Tempted to buy yourself a gift this week? Consider buying tickets to a show rather than a new pair of shoes. Not only will you be more grateful for the experience, but that gratitude can lead to more generosity, according to a recent study.

The last surviving member of the Kennedy administration and former chairman of WTTW received the nation’s highest civilian honor from President Barack Obama on Tuesday.

He played a pivotal role in “Downton Abbey.” Now he takes the throne as King Charles. English actor Robert Bathurst is here to talk about royalty, “Downton” and the stage.

Adam Levin has become an international guitar virtuoso and an ambassador for the instrument. He joins us in conversation and performance. 

Pope Francis elevated Blase Cupich, along with 16 other archbishops, to the College of Cardinals on Saturday. But that’s not the only news the pope made. 

The pope endorses Donald Trump. Michelle Obama unfollows Hillary Clinton on Twitter. These days fake news is making real news. Could you be spreading lies on your Facebook feed?

The culture wars are heating up again, one duel at a time.

Judy Garland was one of the most distinctive American entertainers of the 20th Century. A new play looks at the extreme highs and lows of a legendary life in showbiz that ended at age 47. Hedy Weiss reviews that show, plus four other productions in and around Chicago.

Poet Daniel Borzutzky has won the 2016 National Book Award for his collection, “The Performance of Becoming Human.” The awards were announced Wednesday night in New York City.

The Cubs rally brought throngs of fans to Grant Park. But was it really the biggest gathering ever in Chicago? Geoffrey Baer counts heads in this week’s Ask Geoffrey.

Holiday lights, a giant mouse, punk rock and a comedy legend usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

President Barack Obama announced Wednesday the former WTTW Chairman and 20 others will receive the nation’s highest civilian honor at a ceremony later this month.

The continuing fascination with gangster Al Capone. We speak to the author of a new book that looks at the private life of the notorious criminal.

Learn about a major Shakespeare exhibit at the Newberry Library and get an exclusive look at some rare artifacts that didn’t make the cut.

The moving and powerful life of Maya Angelou: A new film explores the many facets of the acclaimed poet and writer.

Chicago Tonight visits a little shop in Chicago for a look at how to rejuvenate pitched percussion instruments – and to get a history lesson in concert tuning.