created new health savings accounts — an unceremonious end to a monthslong effo...
to.wttw.com
December 11, 2025 at 8:30 PM
The Senate on Thursday rejected legislation to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, essentially guaranteeing that millions of Americans will see a steep rise in costs at the beginning of the year. https://to.wttw.com/494BdEB
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., had pushed for the hearing, saying domestic deployments traditionally have involved responding to major floods and tornadoes, not assisting immigration agents who are detaining people in aggressive raids.
https://to.wttw.com/4iUEU3l
https://to.wttw.com/4iUEU3l
Senators Clash Over Trump’s National Guard Deployments During Hearing Urged by Duckworth
Top military officials faced questioning over the deployments for the first time at the hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. They were pressed by Democrats over the legality of sending ...
to.wttw.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., had pushed for the hearing, saying domestic deployments traditionally have involved responding to major floods and tornadoes, not assisting immigration agents who are detaining people in aggressive raids.
https://to.wttw.com/4iUEU3l
https://to.wttw.com/4iUEU3l
The family of Chicago police Officer Krystal Rivera, who was fatally shot in the line of duty this year by her partner, says the shooting came after she broke off a romantic relationship with him.
https://to.wttw.com/3YrJigs
https://to.wttw.com/3YrJigs
Family of Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera Suing Department, Partner Who Fatally Shot Her
The family of Chicago police Officer Krystal Rivera, who was fatally shot in the line of duty this year by a fellow officer, says the shooting came after she broke off a romantic relationship with her...
to.wttw.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:14 PM
The family of Chicago police Officer Krystal Rivera, who was fatally shot in the line of duty this year by her partner, says the shooting came after she broke off a romantic relationship with him.
https://to.wttw.com/3YrJigs
https://to.wttw.com/3YrJigs
Residents of the South Shore apartment building raided by federal agents in September — must vacate their apartments by Friday.
Dixon Romeo, executive director of Southside Together, joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the building’s conditions and path forward for tenants.
Dixon Romeo, executive director of Southside Together, joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the building’s conditions and path forward for tenants.
December 11, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Residents of the South Shore apartment building raided by federal agents in September — must vacate their apartments by Friday.
Dixon Romeo, executive director of Southside Together, joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the building’s conditions and path forward for tenants.
Dixon Romeo, executive director of Southside Together, joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the building’s conditions and path forward for tenants.
Kathy Cortez, vice president of the League of Women Voters of Illinois, and Mike Murphy, a former Republican state representative in Indiana who now works in corporate communications spoke with WTTW News on redistricting in Indiana as legislation heads to a final floor vote.
December 11, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Kathy Cortez, vice president of the League of Women Voters of Illinois, and Mike Murphy, a former Republican state representative in Indiana who now works in corporate communications spoke with WTTW News on redistricting in Indiana as legislation heads to a final floor vote.
The end of the year can be a time for slowing down, being cozy and getting settled from the chaos of the year for a bit of holiday hibernation. Chicagoans can still find space to rest and explore the many cultural happenings this city has to offer.
https://to.wttw.com/44nSI03
https://to.wttw.com/44nSI03
From an Exhibit Inspired By a Telephone Pole to a Kurdish Film Festival, Here Are 4 Arts Picks For Your Weekend
Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.
to.wttw.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:54 PM
The end of the year can be a time for slowing down, being cozy and getting settled from the chaos of the year for a bit of holiday hibernation. Chicagoans can still find space to rest and explore the many cultural happenings this city has to offer.
https://to.wttw.com/44nSI03
https://to.wttw.com/44nSI03
Federal investigators in Chicago are seeking other potential victims after a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent described by prosecutors as a “serial rapist” who preyed on suburban women was arrested and charged this week. https://to.wttw.com/4psyv1v
FBI Seeking Other Possible Victims of Chicago Border Patrol Officer Alleged to Be ‘Serial Rapist’
The FBI’s Chicago field office on Wednesday said it is seeking to identify other potential victims of 44-year-old Luis Uribe, who stands accused of robbing and/or sexually assaulting at least four wom...
