Stories by WTTW News

Watch the July 12, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

It is one of the city’s crown jewels, but parts of Lake Shore Drive have not been upgraded since before World War II. A new plan gives parts of the drive a real “wow” factor.

While Illinois residents should expect to see a smaller paycheck in short order, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza says it will takes months for the increased revenue to truly buttress state coffers.

Illinois legislators have finally passed a budget, but the impasse did not leave the state’s public universities unscathed: faculty and staff were laid off, student enrollment dwindled and bond ratings were downgraded.

The public is invited to weigh in on public health policy ideas at a series of upcoming town hall meetings. Get dates, locations and more details.

After intense lobbying in Springfield, lawmakers this month passed legislation that could ultimately disconnect 1.2 million landline users in Illinois. 

One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest public buildings is ready for the public again. We take a look inside the restoration of Unity Temple.

The Illinois State Board of Education is still waiting to hear back from Washington on its proposed education accountability plan, but an independent review found the state likely has room for improvement.

Up to 40 percent of women take antibiotics late in their pregnancies or while nursing. A new study rethinks the common practice of prescribing such drugs when they aren’t warranted.

Are you ready to party like it’s 1925? That’s the last year Chicago experienced a solar eclipse like it will next month. To celebrate, the Adler Planetarium is hosting a daylong block party, and you’re invited.

Adler Planetarium astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz will spend the next year figuring out how humans can get along while exploring one of the more curious planets in our solar system: Mars. 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced that thousands of layoffs will start next week as an appeals court Monday dealt a blow to the new tax.

Watch the July 11, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin analyzes a new report that envisions new uses and upgrades for Chicago’s Pedway.

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s staff shake-up is still going on after legislators voted last week to override the governor's veto of a tax hike and budget.

Chicago Public Schools students who are still learning the English language are overwhelmingly not getting the support they need, according to an investigation by the Chicago Reporter.

How to reduce shootings in Chicago? One possible answer: jobs. But how much would that cost? WBEZ reporter Chip Mitchell crunched the numbers.

An Archer Heights charter school is partnering with a traditional Little Village elementary school to share its unique bilingual and dual-language classes.

You’ve heard Chicago described as the City of Big Shoulders and the City of Neighborhoods. Writer and photographer Larry Broutman offers yet another nickname: the City of Monuments. Learn why.

As legislators in Springfield debate the future of marijuana, some believe there is a major disconnect between Illinois’ laws and shifting public opinion. 

He broke from Republican ranks in Springfield last week. Now, state Rep. Steven Andersson has been asked to step down as GOP floor leader. He joins us in discussion.

Hundreds of parents and Near South Side residents weighed in Monday night on a controversial proposal that would transition the National Teachers Academy into a new South Loop high school.

The new state budget includes significant cuts and a higher income tax. So now what? We address some lingering questions about the fiscal health of the state—and the city.

A new rebranding campaign aims to change the perception of one of Chicago’s most beleaguered communities.

Two former Chicago Police officers and one current officer pleaded not guilty to charges they conspired to cover for former cop Jason Van Dyke in the shooting of 16-year old Laquan McDonald.

Watch the July 10, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."