Stories by WTTW News

With unemployment rising and major companies threatening to leave the state because of high taxes, WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us to survey the business landscape.

It took 90 years and 88 scholars at the University of Chicago to complete work on what is known as the Assyrian Dictionary. Ash-har Quraishi takes a look at the project and its historical significance. More on the Story: Web article & photo gallery The Oriental Institute: Assyrian Dictionary project

If you think your child doesn't have a food allergy, you might want to think again. A new study reveals that food allergies are on the rise nationwide. Dr. Ruchi Gupta sits down with us to discuss the study.

It's a struggle many Americans will soon face -- caring for their aging parents. Jane Gross joins us to discuss her new book on caregiving.

Geoffrey Baer takes you on a ride aboard Chicago's last surviving private commuter rail car. Chicago Tribune article

We hear what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer mail. Send Chicago Tonight your comments

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Rahm Emanuel grades his first 30 days as mayor of Chicago. Summer construction crews will continue working now that Senate President John Cullerton agrees to drop social programs from the capital expenditure bill. Chicago teachers vow to re-open contract negotiations after the Chicago Public Schools board unanimously rejects a 4 percent teacher raise. The Blagojevich jury continues to deliberate. A perfect storm hits Metra staff during rush hour forcing multiple train cancellations.

He used to manage the roadways of our nation's capital. Now he's followed Mayor Emanuel back to Chicago to direct transportation operations here. Chicago's new Transportation Commissioner Gabe Klein walks us through some of his ideas for improving how we maneuver in Chicago.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel delivers his own report card on his first 30 days in office. Eddie Arruza and our panel weigh in on the mayor's performance. Breakdown of Emanuel's accomplishments Chicago Tonight's Mayor Rahm Emanuel page

In the 90s, "All Jokes Aside" served as a launching pad for many of today's top African-American comedians. A new film takes a look at the rise and fall of one of Chicago's once-premier comedy clubs. More on the movie Siskel Film Center

He's a Chicago legend and one of the forefathers of the blues. So why has his name been almost forgotten in modern culture? We talk to the author of I Feel So Good: The Life and Times of Big Bill Broonzy.

You can still enjoy the 31st Street beach, even though just south, some major construction is going on. Geoffrey Baer tells us what they're building in tonight's Ask Geoffrey.

We hear what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer mail. Send Chicago Tonight your comments

It was the first, and yet, monumental day for the new Chicago Public School Board. Facing a mounting deficit, the group voted to rescind a 4 percent raise for teacher salaries. School Board President David Vitale talks to Carol Marin about the decision.

The move to rescind teacher pay raises has garnered praise from Mayor Emanuel, while drawing the ire of the Chicago Teachers Union. CTU President Karen Lewis is here to give her perspective on the issue. Chicago Teachers Union website

A Chicago family leads their community to convert an illegal garbage dump into Eden Place: a three-acre nature center for their struggling South Side neighborhood. Jay Shefsky has the remarkable story. Eden Place Nature Center website Fuller Park Community Development website

The effects of fetal alcohol syndrome are well-documented. So why is there controversy over how much an expectant mother should drink during pregnancy? We talk to a leading local pediatrician and the author of The Mystery of Risk: Drugs, Alcohol, Pregancy and the Vulnerable Child. More on the Story: Info, videos on book & Fetal Alcohol Syndrome More on the book

Season's Readings! Our panel of book lovers recommends their best bets for great summer reads. More on the Story: Guest bios and book recommendations Jessa Crispin's website More on Miguel Figueroa More on Al Gini

We hear from Michael Hogan about rising tuition, budget issues and his first year as president of the University of Illinois. Should U of I be given more resources from the state? Michael Hogan's bio

It's not much now, but find out how the city plans to transform a three-mile long abandoned railway. Paris Schutz takes us for a journey down the Bloomingdale Trail. More on the Story: Web article & photo gallery Bloomingdale Trail website

It's now a waiting game as jurors in the retrial of Rod Blagojevich finish their second day of deliberations. Two of the former governor's defense attorneys join us to discuss everything that went on and how they're feeling now that it's almost over. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Gov. Pat Quinn signs a landmark education bill. We talk to the bill's sponsor about the changes that pave the way for longer school days and why it's harder for teachers to strike. More on the Story: Breakdown of school reforms & teacher reaction Do you think the bill will improve education in Illinois?

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, new top cop Garry McCarthy is beefing up police presence in the wake of mobs of thugs, who are quickly converging and dispersing, robbing shoppers and tourists in the Near North and downtown areas. Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's case goes to the jury after a tough cross-examination and closing arguments. Gov. Pat Quinn threatens to shut down the summer road construction season to get legislators back to the bargaining table in Springfield.

The fate of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich is now in the hands of the jury. The prosecution and defense teams finished their closing arguments Thursday afternoon. Elizabeth Brackett was in court and has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page Do you think Rod Blagojevich is guilty?

One of our viewers was curious about a unique bridge in Hoffman Estates. Geoffrey Baer is here with some answers in this week's Ask Geoffrey.

It's hammer-time when a master of the hammered dulcimer joins us for an in-studio performance. More on the Story: Watch videos of Max ZT's performances Max ZT's website More Cultural Connections online