to.wttw.com
December 10, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Federal investigators in Chicago are seeking other potential victims after a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent described by prosecutors as a “serial rapist” who preyed on suburban women was arrested and charged this week. https://to.wttw.com/4psyv1v
The Federal Reserve reduced its key interest rate for the third time in a row Wednesday but signaled it may leave rates unchanged in the coming months, a move that could attract ire from President Trump, who's demanded steep reductions to borrowing costs. https://to.wttw.com/4q0aNtt
Federal Reserve Cuts Key Rate While Signaling Higher Bar for Future Reductions
The Federal Reserve reduced its key interest rate for the third time in a row Wednesday but signaled that it may leave rates unchanged in the coming months.
to.wttw.com
December 10, 2025 at 10:25 PM
The Federal Reserve reduced its key interest rate for the third time in a row Wednesday but signaled it may leave rates unchanged in the coming months, a move that could attract ire from President Trump, who's demanded steep reductions to borrowing costs. https://to.wttw.com/4q0aNtt
Despite little to no daylight — plus months of frigid temperatures — people who live in northern Europe and above the Arctic Circle have learned how to cope mentally and physically with the annual onset of the winter blues. https://to.wttw.com/44Zsf9e
Chicago Weather Got You Down? Here's How Nordic People Beat the Blues During Long, Dark Winters
Despite little to no daylight -- plus months of frigid temperatures -- people who live in northern Europe and above the Arctic Circle have learned how to cope mentally and physically with the annual onset of the winter blues.
news.wttw.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Despite little to no daylight — plus months of frigid temperatures — people who live in northern Europe and above the Arctic Circle have learned how to cope mentally and physically with the annual onset of the winter blues. https://to.wttw.com/44Zsf9e
Chicago Transit Board members on Wednesday acknowledged there’s work to be done to ensure trains and buses are as safe as possible, but took aim at a blistering letter sent earlier this week claiming the CTA has failed in its public safety mission. https://to.wttw.com/4oYtJbi
CTA Board OKs $1.75M Settlement, Pushes Back on Federal Claims of Lax Transit Safety
Chicago Transit Board members on Wednesday acknowledged there’s work to be done to ensure trains and buses are as safe as possible, but took aim at a blistering letter sent earlier this week claiming ...
to.wttw.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Chicago Transit Board members on Wednesday acknowledged there’s work to be done to ensure trains and buses are as safe as possible, but took aim at a blistering letter sent earlier this week claiming the CTA has failed in its public safety mission. https://to.wttw.com/4oYtJbi
The City Council has agreed to meet next week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Dec. 23 in an attempt to hammer out a deal over the $16.6 billion spending plan for 2026.
https://to.wttw.com/3XK9jYj
https://to.wttw.com/3XK9jYj
Budget Deadlock Continues as Critics of Mayor’s Proposal Push Forward
Over the objections of the mayor, the Chicago City Council agreed to meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Dec. 23 in an attempt to hammer out a deal over the $16.6 billion spending plan.
to.wttw.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The City Council has agreed to meet next week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Dec. 23 in an attempt to hammer out a deal over the $16.6 billion spending plan for 2026.
https://to.wttw.com/3XK9jYj
https://to.wttw.com/3XK9jYj
The latest WTTW special from Geoffrey Baer, “Chicago Works,” brings to the forefront the often unseen work that helps keep the city running. "Chicago Tonight" chatted with him ahead of the premiere Tuesday:
https://to.wttw.com/3KJHuMO
https://to.wttw.com/3KJHuMO
December 10, 2025 at 8:13 PM
The latest WTTW special from Geoffrey Baer, “Chicago Works,” brings to the forefront the often unseen work that helps keep the city running. "Chicago Tonight" chatted with him ahead of the premiere Tuesday:
https://to.wttw.com/3KJHuMO
https://to.wttw.com/3KJHuMO