Stories by WTTW News

The Week in Review: Firestorm over Pritzker Wiretap Comments

More controversy in the race for governor. A neo-Nazi is the likely GOP nominee in a Chicago-area congressional district. A wild week on Wall street. And remembering John Mahoney. 

Up to 10 Inches of Snow Could Blanket Chicago

Friday’s snowfall could be heavy at times but will gradually end later this morning after blanketing the area with another 2-4 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Here’s what you need to know.

Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein on Politics, Then and Now

We speak with the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists who broke the Watergate story for the Washington Post in the early 1970s. 

The Past Haunts Chicago Police Department as It Works Toward Reform

In addition to new allegations of police rape, the Chicago Police Department is facing another lawsuit related to the torture tactics of notorious former police commander Jon Burge.

Project Onward an Artistic Sanctuary and Magnet for Talent

Looking for a handcrafted scale model of Wrigley Field? How about glittery portraits of politicians, TV personalities—or both? All can be found at a Bridgeport workspace that provides adult artists with supplies, guidance and opportunity.

Feb. 8, 2018 - Full Show

Watch the Feb. 8, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

These Commercial Bread Bakeries Set the Stage for Chicago’s Favorite Foods

We have some fun on a bun in commercial bakeries that make the bread for two iconic Chicago foods.

DNAinfo Alumni to Launch New Hyperlocal Website

The news site DNAinfo Chicago shut down three months ago. Now, former staffers are coming back with a new business model and a new name, but with the same focus on hyperlocal news.

How Black Americans Shaped Abraham Lincoln’s Life

A long out-of-print book tells the stories of African-Americans who knew and worked for Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. 

CPS Cancels Friday Classes Ahead of Snowstorm

Before the snow even started to fall Thursday evening, Chicago Public Schools took the rare step of canceling all Friday classes.

Free After 23 Years in Prison, Exonerated Man Files Suit Against City

Nevest Coleman spent nearly two decades in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Now he’s suing the city of Chicago, claiming he was beaten and coerced into giving a false confession.

Chicago Police Officers to Carry Lifesaving Naloxone

As part of the city’s fight against opioids, Chicago Police officers will be equipped with naloxone. “Ensuring public safety goes beyond focusing solely on violent crime,” said Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson.

Joffrey’s Breathtaking ‘Modern Masters’ Explores Ballet’s Evolution

The Joffrey Ballet’s winter program is a stunning showcase of the prowess of its dancers, as well as the stellar talents of the Chicago Philharmonic and music director Scott Speck.

Illinois Solar Jobs Dropped in 2017, But Outlook Remains Bright

The number of solar jobs in Illinois – and the U.S. as a whole – decreased last year, but experts are still optimistic about the industry’s future.

Willis Tower Receives EPA Certification for Energy Efficiency

Chicago’s tallest building is being recognized for its standing atop another category: energy efficiency.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau Visits Chicago on First Stop of US Tour

The Canadian prime minister spoke candidly at the University of Chicago on Wednesday, addressing trade tensions between both countries, as well as his vision of gender equality.

Retiring Hedge Funds: Pension Plan Investing Strategies

Illinois’ state employee pension plan, one of the largest in the nation, has retired from hedge funds. Find out why.

Feb. 7, 2018 - Full Show

Watch the Feb. 7, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Newly Rediscovered Historic House in Wilmette Faces Uncertain Future

On a street where homes sell for well over $1 million, one house has been hiding in plain sight for decades. It has been a welcome surprise to preservationists, but not to the developer who now owns it.

2018 Governor’s Race: Political Battles Turn Bitter

J.B. Pritzker apologizes for remarks he made on FBI wiretaps about black politicians. But will the apology undo the damage? We discuss the March 20 primary with political reporters Greg Hinz, Natasha Korecki and Laura Washington.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX: A New Era of Commercial Space Exploration?

Could Elon Musk’s successful launch and landing of his Falcon Heavy rocket usher in a new era of commercial exploration—and exploitation—of space? This story and more from the world of science with Neil Shubin.

Ask Geoffrey: What Happened to ‘World’s Greatest Newspaper’?

Geoffrey Baer has some newspaper history hot off of yesteryear’s presses, and dives deep into the fishy story of storm drain covers.

How Artificial Insemination is Saving Mexican Wolf Populations

Nearly 30 years ago, scientists began collecting semen samples from Mexican wolves. On Sunday, Brookfield Zoo artificially inseminated one wolf as part of an effort to boost the genetic health of the endangered species. 

Englewood School Closures Could Harm Homeless CPS Students, Advocates Say

About 15,000 Chicago Public Schools students are homeless, and a proposal to close four Englewood high schools would disproportionately harm part of that population, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless says. 

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. 8-11

Hot rods, cool jazz and sky-high views with four-legged friends usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Voting in Jail? New Bill Seeks to Expand Ballot Access for Detainees

A new bill would turn Cook County Jail into a temporary polling site and require that jails across the state provide detainees with voter registration applications.
 

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