Stories by WTTW News

CPS Principal Soars

Alan Mather Gets Golden Apple Award

Lindblom Math & Science Academy Principal Alan Mather has been recognized for his transformation of the West Englewood school by the Golden Apple Foundation. We chat with him about the school's turnaround and more. 

Opera Legend Jessye Norman

Norman Talks Life, Career

From her humble origins in segregated August, Ga., to the world’s leading opera houses, Jessye Norman recounts her extraordinary life and career in a new memoir, "Stand up Straight and Sing!" Read an excerpt from her book. 

Viewer Feedback: 5/19

CPS Principal Speaks Out, Gains Support

We share what you had to say about our conversation with with Blaine Elementary principal Troy LaRaviere about his recent op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times when we read some of our viewer feedback. 

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 5/16

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

Web Extra: The Week in Review: 5/16

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss weekly headlines. 

Attorney General Madigan Defends Pension Law

There are more court developments today in the on-going Illinois pension reform case. A Sangamon County judge stopped the reform overhaul by issuing a stay on the implementation of the law. 

Adler President Michelle Larson Visits

If you've ever dreamed of leaving our planet to visit otherworldly destinations, it just got a bit easier to do. On May 16, Adler Planetarium is set to open its newest space adventure, “Destination Solar System." Adler President Michelle Larson joins us to talk about the new show, more. 

Keys to Blackhawks Cup Repeat

While the Chicago Blackhawks await their Western Conference Final opponent, we assess the team's chances of winning a second straight Stanley Cup. 

Migratory Birds in Flight

Far-Traveling Birds that Visit Chicago

Find out about the far-traveling birds that visit Chicago. We have an expert from the Nature Conservancy talk about the variety of migratory birds taking flight in the city. 

Preckwinkle Pension Plan Near Done

A Cook County pension reform bill may be headed to Springfield. County officials say they are nearing a deal to solve the county's pension problem. Will it mean higher property taxes as well? 

CPS Principal Speaks Out, Gains Support

We speak with Blaine Elementary principal Troy LaRaviere about his recent op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times and the overwhelming response he has received from colleagues about the Chicago Public Schools' administration and its treatment of employees.

Springfield News with Dave McKinney

Springfield bureau chief for the Chicago Sun-Times Dave McKinney joins us to discuss all the latest action in Springfield, where things stand for Gov. Quinn’s proposed budget and the latest on efforts to pass pension reform for Cook County workers.

Stevenson Farm Named Historic Landmark

Adlai Stevenson Home is Designated National Treasure

The Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home was built in 1938 and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. It was one of four sites to be designated a historic landmark this year. We tour the newly selected Lake County landmark. 

Local James Beard Award Winners

Winners of the James Beard Foundation Awards were announced last week and Chicago’s chefs, restaurants earned four top honors. Beard winners Dave Beran and Jimmy Bannos Jr., join us tonight. 

Radar Site Smoke Halts O’Hare, Midway Flights

After smoke led an Elgin radar facility to be evacuated, all inbound and outbound flights were stopped at O'Hare International and Midway airports, according to the Associated Press. 

Extending Prescription Privileges

State legislation allowing psychologists to prescribe medication drugs was approved in a House committee vote last week and now moves on to the full House for further debate. Tonight, we take a look at the controversial bill and debate the pros, cons. Learn more and read the full bill.

Classic Chinese Fable Comes to Life

“The White Snake” chronicles the tale of a gentle serpent spirit who transforms herself one day into a beautiful young woman and travels down to the world of humans. So begins Mary Zimmerman’s interpretation of the classic Chinese fable into a spectacular Goodman Theatre production. See a slideshow from the play. 

Diners Discuss Chicago's Future

Chicago Tonight Takes Part in New Community Initiative

Elizabeth Brackett, Eddie Arruza and Brandis Friedman participated in the Chicago Community Trust initiative called On the Table. Last night they hosted three dinner-and-discussion forums.

Karen Lewis Weighs In on Rahm's Re-election, More

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis discusses her opposition to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s re-election, who she would like to see run against him, the union’s proposal for a new tax on financial transactions and much more. 

Durbin Proposal Tackles Student Loans

As student loan debt spirals out of control, U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin pushes legislation to lower interest rates and save individual borrowers thousands. 

New $14.5M Farm Purchase Raises Eyebrows

Cook County Forest Preserve Acquisition Largest in 45 years

The Cook County Forest Preserve District makes its biggest land purchase in nearly 50 years snapping up a foreclosed 400 acre horse farm in Barrington Hills.  We look at how the Forest Preserve was able to afford the $14.5 million property and what it might become. 

James 'Big Cat' Williams Talks NFL Draft

Former Bear Breaks Down This Year's Draft

Coming off the worst defensive season in Chicago Bears history, it's no surprise General Manager Phil Emery used this year's draft to beef up the team's defense. Read an interview with the Bears new signee and former Northern Illinois University quarterback, Jordan Lynch.

Viewer Feedback 5/12

Crain's Corner: Web Do-it-Yourself Eye Exams Coming Soon

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

Web Extra: The Week in Review: 5/9

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss weekly headlines. 

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 5/9

On this edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Joel Weisman and his guest discuss this week's headlines. 

Islamic Groups Denounce Nigerian Abductions

The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) and the Nigerian Islamic Association decry the kidnappings and violence in Nigeria. They also distance themselves from Boko Haram, saying the terrorist group is extremist, but not Islamic. The U.K. have also joined the international effort to rescue the girls. 
 

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