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(WTTW News)

Crime & Law

Amid Concerns Over Paper, Illinois Prisons Would Be Able to Electronically Scan Mail Under New Contract

At issue is concerns over drug exposures tied to physical mail and whether... Read More

Chicago City Hall. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)

Politics

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Spending Plan That Hikes Taxes by $234M Set for Final Vote

Two key Chicago City Council committees voted Tuesday to send Johnson’s $17.... Read More

Teenagers running through Riverview.

coming up

Chicago Stories: Amusement Parks

Riverview. Kiddieland. White City. These long-lost amusement parks and many more are fondly remembered by Chicagoans who enjoyed them as children. Take a nostalgic look back at the thrills, spills, and decadent treats at these parks, the innovative rides that were created for them, and the important role that Chicago played in the evolution of this classic summertime diversion where you and your family could “laugh your troubles away.” Audio-narrated descriptions of key visual elements are available.

wttw food

Shopping for the Foodie in Your Life?

A few Chicago chefs and artisans shared what holiday gifts they’re giving their loved ones this year – many of which are ideal for the foodie in your life.

Foodie gifts.

nova

Rebuilding Notre Dame

Go behind the scenes with a team of engineers, masons, and timber workers tackling the daunting challenges of restoring the historic landmark.

Paris’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral

world of food

Fruitcake

“Nobody in the United States has ever bought a fruitcake for himself.” – Calvin Trillin

Fruitcake

For parents

Try Delicious Holiday Food Traditions From Around the World

Giving special food to others at the holidays is a personal way to join and grow in a community. 

Mom and child eating holiday treats.
A monarch butterfly resting on pink milkweed blooms

Science & Nature

Monarch Butterfly One Step Closer to Endangered Species Listing. What Does It Mean, and What Happens Next?

On Tuesday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it was proposing to list the monarch butterfly as an endangered species. A final decision is expected by the end of the year.

Santa holds his arms wide from a float behind fake reindeer in a black and white photo

History

Step Back in Time to A Christmas Past with this 1964 Chicago Christmas Parade Photo

In a nostalgic Chicago History Museum image, Santa, the undeniable star of the show, waves to onlookers in a Christmas parade along State Street. 

A family sits on the ground unwrapping presents in a house decorated for Christmas

Highlights

Get in the Holiday Spirit with WTTW’s Festive Programming

The holidays are here, and WTTW is here to help get you in the festive spirit with a line-up of holiday programming.

The current state flag of Illinois, which features an eagle standing atop a rock

Politics

10 Final Designs for Next Illinois State Flag Include Corn Kernels, Abraham Lincoln and a Butterfly

The Illinois Flag Commission chose the 10 finalists from nearly 5,000 submissions in a contest that closed in October. The fate of Illinois’ official banner will ultimately be up to lawmakers and the governor.

Mother and child making faces for the camera

For parents

7 Fun Photo Ideas to Try With Your Family

How would you capture the spirit of your family in a single photograph? Try these fun photography ideas and encourage your child to speak up about what they’d like to photograph. As your family works together, affirm their creativity and role in your family by saying, “Your unique point of view is important to our family.” 

Rick Steves

Membership

Rick Steves Wine Tasting

Join Rick Steves for a virtual wine tasting! Six mini-bottles - each enough for 2 people - will be shipped directly to your home for this fun and informative event. You can even pick up the new WTTW wine tumblers. Best of all, your donation supports more of the programming you love. 

Thanks to our sponsors.

Learn more about advertising & sponsorship on WTTW.