Stories by Daniel Hautzinger

2020 has been a year unlike any other in memory, with a worldwide pandemic, a recession, racial reckoning, and a presidential election. As COVID-19 turned life upside down, Chicagoans were left with more questions than answers, and WTTW News had to innovate as they tried to provide them.

If Peter can continue to charge through scandals and practice politics on his own terms, his political career is looking bright, in the finale of Roadkill.

Maggie only has two more people to apologize to for gossiping, but events have spiraled beyond her control, leading to some frightening encounters during Thurlbury's anniversary party. It's the finale of The Trouble with Maggie Cole.

The 1909 Plan of Chicago recommended the lakefront be public parkland, extensive parks and forest preserves throughout the city, and other proposals that helped make Chicago the city we know today. 

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving airs Sunday, November 22 at 6:30 pm. A Charlie Brown Christmas airs Sunday, December 13 at 6:30 pm.

Maria Tallchief, a half-Osage dancer considered one of the epitomes of American ballet in the twentieth century, was recently honored in a Google Doodle that featured footage from WTTW's archive, in honor of Native American Heritage Month.

Researchers at places like Northwestern University's Institute for Sustainability and Energy are working on creating liquid fuels using solar technology as well as developing more efficient, inexpensive, flexible solar cells. 

No one is reliably loyal as political careers hit rough patches. Julia considers jumping ship from Dawn, while Peter faces a grilling from his family and others close to him. Investigations into his court case continue, unbeknownst to him. 

Peter ends up in an awkward situation when Maggie decides to spend the night at the pub to have time to process the revelation of a secret about Jamie, and to apologize to Brian for spreading rumors. Alex becomes frantic in his search for his money.

Illinois's solar industry has rapidly expanded in the past few years, but as governmental funding runs out and the COVID-19 pandemic lowers business, the future is looking uncertain. "Without immediate legislation, our company is going to look very, very different next year,” says the CEO of a solar installation company.