Stories by WTTW News

For the first time in 10 years—and only the second time ever—Lyric Opera of Chicago is opening up its closets and putting more than 3,000 costumes used in dozens of operas up for sale. Get a preview on Chicago Tonight.

The Organic Gardener Jeanne Nolan is back with an update on the WTTW Garden.

It was 35 years ago that Jane Byrne pulled off the most stunning political upset in Chicago history.

Did a Chicago police officer unjustifiably kill an unarmed man? Surveillance video and phone transcripts raise new questions as police-involved shootings come under fire.

The BGA assesses how many promises Mayor Rahm Emanuel kept during his first term.

We discuss the highs and lows of the speed limit debate with our panel.

Geoffrey Baer discovers mobbed-up macaroni makers, a boat launch that's gone to the dogs, and a beautiful reminder.

Chicago Tonight invited Jim Oberweis, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, to appear on tonight’s show, but he declined our invitation.

The first day of school is complete for Chicago Public Schools students. CPS and the mayor's office say they plan to build on what they see as last year's successes. Brandis Friedman breaks down the city's plans.

As the latest polls show the race between Sen.  Dick Durbin and his challenger Jim Oberweis tightening, the long-serving Illinois senator joins us to discuss the Senate race, congressional dysfunction, and other hot-button issues.

As Labor Day passes, the campaigns for governor are accelerating into full gear. Paris Schutz has the latest.

According to the real estate rumor mill, pharma giant Baxter International may be moving out of Illinois. What does this mean for the state and its workforce?

The photographer Wallace Kirkland was a late bloomer who started his career as a social worker at the Hull House settlement in Chicago. He took a winding path in an artistic career that led him from Jamaica to India and around the world – all the while photographing Chicago people and places. 

We explore Chicago as a terminal town from 1939 until present day, with author Joseph P. Schwieterman.

Joel Weisman and his panel continue their conversation about Jackie Robinson West little league championship. 

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss this week’s headlines.

On the day Police Cmdr. Glenn Evans is charged with official misconduct and aggravated battery for allegedly putting the barrel of a gun in a suspect’s mouth, we talk to WBEZ editor Derek John about how they broke the story of the alleged misconduct.

To kick off the college football season, we talk with an author about the sport's past and connection to its present.

Rick Bayless takes Eddie Arruza on a tour of his Bucktown garden. Bayless uses many of the crops he grows in his backyard in his restaurants and at home. With fall around the corner, Bayless prepares a seasonal dish using vegetables from his garden. 

We explore one of the city's largest and oldest neighborhood festivals.

We share what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer feedback.

How can Chicago translate the pride felt today for our little league champs into a long-term plan for the city's youth? We discuss with our panel.

We talk to a neuroscientist who's out with a new book to help us organize our minds.

While it may not feel like it, fall is upon us which means it’s time to harvest those gardens and cook up some new seasonal recipes. We join Chicago chef Rick Bayless in his own garden to harvest and cook up a refreshing fall dish.

Geoffrey Baer compares fact and fiction in a long-ago murder, explores the life of an architectural pioneer, and strolls the Riverwalk in this week’s Ask Geoffrey.

Today is the first day to start circulating nominating petitions in the race for mayor and City Council.