WTTW News Explains: What to Know About Chicago Board of Education Elections

A look at the historic Board of Education election in Chicago set for November 2026. (1m 54s)

Mayoral Candidate John Kelly Posts Visits to Chicago Fire Stations on Social Media

The lobbyist filmed videos at Chicago firehouses, raising questions about his use of city resources. (1m 30s)

Four Rescue Belugas Arrive at Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium's newest belugas are being monitored around the clock behind the scenes. (14s)

Employees at the Joliet Treatment Center Ague With Firefighters

In a surveillance video, Joliet Treatment Center employees can be seen arguing with firefighters. (16s)

Rescued Belugas Arrive at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago

Beluga whales arrive at Shedd Aquarium. (Video courtesy of Shedd Aquarium) (3m 14s)

Beluga Whales Moved Out of Canadian Park

Beluga whales are moved out of a Canadian aquatic park (45s)

Beluga Whales Are Rescued From Defunct Canadian Water Park

Beluga whales are moved out of a Canadian aquatic park. (Video courtesy of Shedd Aquarium) (2m 22s)

Swarms of Beetles in Welles Park

Swarms of beetles were spotted in Welles Park on July 13, 2026. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News) (13s)

Large Cross Found Burning in Grant Park

Video courtesy of Keinika Carlton (14s)

WTTW News Explains: What You Need to Know About Tornadoes

WTTW News Explains on the common misconceptions around tornadoes. (2m 39s)

Women Are Claiming Their Space in Mexico City’s Street Art Scene

Women are transforming the city’s walls into bold statements of visibility and power. (2m 44s)

Sex Workers in Mexico City Say World Cup Upgrades Are Pushing Them Out

In Mexico City, sex work is legal but largely informal. (4m 14s)

The Rise of Women’s Softball in Mexico City

Los Diablos Rojos Femenil is the Mexico City softball team. (4m 56s)

People Deported to Mexico From the US Work to Find Community, Build Connections

A community is growing in Mexico City of people who have been deported from the U.S. (4m 58s)

Organization Fights to Pass Ancient Sustainable Farming Skills to Future Generations

Outside of Mexico City, a group is working to preserve ancient farming practices. (4m 43s)

A Mexican Family Turns Textile Waste Into Sustainable Fashion

Siblings Mónica and Eleazar Guevara are fifth-generation textile makers. (2m 47s)

In Mexico and Chicago, Luchadoras Are Challenging Machismo

Lucha libre, or “free wrestling,” is woven into the fabric of Mexico’s cultural identity. (4m 17s)

As Mexico City Prepares to Host World Cup, Construction Is Taking a Toll on Locals

Residents said the rapid construction is destroying local infrastructure. (4m 5s)

Rare Ghost Orchid Blooms at the Chicago Botanic Garden

A ghost orchid will be on display in the Tropical Greenhouse through May 25, 2026. (22s)

Behind the Scenes of the Bears’ Bob Ross-Themed Schedule Reveal With Rome Odunze

The Bears dropped their schedule reveal video featuring Rome Odunze showing off some artistic flair. (3m 28s)

Rome Odunze on Becoming Bob Ross, Hopes for New Chicago Bears Season

WTTW News reporter Nick Blumberg interviewed Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze at Halas Hall. (2m 22s)

Bison Calf Unexpectedly Born in Kane County

A bison was born in Kane County on tallgrass prairie for the first time in an estimated 200 years. (10s)

Mourners Gather at Funeral for Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew

Mourners & members of the Chicago Police Department gathered at St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church. (47s)

CPD Commander Alison Christian Speaks at Officer John Bartholomew's Funeral

John Bartholomew’s family and colleagues remembered him as a family man and a “cop’s cop.” (1m 56s)

Chicago Organizations Work to Address Suicide Rates Among Black Young People

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among children and young adults in the United States. (5m 10s)

Partner's Body-Camera Video in Shooting of Officer Krystal Rivera

Body-camera video from Officer Carlos Baker in the shooting death of Officer Krystal Rivera. (COPA) (5m 40s)

Officer Krystal Rivera's Body-Camera Video Shows Moments Before Her Fatal Shooting

Body-camera video from Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera shows her fatal shooting. (2m 47s)

WTTW News Explains: How Does the Chicago Harbor Lock Work?

