Stories by WTTW News

Aug. 1, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the Aug. 1, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

New Guide Helps Identify Native Trees, Shrubs for Your Garden

Why native trees and plants not only look good but are better for local wildlife and the environment. A discussion with author Charlotte Adelman.

Trump to Sign Sanctions Against Russia ‘Soon’

Vladimir Putin orders hundreds of U.S. diplomats out of the country as tensions escalate with Russia.

A Fresh Look at the Colossal Photography Archive at Columbia College

Curators and students at Columbia College Chicago have devised a way to get viewers to reimagine the meaning of a photograph.

Ordinance Aims to Punish Parents of Gun-Toting Kids

Should parents be held responsible if they know their kids have guns? We speak to Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th Ward) about a new ordinance.

Art Conservation Expert Does Museum Work for Free

Art conservation can cost thousands of dollars. Meet one man who’s dedicated to restoring works of art pro bono.

Broccoli, Kale Could Slow Cognitive Decline, Study Finds

Your mother was right to tell you to eat your broccoli. Eating nutrient-rich foods like broccoli, spinach and kale could slow age-related cognitive decline, according to a new study.

Rauner Issues Amendatory Veto of Education Funding Bill

Gov. Bruce Rauner made generous use of his veto pen to redline money for Chicago Public Schools and to make other sweeping changes to a major revamp of education funding.

2 Plains Zebras Debut at Lincoln Park Zoo

The young males belong to a highly social zebra species and will eventually share a habitat with the zoo’s giraffes. 

PolitiFact Rates Rauner’s SB1 ‘Bailout’ Claim as False

Just before Gov. Bruce Rauner issued a long-anticipated amendatory veto of an education funding reform bill in Springfield, top political fact-checkers cast doubt on one of the governor’s biggest criticisms of the legislation.

Governor Gets Education Funding Bill, But Schools’ Future Remains Hazy

The future of school funding is now in Gov. Bruce Rauner’s hands, after Democrats finally sent him legislation he’s made a show of demanding they release. Now the question is what Rauner will do with it.

July 31, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the July 31, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Mayor Declines to Say Whether He’ll Reappoint Police Board President

The Chicago Police Board could be without a president Tuesday. The term of current President Lori Lightfoot expired Monday.

The Future of Health Care After Republicans Fail to Repeal and Replace

A bipartisan coalition of 43 House members, including three from Illinois, said Monday they’ve come up with a compromise plan to stabilize the health care market. What happens next?

City Forecasts Smallest Budget Gap in a Decade

Preliminary numbers released Monday show that the city’s financial picture is improving. But is the news all good?

Illinois State Fair to Auction Off $100,000 in Unclaimed Property

The nine-day event has something for everyone, including an attraction that’s been found to lure folks to the fair who might not otherwise go: an auction of unclaimed property.

Viewer Feedback: ‘The Chicago Public School System Is a Failure’

We hear from you about the the school funding debate in Springfield.

Book Inspires Young People to Create ‘No Small Plans’ For Chicago

A new graphic novel wants to empower Chicago teenagers to push for the city they deserve. Meet one of the teens who created the book.

Red Cross Facing ‘Critical’ Blood Shortage

“Blood donations are being distributed to hospitals as fast as donations are coming in, which could lead to delays in patient care,” said Laurie Nehring of the American Red Cross. “We are doing everything we can to prevent that from happening.” 

Toxic Metals Study Examines Kids’ Toenails on Chicago’s Southeast Side

Chicago researchers are looking for lead, manganese and other metals that could affect lung function in children with asthma. 

Durbin to CDC: Investigate Manganese Risks on Chicago’s Southeast Side

The Illinois senator is calling on federal environmental and public health regulators to conduct a new assessment of toxic pollutants in one of the city’s most industrialized areas.

Pest Spotted in the WTTW Garden

We’re not the only ones enjoying the tomatoes. The Organic Gardener Jeanne Nolan shares her advice on how to rid our garden of a cute – yet pesky chipmunk.

New Study Has ‘Strong’ Praise for Illinois Education Accountability Plan

Illinois was praised for the clarity of its four-tier school ranking system and its focus on student growth, which makes up half of the weight behind a school’s annual rating in the proposed system.

Cook County Judge Tosses Soda Tax Lawsuit

The Cook County penny-per-ounce sugary beverage tax is back, pending an appeal. Friday, Cook County Judge Daniel Kubasiak granted a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that the law did not violate the Illinois Constitution. 

The Week in Review: School Spending Showdown

Despite Gov. Bruce Rauner’s demands that the school spending bill be sent to him this week, Democrats say they’ll give it to him on Monday. In Chicago, officials are expanding gunshot detecting technology to more high-crime areas.

Historical Happy Hour: A Toast to the Everleigh Sisters

We raise a glass to a pair of sisters who made a fortune as brothel owners in the City of Big Shoulders with a ladylike drink.
 

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