An emergency action from the state board of education comes a day after a Tribune-ProPublica investigation revealed thousands of cases in which schools put students into seclusion. We speak with two of the reporters behind that story.
Stories by Nick Blumberg
‘Firsthand’ Accounts: How Guns Changed the Course of Their Lives
WTTW’s new digital documentary series “Firsthand: Gun Violence” follows the stories of five Chicagoans whose lives have been touched by shootings. Three of them join us in discussion.
WTTW Launches New Digital Series ‘Firsthand: Gun Violence’
A new documentary series from WTTW looks at how gun violence affects Chicagoans – and what some of them are doing to stem it. We speak with “Firsthand” director and producer Dan Protess.
‘Shared Street’ Model in Uptown is Here to Stay. Will it Be Replicated?
Four years ago, Argyle Street in Uptown was dramatically reimagined. How the single-level streetscape, now permanent, is working – and whether it can serve as a model in other neighborhoods.
How a Small-Town City Employee Stole Nearly $54M in Public Money
It’s one of the most outrageous cases of municipal fraud in modern times. We discuss “All the Queen’s Horses” with the documentary’s director, Kelly Richmond Pope.
The Week in Review: 11-Day Teachers Strike Comes to an End
Chicago teachers return to school. A state lawmaker resigns after a federal bribery charge. Trump knocks Chicago during his first visit to the city as president. And the David Ross era begins for the Cubs.
Illinois House Passes Bill Allowing College Athlete Endorsement Deals
College athletes could soon make money on endorsement deals if a bill in Illinois becomes a law. We explore the debate over changing the rules with former Chicago Tribune sportswriter Fred Mitchell.
John Leguizamo Brings ‘Latin History for Morons’ to Chicago
If your Latin history is a little rusty, actor and writer John Leguizamo understands – and he’s here to offer an antidote in the form of his latest one-man show, playing in Chicago this week. We get a preview.
CPS Teachers, Staff Take Their Case to the Streets with Rallies Across the City
Chants of “fair contract!” and “Mayor Lightfoot, get on the right foot!” rang through the air outside Chicago Public Schools around the city on the first morning of the Chicago Teachers Union and SEIU support staff walkout.
As Scooter Pilot Ends, A Call For Keeping Them Around – With Changes
A report from the Active Transportation Alliance says Chicago should develop a long-term e-scooter program across the entire city.
Mayor, CPS CEO: Solutions to ‘Quality-of-Life Issues’ Aren’t in a Teachers Contract
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday again accused the Chicago Teachers Union of ignoring the city’s contract proposals – but said a strike isn’t a foregone conclusion. Lightfoot and CPS CEO Janice Jackson join “Chicago Tonight” in conversation.
Quigley: Attempts to Slow Impeachment Probe Show White House ‘Panic’
A conversation with U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley on President Trump’s moves to stall the impeachment inquiry.
Northwestern Coach Pat Fitzgerald on Sports, School and Leadership
The winningest football coach in Northwestern University’s history talks about leadership – and why his team has been successful academically.
The Week in Review: Teachers Gear Up For a Coordinated Strike
CPS teachers set a walkout date. A local Republican congressman hedges on the Trump impeachment inquiry. What are the feds looking for in Illinois? And the Bears get ready for battle across the pond.
Lyft Blocks Bike-Sharing Access on Popular App – But Chicago Riders Won’t Be Affected
This week the popular transportation app Transit announced Lyft was blocking users from accessing rides on New York’s bike-sharing system. But Chicagoans who use Transit to access Divvy bikes need not worry.
As Teachers Strike Looms, Principals Group Says CPS Misrepresented Its Views
Troy LaRaviere, the head of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, discusses how a teachers strike would impact school administrators.
‘A New Low’: Sen. Durbin on Ukraine Call, Trump Impeachment Inquiry
In a flurry of tweets, President Donald Trump spent the last several days attacking the newly launched impeachment inquiry against him. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin weighs in on the situation.
Jacqueline Stewart, TCM’s Newest Host, on Film Preservation, Representation
The Turner Classic Movies series “Silent Sunday Nights” is a celebration of some of the triumphs of early filmmaking, and its new host is a Chicago native whose love of the movies goes all the way back to her childhood.
Bus Driver Fired After Striking Cyclist Was Among Highest-Paid CTA Drivers
A CTA bus operator who was fired after an on-duty accident in which he struck a cyclist was among the highest-paid drivers working for the agency in recent years, according to a WTTW News analysis of CTA employee salaries.
Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Trump Impeachment Inquiry
He has experienced how it feels inside a White House facing the threat of impeachment. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel offers his take on the impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump.
After 40 Years in Solitary Confinement, a ‘Story of Transformation and Hope’
Albert Woodfox was held in solitary confinement for decades in Louisiana before his release in 2016. Now, he’s written a book about his experiences. He joins us to discuss “Solitary.”
Schools Consider Unrestricted Locker Room Access for Transgender Students
A suburban high school district that’s faced years of court battles over equal locker room access is considering a big policy change.
‘Greenway’ Plan for Lincoln Park Side Street Sparks Neighborhood Tension
A proposal to add a so-called greenway for cyclists and introduce pedestrian-focused safety measures on a Lincoln Park side street has sparked an outpouring of attention from neighbors.
Author Paul Tough on ‘How College Makes or Breaks Us’
College admissions have been major news in recent months after a bribery scam came to light. A new book explores how the higher education system is failing many low-income students and students of color.
The Week in Review: Anne Burke Named Chief Justice of Illinois Supreme Court
Anne Burke is elevated to chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. CPS is hit with another scathing report on sexual abuse. Uber’s CEO bets big on Chicago. And the Bears try to reverse fortune against the Broncos.
