Stories by WTTW News

Viewer Feedback: ‘Good Luck Out There, You’re Gonna Need It’

Viewers weigh in on bike safety following our roundup of Chicago cycling news.

Oct. 9, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the Oct. 9, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Bald Eagles Spotted Near O’Hare Signal a Comeback

In the early 1960s, bald eagles were nearly extinct in the lower 48 states. But government protections and conservation measures have had a huge impact on their numbers. “I think it’s an incredible success story,” said biologist Chris Anchor.

Ahead of Tuesday Vote, Opponents Urge Commissioners to Repeal Soda Tax

Cook County commissioners are scheduled to take another vote Tuesday on the county’s so-called soda tax. Opponents of the tax were pounding the pavement Monday, hoping to convince a few more commissioners to support a repeal.

Illinois Congressmen Call for Gun Reform at ‘Reject the NRA’ Rally

Local progressives and elected officials say the time is now to talk gun reform following the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

Group Plans to Sue EPA’s Pruitt Over East Chicago Coke Plant

Since 2010, the EPA has cited an East Chicago steelmaking facility six times for violations of the Clean Air Act. Now, a group representing nearby residents intends to sue EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt over the renewal of the company’s operating permit.

Opinion: ‘To the Five Former Presidents: You Can Lead Us to Safety’

Newton Minow has been a member of the WTTW board since 1967 when he joined as chairman. In an opinion piece, he writes: “For the sake of the United States of America and our values, we need your voices now.” 

Relationships Under Review in New Book ‘The All-or-Nothing Marriage’

Eli Finkel studies relationships and marriage, and in his new book “The All-or-Nothing Marriage: How the Best Marriages Work,” he argues the best marriages of today are the best the world has ever known.

GOP Senator Warns Trump’s Recklessness Could Lead to World War III

Cryptic comments, contradictory statements and tweets: President Donald Trump’s foreign policy approach has some members of his own party on edge.

University of Chicago’s Richard Thaler Wins Nobel Prize in Economics

Considered one of the founding fathers of behavioral economics, a field that bridges the gap between economics and psychology, Richard Thaler is known for illustrating how human behavior often contradicts traditional economic logic.

Rep. Jeanne Ives Inching Closer to Run for Governor

The suburban lawmaker is considering getting in the race, citing her frustration with the governor's signing of HB40.

‘Gentle Mentals’ Takes Playful, Humorous Approach to Mental Illness

With mental illness affecting 1 in 5 people, Chicagoan Veronica Padilla hopes addressing the topic in a playful manner will make it more accessible. “Humor can be very therapeutic. Humor has gotten me out of so many binds in my life when things got heavy,” she said.

Emanuel Hints at Tax Relief in Latest Budget

Mayor Rahm Emanuel says city residents will have respite from the tax and fee increases that have socked them in recent years.

The Week in Review: Vegas Shooter May Have Also Considered Chicago

Mayor Emanuel says the city is safe for this weekend’s Chicago Marathon. A moment of truth for looms for the Cook County soda tax. All eyes are on the Cubs, and Mitch Trubisky makes his NFL debut Monday night.

Mayor: Police Overtime Abuse, Murder Clearance Rate ‘Unacceptable’

Mayor Rahm Emanuel says the Chicago Police Department’s murder clearance rate is “unacceptable,” as are details out this week describing an “abuse of culture” surrounding police overtime pay. Watch the interview.

Oct. 5, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the Oct. 5, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

‘Brown Girls’ Co-Creator Fatimah Asghar Wins Poetry Foundation Award

A web series that debuted in February has already been picked up by HBO. Made in Chicago, it highlights the friendships between young women of color. We talk with the award-winning poet who co-created the series, and an actor from the show.

Preckwinkle: Soda Tax Repeal Will Lead to Cuts, ‘Fiscal Uncertainty’

The Cook County board president used her annual budget address Thursday to warn commissioners and the public that repealing a tax on sugary drinks will take the county down a path of “fiscal uncertainty” that will result in layoffs and cutting “essential services.”

TMZ: Las Vegas Gunman Booked Rooms Overlooking Lollapalooza

Stephen Paddock, the gunman who opened fire on thousands of concertgoers in Las Vegas late Sunday night, had booked two rooms in Chicago overlooking Grant Park in August, during Lollapalooza, according to a report from TMZ.

3 Chicago Hospitals Team Up to Study Emergency Care

The University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the University of Chicago Medicine will join forces to conduct clinical trials designed to improve outcomes for patients with life-threatening emergencies as part of a newly formed national network. 

Cubs Hope to Avoid World Series Hangover as Playoffs Get Underway

We preview the start of the Cubs’ playoff run with sports reporter Cheryl Raye Stout.

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Oct. 5-8

Food trucks, vintage VHS, marathon runners and South Side films usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

Chicago Police Facing Another Lawsuit Claiming Use of Excessive Force

The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups are suing the city and the Police Department so they can be part of reform talks. The suit alleges that brutality “is magnified for people with disabilities.”

Oct. 4, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the Oct. 4, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Ask Geoffrey: A ‘Pipe Dream’ of the 1893 World’s Fair

Geoffrey Baer explores an eccentric architect’s wacky proposal for the World’s Fair in this encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.

What Are Gravitational Waves? Exploring ‘Discovery That Shook the World’

The Nobel Prize committee called it “a discovery that shook the world.” A local scientist explains gravitational waves.
 

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