Stories by WTTW News
City to Implement Nearly a Third of Police Task Force Recommendations
| WTTW News
The police superintendent and mayor announce big changes to Chicago Police Department practices and oversight. But did the much maligned Independent Police Review Authority make the cut?
Music Icon Prince Dies at 57
| Marc Vitali
The sudden loss of Prince has the world talking. We hear from the Chicago photographer who took iconic pictures of Prince before he was a superstar.
How Chicago’s School-Choice System Hurts Some Neighborhood Schools
| Hunter Clauss
Some neighborhood high schools in poorer areas of Chicago are struggling to survive. We look at how the city's school-choice system is playing a role.
Weekend Events: Feminist Film Festival, Earth Day, Music Under Glass
| Meredith Francis
Celebrate spring weather and the planet with a bounty of events, from feminist films to fireworks and a culinary smackdown to classical music.
Another Corpse Flower to Bloom at Chicago Botanic Garden
| Evan Garcia
If all goes as planned, the Chicago Botanic Garden is about to get very stinky in the next few days. That’s because Sprout, a titan arum–also known as a corpse flower–is very close to blooming.
Viewer Feedback: ‘Insightful Without the Sentimentality’
| Erica Gunderson
Hear what viewers had to say about our discussion of the police accountability task force's report and Carol Marin's conversation with Ron Magers when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Confessions of a Mommy Blogger in New Book on ‘Mediocre Parenting’
| Brandis Friedman
So what if the kids have a television for a babysitter and a Big Mac for dinner—five nights in a row? They're alive. These are the hilarious confessions of Chicago mommy blogger Karen Alpert, who is out with her second book, "I Want My Epidural Back: Adventures in Mediocre Parenting."
Karen Lewis: Rauner Holding Schoolchildren ‘Hostage’
| Brandis Friedman
As the head of the Chicago Teachers Union warns of a strike, the district makes one last pitch to reach a contract agreement.
Crain's Roundup: McDonald's Testing Bigger, Smaller Versions of Big Mac
| Alexandra Silets
One size apparently does not fit all Big Mac lovers. Crain’s Chicago Business managing editor Ann Dwyer weighs in on this story and more business news.
Do Big Wins for Clinton, Trump in New York Signal End of Primary Season?
| Hunter Clauss
Tuesday’s primary in New York proved that Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are the front-runners in their respective parties, with both candidates winning big in a state that was crucial to each campaign. What does it mean for the other candidates moving forward?
Ask Geoffrey: A League of Chicago’s Own
| Erica Gunderson
Chicago women had a professional baseball league of their own in the 1940s and '50s. Geoffrey Baer has the story of the National Girls Baseball League.
CTA Bus Driver Moonlights as Chicago Bluesman
| Marc Vitali
As a guitarist, singer and songwriter, Toronzo Cannon drives the sound of Chicago blues from the city to blues clubs and festivals around the world.
New Book ‘The Gray Rhino’ Puts Emphasis on Recognizing Looming Threats
| Erica Gunderson
From climate change to leaky roofs, disasters big and small can often be avoided if the warning signs are recognized and acted upon in time. And while it can be easy to see the crisis approaching, it's not always easy to know when or how to react.
Ron Magers Reflects on 51-Year Career in TV News
| Hunter Clauss
The legendary Chicago news anchor who started his career at WMAQ-Channel 5 in August of 1981 will sign off one last time from WLS-Channel 7 on May 25.
Backlog of Rape Cases, Rape Kits Can Lead to Long Wait for Justice
| Nick Blumberg
Delays in rape kit testing and strained law enforcement resources nationwide mean that victims of sexual assault may face long waits for their attackers to face prosecution.
Progressive State Income Tax Proposed in Springfield
| Paris Schutz
A bill that's advancing in Springfield would move Illinois from a flat income tax of 3.75 percent to a graduated system, where higher earners pay higher rates. Does the bill stand a chance of becoming law?
Loyola Women’s Basketball Coach Sheryl Swoopes Under Investigation
| Kristen Thometz
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer is under investigation following a mass exodus of players and allegations of player mistreatment.
Pacific White-Sided Dolphin Gives Birth at Shedd Aquarium
| Evan Garcia
Shedd Aquarium staff are watching a 28-year-old female Pacific white-sided dolphin and her newborn calf around the clock during what they call "a very crucial time."
For Tree Specialist, Only Plants with ‘Good Behavior’ Make the Cut
| Evan Garcia
Less than half of the plant life found in the Chicago region is native to the area. As the Morton Arboretum's tree improvement specialist, it's Joe Rothleutner's job to make sure those native plants are protected.
Final Installment of ‘10 That Changed America’ Airs Tuesday
| Erica Gunderson
Geoffrey Baer visits 10 American towns in the final installment of the "10 That Changed America" series, airing at 8 p.m. Tuesday night on WTTW.
Mellody Hobson on Her Career, Marriage to George Lucas
| Kristen Thometz
“Bravery means that you’re fearful,” Ariel Investments President Mellody Hobson said to an audience of 1,600 during the annual Women in the Forefront luncheon last week. “You cannot be brave without fear. I think that’s more important than anything else, especially for women.”
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