Stories by WTTW News

Nov. 15, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the Nov. 15, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Putin Playing a ‘Long Game’ to Restore Russian Pride, Influence

As evidence mounts that Russia did meddle in the 2016 election, we speak with a Russia expert about what Vladimir Putin’s strategic goals might be.

Lawsuit: Public Defenders ‘Forced to Endure Heinous Sexual Misconduct’

Carol Marin discusses a court appearance by attorneys for Cook County public defenders who filed suit over detainees exposing themselves.

Cautionary Tales of City Life by Chicago Painter Bill Walker

A new exhibition looks at rare works of art that are powerful—and sometimes graphic. The historic work was made by an artist with a strong connection to Chicago public art.

Global Warming’s Impact on Lake Effect Snow: Fewer Flurries, More Rain

Lake Michigan is getting warmer, and eventually it will mean winters with less snow in Chicago. But don’t plan yet for winters free of the white stuff.

Chicago Tops 600 Homicides for Second Year in a Row

Shooting deaths are down across Chicago in 2017 after last year’s unexpected spike, but this week the city homicide totals crossed another grim milestone.

Cook County Settles Suit With Injured Detainee for $4.5M

Michael Borys was in jail for less than a day when he had a seizure and fell from his bunk, resulting in vision loss and multiple brain surgeries. Three years later, Cook County has agreed to settle a federal lawsuit 

Ilyasah Shabazz on the Legacy of Her Father, Malcolm X

To many, the legacy of activist Malcolm X is that of a fiery counterpart to the pacifist Martin Luther King, Jr. But to one of his daughters, that analysis overlooks his complexities and contributions to the fight for human rights.

Large-as-Life Dinosaurs Frighten and Fascinate at ‘Jurassic World’

An exhibition at the Field Museum aims to be an immersive experience that brings the 2015 movie and its gigantic reptilian stars to life. 

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Nov. 15-19

Dorky personas, holiday lights, fine art, gliding acrobats and seasonal brews usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Ask Geoffrey: What Happened to the Hamilton Statue?

What happened to the Alexander Hamilton statue in Lincoln Park? Geoffrey Baer tells his story in this encore edition of “Ask Geoffrey.” 

CTA Fare Hike Could Be on the Way

The Chicago Transit Authority hasn’t raised fares since 2009. Now, the head of the Regional Transit Authority says “the time has come” to change that. 

Cook County Proposes Nearly 600 Layoffs in Lieu of Soda Tax

With the penny-per-ounce pop tax fizzled out, new plans to come up with the $200 million Cook County says it needs.

New Blood Pressure Guidelines a ‘Signal to Take Action’

Many doctors have long believed the threshold for high blood pressure needed to be lower. On Monday, that change was made.

Nov. 14, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the Nov. 14, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Paradise Papers Offer Insight into Strategies to Minimize Tax Burden

Bermuda is more than a lovely vacation destination. Apparently, it’s also one of the places very wealthy people—and companies—stash their cash to lower their taxes.

Voice of America Still Mission-Driven at 75

It began as an effort to combat Nazi propaganda, but in these highly partisan times can the taxpayer-funded Voice of America remain free from bias?

Hiplet Is Not Your Grandmother’s Ballet

They’ve strutted across high-end runways and for fast-fashion TV commercials. Now, the Hiplet dancers are showing Chicago Tonight how they’ve worked for their success.

Exploring the Mysteries of Anesthesia in ‘Counting Backwards’

A new book from a Northwestern medical school professor delves into the history of the common—yet still mysterious—world of anesthesia.

61 EPA Staff Have Left Chicago Office in 2017, And They’re Missed

Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, dozens of employees have left the EPA’s Region 5 office in Chicago. Current and former employees say the loss of staff is already putting a strain on operations. 

Imperfect to Deliver ‘Ugly’ Fruits, Vegetables to Chicagoans

Fruits and vegetables come in all shapes and sizes, but only those that meet strict cosmetic requirements end up in grocery stores, while “ugly” produce goes to waste. Imperfect, a new produce delivery service, hopes to change that.

Ride-Sharing Fees, Amusement Tax Advance in City Council

The City Council on Monday advanced the mayor’s 2018 budget proposal, but not without some trepidation from aldermen.

Nov. 13, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the Nov. 13, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Democrats Hoping for ‘Blue Wave’ In 2018

A year after what for many Democrats was unthinkable—losing the presidential election to Donald Trump—there are signs they may be getting their mojo back.

Former Alderman Bob Fioretti Challenging Toni Preckwinkle

In the wake of the much-maligned sweetened beverage tax, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s re-election no longer appears certain. Why Bob Fioretti believes Cook County needs new leadership.

‘Race’ Exhibition Challenges Visitors to Rethink the Concept

What does race mean to you? A new exhibit at the Chicago History Museum asks visitors to consider how much all of us focus on race every day, whether we realize it or not.
 

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