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Mike Ditka, the Legendary Former Chicago Bears Coach Who Led Team to a Super Bowl Win, Dies at 86

Sports

Mike Ditka, the Legendary Former Chicago Bears Coach Who Led Team to a Super Bowl Win, Dies at 86

Mike Ditka, the former Chicago Bears coach who led the team to a Super Bowl win… Read More

Johnson’s Debt Refinancing Plan Results in Just Half of What He Promised, Forcing Officials to Scramble to Fill Budget Gap

Politics

Johnson’s Debt Refinancing Plan Results in Just Half of What He Promised, Forcing Officials to Scramble to Fill Budget Gap

Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city would refinance bonds backed by the city’s… Read More

Child playing with Tinkertoys

tonight

Chicago Stories: Toy Town

Tinker Toys. Lincoln Logs. Beanie Babies. Radio Flyer. Kids obsessed with these iconic toys and games would surely have been surprised to learn that these and many others were born in Chicago. This episode takes you on a nostalgic trip back to a time when the city was a leader in toy innovation, introducing the designers who transformed their creative ideas and hard work into child’s play, examining how their creations helped children develop life skills while having fun, and how the business of toymaking wasn’t always fun and games.

Friday at 8:00 pm | Explore Website

Chicago Stories

The Iconic Toys and Games Created in Chicago

For more than a century, Chicago has shaped the way generations of children have played. 

food

The Pastry Chef of Obélix and Le Bouchon Shares Her Chicago Favorites

Courtney Kenyon-Snider is a force in Chicago pastry.

trailer

Chicago Stories: Fall 2026

New season includes: Chicago’s World’s Fair of 1893, Toy Town, Skyscrapers, and Home of the Irish.

For parents

No-Sew Elinor Costume

Elinor is a sweet and curious bunny rabbit who goes on scientific adventures with her friends. 

A collage of headshots of people running for Chicago mayor

Politics

Who Is Running, or Thinking About Running, to Become Chicago’s Next Mayor

Chicago’s next mayoral election is less than a year away and the list of candidates — and those considering a run — is growing ever larger. Here’s who is in so far.

A dish of rigatoni alla vodka topped with ripped pieces of basil

Food

Two Critics Walk into Ciccio Mio, a Yelp Top 100 Restaurant

Yelp Top 100 restaurants generally don't get lots of critical attention. What’s behind the gap between critical praise and the mushier space comprising what a lot of the public honest-to-goodness likes? 

A black and white photo of a ferris wheel

Chicago Stories

World's Fair Firsts

The Ferris Wheel wasn't the only thing to debut at Chicago's 1893 World's Fair. There were also sweet treats, modern inventions, and beloved brands. 

A stock image of a gas burner

Business

Consumer Advocates Push Back on Proposed Peoples Gas Rate Hike

The Illinois Commerce Commission this week recommended a 54% cut to the proposed $144 million increase, which would bring the number down to $66 million. 

"Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn" by Kenard Pak

For parents

13 Children’s Books for Celebrating Fall

Cooler weather, pumpkins, colorful leaves everywhere. A new season has arrived, and it’s my favorite! When fall comes around, my kids and I like to play in piles of leaves, go to the pumpkin patch, and get ready for a new school year. As we say goodbye to summer, let’s share the wonders of autumn with these 13 fall-themed children’s books.
WTTW member in the audience

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