It’s the second busiest harbor lock in the nation, and it’s right there next to Navy Pier. (2m 16s)

Nonprofit Works to Build Accessible Housing for Those With Disabilities

A Chicago nonprofit wants more accessible housing geared toward people with disabilities. (3m 36s)

How a Decades-Old Illinois Law Detains Some Convicted Sex Offenders Indefinitely

Explaining Illinois' post-conviction civil commitment statute. (2m 59s)

Cherry Trees Bloom in Jackson Park

Cherry trees in Chicago's Jackson Park are beginning their annual bloom. (58s)

Now Playing

Investing in Latino Arts as Organizations Face Funding Cuts

Only around 6% of philanthropic arts funding is directed toward Latino arts. (3m 56s)

Former President Barack Obama Speaks at the Rev. Jesse Jackson's Funeral

Former presidents, star singers and thousands more gathered on the South Side to honor Jackson. (1m 3s)

Yep, It Rained Mud in Chicago

Vehicles across the city were coated in dirt Wednesday. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News) (40s)

Lyrics From ‘La Mudanza’ by Bad Bunny

Lyrics from “La Mudanza” by Bad Bunny. (Courtesy of Rimas Entertainment) (15s)

Chicago Bears Celebrate Super Bowl XX Win With a Parade

On Jan. 26, 1986, the Chicago Bears returned home to celebrate a Super Bowl win. (2m 42s)

Chicago Bears Win Super Bowl XX on Jan. 25, 1986

Forty years ago on Jan. 26, 1986, the Chicago Bears won their first and only Super Bowl. (13m 56s)

Look Back on the Chicago Bears' 1986 NFC Championship Game

A look back at the Chicago Bears 1986 NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams. (6m 49s)

The Importance of Black Male Role Models in the Classroom

According to CPS’ most recent figures from 2022, Black men make up just 3.6% of CPS teachers. (4m 28s)

Video From ICE Agent’s Cellphone Captures Fatal Confrontation in Minneapolis

Video captured by an ICE agent shows he tense moments surrounding his fatal shooting of Renee Good. (37s)

New

'O'Hare Flyer' Would Offer 15-Minute Rides From Airport to the Loop

Video has Closed CaptionsCC

A Chicago-based team is working to get the project off the ground. (9m 36s)

New

Chicago State University Gears Up for Its First Football Game

Video has Closed CaptionsCC

Several Chicago-area players are getting the chance to make history. (2m 59s)

New

Chicago-Born Veteran Toni Brooks on Her Bid for Mayor

Video has Closed CaptionsCC

Chicago’s next mayoral election is less than a year away. The list of candidates continues to grow. (7m 25s)

New

Supreme Court Decision on Mail-In Ballots Stirs Confusion. Here's What to Know

Video has Closed CaptionsCC

Illinois is now suing the U.S. Postal Service, seeking to challenge an order from the president. (10m 11s)

New

State, City File Lawsuit Over Bad Odors at South Side Vegetable Oil Plant

Video has Closed CaptionsCC

For some Southeast Side residents, complaints of bad smells have been going on for years. (8m 53s)

New

Doctors Sound the Alarm After Trump Recommends Changes to Childhood Vaccines

Video has Closed CaptionsCC

The administration recommends fewer vaccines and splitting the MMR vaccine into separate shots. (8m 51s)

New

Chicago's New Public Health Commissioner on His Plans for the Future

Video has Closed CaptionsCC

Dr. Garth Walker was appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson and unanimously confirmed by City Council. (10m 26s)

New

WTTW News Explains: How This Year’s Chicago Board of Education Elections Will Work

Video has Closed CaptionsCC

November 2026 marks the one and only time all 21 seats will be up for election. WTTW News explains. (2m 42s)

New

Thousands Still Without Power in Gary Nearly 2 Weeks After Intense Storms

Video has Closed CaptionsCC

High winds damaged homes, uprooted trees and knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of people. (8m 16s)

New

How Local Groups Are Trying to Reduce Absenteeism in CPS Schools

Video has Closed CaptionsCC

Many CPS students are chronically absent, meaning they miss 10% or more of the academic year. (9m 22s)