Stories by Shanika Gunaratna
The Curious Job of a “Futurist”
| Shanika Gunaratna
Ford Motor Company's resident "futurist" is here with a look at what's in the pipeline for American cars.
Irving Penn: A Retrospective of an American Photographer
| WTTW News
A famous photographer aims his camera at the sidewalks of the city. We see what Irving Penn discovered "underfoot."
Hedy Weiss: Theater Reviews
| Robert Andersson
Chicago Sun-Times Theater Critic Hedy Weiss brings the drama, reviewing four shows currently on stage in Chicago.
Illinois Has Nation's Worst Credit Rating
| WTTW News
Now that Standard & Poor's has lowered Illinois' credit rating to the worst in the nation, will it inspire lawmakers to tackle the state's pension crisis? Paris Schutz has more on the outlook, and the ramifications for taxpayers.
Freshmen Congressmen on Current Session
| WTTW News
Three newly sworn-in members of Congress from Illinois report on their first month in Washington D.C.
Impact of Low Lake Levels on Chicago River
| Elizabeth Brackett
Lake Michigan water levels have hit record lows, and some experts say it could lead the Chicago River to un-reverse and start flowing back into the lake. Elizabeth Brackett reports.
Downton Abbey’s Lesley Nicol
| WTTW News
Lesley Nicol plays the feisty but devoted head cook on the PBS hit series, Downton Abbey. She's here to tell us how she landed the plum role, and to talk about a one-woman play she's bringing to Chicago.
Ask Geoffrey: 1/28
| WTTW News
What's the story behind tiny houses with exceptionally large front yards? Geoffrey Baer has the answer to this and more in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.
Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 1/25
| WTTW News
Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.
Web Extra: The Week in Review: 1/25
| WTTW News
Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists delve further into the 2014 Illinois governor’s race in this web extra video.
Weekend Events Around Town: 1/25 – 1/27
| Robert Andersson
Need some ideas for what to do this weekend? Chicago Tonight knows what is going on!
When Things Go Wrong on the CTA
| Michael Lipkin
A new site aims to tell riders how their CTA ride got delayed.
Schock Slams Competition for Gov. Race
| WTTW News
Congressman Aaron Schock says he's interested in running for governor, then slams his potential competition. Will the infighting hurt the already beleaguered Illinois GOP? Paris Schutz has the story.
Chicago-based Tech Lab for University of Illinois
| Michael Lipkin
A technology park in the middle of the city -- University of Illinois announces a new research lab modeled on Bell Labs. Vice president of research Larry Schook joins us.
New Film Explores Skokie’s Battle with Neo-Nazis
| Robert Andersson
A new documentary airing on WTTW explores the explosive moment when a group of neo-Nazis sought to march in Skokie, Illinois in 1979 – and the landmark legal drama that ensued.
Great Lakes Hit by Lowest Water Levels in History
| Elizabeth Brackett
Warm air and lake temperatures, along with a severe drought, have led to the low water levels in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Elizabeth Brackett reports on the impact of those low water levels on the communities that surround the Great Lakes.
Shakespeare in Chicago with Barbara Gaines
| Robert Andersson
We look at the stories behind one of Shakespeare's most well-known and dark dramas.
Of Gods and Glamour
Ancient Art Galleries at the Art Institute
| Lindsay Prossnitz
A brand new look for some of the oldest artwork at The Art Institute. We preview newly restored classical works from ancient Greece, Rome, and the Byzantine Empire.
Viewer Mail: 1/24
Energy Drink Ban
| WTTW News
In tonight's Viewer Mail, we hear what you had to say about a proposal to ban high-caffeine energy drinks in Chicago.
Second City 2000
Web App Pairs Zoning Laws and Old-School Game
| Michael Lipkin
Open City's latest site makes Chicago's zoning code "digestible by humans."
Civilians to Replace Police Officers?
| WTTW News
The city's inspector general says the police department could save big if it replaced some sworn officers with civilians. But what does the mayor think? Paris Schutz has the story.
Race for Illinois Governor
| WTTW News
Carol Marin takes a closer look at how the upcoming gubernatorial race is shaking out with Chicago Sun-Times' Springfield bureau chief, Dave McKinney.
Chicago Business News: 1/23
| WTTW News
Fourth quarter earnings are out for some major local players, Groupon suspends all gun deals, and the latest on Boeing's troubled 787 Dreamliner. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM has those stories, and more top business headlines.
Local Congressman Hires First Illinois DREAMer
| Eddie Arruza
The first young immigrant in Illinois to receive work authorization under President Obama's deportation-relief order is now working for a U.S. congressman. We bring you his story.
Northwestern’s Newest Building Project Sparks Land Dispute
| WTTW News
Northwestern University's construction of a $32 million parking garage and visitor center on the lakefront is sparking controversy in Evanston. We talk with a resident who is suing the city for approving the project.
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