Stories by WTTW News

Watch the July 27, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The Illinois Department of Labor has joined other states in shutting down carnival rides similar to the one that malfunctioned at the Ohio State Fair Wednesday.

Chicago Tonight spends a day with a tugboat crew moving barges on the Calumet River.

Buying a bag of chips or logging onto your computer with a wave of your hand will soon be possible at one Wisconsin company. 

Gov. Bruce Rauner called on Democrats to send him Senate Bill 1, while Illinois Senate President John Cullerton says he’ll wait till Monday to send the bill to the governor.

Rabiah Mayas returns to explain why NASA needs your origami skills and other stories from the world of science.

There are varying estimates on how many transgender people actively serve in the military, but a 2016 study done by the policy think tank RAND Corporation found there were between 1,320 and 6,630 transgender individuals on active duty.

“Both sleep and cortisol are connected to the ability to learn and perform academic tasks,” said researcher Jennifer Heissel. “Our study identifies a pathway by which violent crime may get under the skin to affect academic performance.”

He is an accomplished photographer, a political activist and a twice-inducted member to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Meet the co-founder of the Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

A first-of-its-kind study shows that giving people a financial incentive to save trees is an effective strategy for fighting climate change.

Just in time for “Shark Week,” researchers published a study this month that highlights the unique recovery capabilities of sharks.

Some Cook County jail detainees will be getting a little extra help when leaving the jail.

Watch the July 26, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

President Donald Trump lashes out at Jeff Sessions, his attorney general and long-time supporter. How are Republicans feeling about the Trump presidency so far?

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton on the governor’s frame of mind: The latest on the special education funding session in Springfield.

A new study offers the latest and perhaps most dramatic evidence of the neurological toll of football on those who play it.

Big changes are coming to the North Branch of the Chicago River. Why some are up in arms over the plan.

A trio of town halls wasn’t enough for National Teachers Academy parents and South Loop-area residents, who filled a Board of Education meeting Wednesday to continue talks over a controversial plan for a new high school.

Bands, bikes, beer and—wait for it—Peter Sagal usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool once again criticized Gov. Bruce Rauner, saying Wednesday the governor is putting his own politics ahead of the needs of Illinois students.

Three Chicago film critics sound off on the best—and worst—of summer movies.

Geoffrey Baer solves the mystery of a viewer’s “vague memory” from the 1940s, revisits the Century of Progress and opens the door to the Evanston History Center in this encore edition of “Ask Geoffrey.”

“The message for cancer patients and survivors is: get active,” said researcher Diane Ehlers. “It’s not a magic cure-all, but we’ve seen many benefits of physical activity for cancer patients and survivors.”

The city is expanding its ShotSpotter program as shootings outpace last year's rate.

Watch the July 25, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Ahead of the special session called by Gov. Rauner, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle weigh in on the battle over education funding.