
The Importance of Black Male Role Models in the Classroom
Clip: Season 2026 | 4m 28s
According to CPS’ most recent figures from 2022, Black men make up just 3.6% of CPS teachers.
Across Illinois, the teacher workforce remains predominantly White and female. Chicago Public Schools reflects that same trend despite most of its students being people of color.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Chicago Tonight is a local public television program presented by WTTW
WTTW video streaming support provided by members and sponsors.

The Importance of Black Male Role Models in the Classroom
Clip: Season 2026 | 4m 28s
Across Illinois, the teacher workforce remains predominantly White and female. Chicago Public Schools reflects that same trend despite most of its students being people of color.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch Chicago Tonight
Chicago Tonight is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.

WTTW News Explains
In this Emmy Award-winning series, WTTW News tackles your questions — big and small — about life in the Chicago area. Our video animations guide you through local government, city history, public utilities and everything in between.Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipInvesting 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)
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)
What to Know About the Birthright Citizenship Case Before the Supreme Court
Video has Closed Captions
The birthright citizenship order is part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. (10m 43s)
A Look at the Changing Landscape for Chicago's Cultural Venues
Video has Closed Captions
Some well-known institutions have recently undergone changes, from sales to renovations to closures. (8m 29s)
Chicago's Top Cop Faces Questions Over Claims Officers Collaborated With ICE
Video has Closed Captions
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability will question Supt. Larry Snelling. (3m 36s)
US Senate Candidate Don Tracy on Birthright Citizenship, War in Iran
Video has Closed Captions
The Republican is seeking to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. (9m 50s)
Local Transgender Leaders on Issues Facing the LGBTQ+ Community
Video has Closed Captions
The annual Transgender Day of Visibility was this week. (9m 8s)
What to Know About Prediction Markets
Video has Closed Captions
Prediction markets let people bet on almost anything. Some lawmakers are pushing for regulations. (12m 41s)
US Rep. Delia Ramirez on DHS Funding, War in Iran
Video has Closed Captions
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has gone 46 days without funding. (8m 25s)
Teen Takeover Raises Questions About Public Safety, Space for Young People
Video has Closed Captions
Hundreds of young people gathered in the Loop last week, packing sidewalks and streets. (18m 26s)
Taxpayers Have Paid $28.6M for Chicago’s Police Monitors to Enforce Consent Decree: Data
Video has Closed Captions
The cost of the monitoring team has grown every year since 2022, when it topped $4 million. (2m 9s)
Where Negotiations Stand as the Partial Government Shutdown Continues
Video has Closed Captions
Reporter Lisa Desjardins joins "Chicago Tonight" from Washington, D.C. (5m 34s)
Board of Education Set to Vote on Naming Macquline King as Full-Time CPS CEO
Video has Closed Captions
Macquline King has served as Chicago Public Schools’ interim CEO since last summer. (3m 41s)
Activist Cesar Chavez Is Accused of Sexual Violence. Latina Leaders React
Video has Closed Captions
A NYT investigation found that Chavez groomed and sexually abused girls who worked in the movement. (11m 17s)
Lawsuit Aims to Block Chicago's Tax on Social Media Companies
Video has Closed Captions
Tech industry trade group NetChoice argues the tax violates tech companies' right to free speech. (11m 25s)
Gas Prices on the Rise as Iran War Stretches Into Fourth Week
Video has Closed Captions
Gas prices in Cook County have reached an average of $4.50 per gallon. (8m 15s)
Supreme Court Takes Up Case on Mail-In Ballots
Video has Closed Captions
Illinois accepts ballots postmarked by Election Day for up to two weeks later. (10m 4s)
Trump Sends ICE Agents to Airports as Security Lines Grow
Video has Closed Captions
As the partial government shutdown continues, TSA agents are working without pay. (6m 52s)
Johnson Pledges to Veto Effort to End Phaseout of Tipped Minimum Wage
Video has Closed Captions
It would take 34 votes from the Chicago City Council to override the mayor’s veto. (12m 31s)
GOP Candidate Darren Bailey on His Gubernatorial Run
Video has Closed Captions
The former state senator will face incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker in November. (10m 11s)
Democratic Candidates Donna Miller, La Shawn Ford on Their Congressional Races
Video has Closed Captions
Both candidates came out on top in packed primary races. (8m 58s)
Pat Hynes Wins Democratic Primary for Cook County Assessor
Video has Closed Captions
Pat Hynes will face Libertarian candidate Nico Tsatsoulis in the Nov. 3 general election. (6m 32s)
Gov. JB Pritzker Talks Stratton's Big Win, 2026 Midterms
Video has Closed Captions
In a one-on-one interview with WTTW News, the Illinois governor talks election results and more. (11m 14s)
Chicago City Council Votes to End Phaseout of Tipped Minimum Wage
Video has Closed Captions
Mayor Brandon Johnson has vowed to veto the measure, calling the vote "shameful." (3m 23s)
Political Science Professors Weigh in on Illinois Primary Races
Video has Closed Captions
Joining "Chicago Tonight" are professors Wayne Steger and Connie Mixon. (17m 24s)
Looking at Voter Turnout, Election Security in Chicago
Video has Closed Captions
WTTW News correspondent Joanna Hernandez is live at the Chicago Board of Elections Loop supersite. (3m 59s)
Live at Stratton, Krishnamoorthi Campaign Headquarters
Video has Closed Captions
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi were competing for a U.S. Senate seat. (4m 44s)
Cook County Clerk Unveils Election Analytics Platform
Video has Closed Captions
WTTW News correspondent Joanna Hernandez spoke with Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon. (1m 57s)
Previewing Primary Election Day in Illinois
Video has Closed Captions
Breaking down the big primary races in Illinois ahead of Election Day. (3m 18s)
Mayor Brandon Johnson Meets With Men in Prison Working Toward Northwestern University Degrees
Video has Closed Captions
Men imprisoned in Illinois had a rare meeting with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. (6m 50s)
Video has Closed Captions
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. on his quest to bring the Chicago Bears to Indiana. (7m 44s)
How War in Iran Is Impacting the US Economy
Video has Closed Captions
How international events might be affecting your investments. (7m 54s)
As 'Sinners' Heads to the Oscars, Blues Gets Its Moment in the Spotlight
Video has Closed Captions
A look at Chicago's place in blues history as the movie "Sinners" takes the spotlight at the Oscars. (11m 57s)
Preservation Chicago Announces Most Endangered Buildings for 2026
Video has Closed Captions
Buildings added to the “most endangered” list remain on the list until they are saved or lost. (7m 43s)
Meet the Illinois Author Preserving the History of the Underground Railroad
Video has Closed Captions
It’s never too late to keep telling powerful stories. (4m 18s)
Chicago Council on Global Affairs President Analyzes the War in Iran
Video has Closed Captions
Poll show a majority of Americans disapprove of the controversial war. (8m 37s)
TSA Agents Working Without Pay During Partial Government Shutdown
Video has Closed Captions
Agents have been without pay since Feb. 14. (5m 37s)
Leaders From Around the Great Lakes Plan for Region's Future
Video has Closed Captions
The Great Lakes provide water to hundreds of cities and tribal nations. (9m 16s)
Investing in Latino Arts as Organizations Face Funding Cuts
Video has Closed Captions
Latino arts organizations often lag behind other groups for federal and philanthropic funding. (4m 46s)
US Rep. Delia Ramirez on Krisi Noem's Firing, Immigration Enforcement
Video has Closed Captions
President Donald Trump announced he was replacing embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. (9m 5s)
UIC Researchers Are Part of an Effort to Bring Home Fallen American Soldiers
Video has Closed Captions
Last year, researchers made a major breakthrough along a mountainside in Laos bordering Vietnam. (4m 43s)
How the South Side's Only Trauma Center Is Impacting Emergency Care
Video has Closed Captions
A new study looked at 14 years of shooting data in the hospital's service area. (7m 44s)
Death Toll Rises as the Conflict in Iran Escalates. Here's What to Know
Video has Closed Captions
President Donald Trump praised the U.S. military Wednesday for “doing very well on the war front." (21m 12s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
- News and Public Affairs

Top journalists deliver compelling original analysis of the hour's headlines.

- News and Public Affairs

FRONTLINE is investigative journalism that questions, explains and changes our world.












Support for PBS provided by:
Chicago Tonight is a local public television program presented by WTTW
WTTW video streaming support provided by members and sponsors.
















































