Stories by WTTW News

Crain's Corner

Divvy Bike-Sharing Program Peddles to a Loss

Chicago's Divvy bike-sharing program may be peddling to success on the streets and lakefront of the city - but it's losing money. The company recorded an operating loss for 2013. 

Viewer Feedback: 5/29

Household Debt and Our Economy

We share what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer feedback. 

Minimum Wage, Guns Top City Council Agenda

Emanuel Halts Wrigley Rehab

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago City Council tackle minimum wage, Wrigley Field renovations and more at today's meeting. 

Zach Fardon Takes on Gang Violence

Seven months into his new post as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, we sit down with Zach Fardon. We'll see what the attorney, best known for his role in prosecuting former Gov. George Ryan, has to say about gang violence, public corruption. 

Remembering Poet, Author Maya Angelou

Poet and writer Maya Angelou died on May 28, at the age of 86 in her home in Winston-Salem, N.C. Read what local leaders and artists recall about her impact and presence on the world's stage. 

Chris Lemmon, New Show hit Chicago

Actor pays tribute to Dad in 'Jack Lemmon Returns'

The late, great actor Jack Lemmon returns in a stage tribute by his son, Chris Lemmon, who recounts growing up in the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Springfield News with Dave McKinney

The end of the legislative session in Springfield looms. Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan declared an extension of the 2011 income tax increase dead and as a result, Democrats are crafting a "middle-of-the-road" budget with less austere spending cuts. Chicago Sun-Times’ Springfield bureau chief Dave McKinney joins us with an update. 

Cubs Unveil Latest Wrigley Designs

The Chicago Cubs formally unveil their latest designs for the now larger Wrigley renovation project. Two top executives from the Cubs organization weigh in and we'll have neighborhood reaction as well. See slideshow of Cubs newest plans for Wrigley. 

Proposed Lucas Museum Site Raises Concern

Not everyone is happy with Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s proposal that the Lucas Museum of Cultural Arts be built on a parking lot near Solider Field in the very popular Museum Campus area. Tonight, we have a panel discussion on the pros and cons of Chicago being the museum’s home and what are more suitable locations that could serve other well-deserving neighborhoods.

New Illinois GOP Chairman

Meet the new chairman of the Illinois Republican Party Timothy Schneider, a Cook County commissioner from Bartlett. Schneider hopes the struggling GOP will have a successful election night this November, especially behind gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner. 

Diving for Bones

A team of cave-diving scientists recently announced the discovery of a near-complete skeleton of a teenage girl in an underwater cave on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Northwestern professor Patricia A. Beddows was a member of the team and joins us to discuss the find. 

Second City’s Bob Curry Fellowship

Meet the first group of Fellows in Second City’s new Bob Curry Fellowship. Named after the first African-American Second City performer, the fellowship offers intense training to help these funny people find their voices.

More on the Web: The Week in Review: 5/23

Eddie Arruza and his guests continue this week’s conversation, discussing  new details about Jesse Jackson Jr.’s life in prison.  

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 5/23

Eddie Arruza and his panel of journalists discuss this week's headlines. 

Cubs, Rooftop Owners Talks Hit Impasse

Ricketts Moves Forward with Wrigley Field Renovations

The battle between Chicago Cubs and rooftop owners has hit the boiling point. Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts announced plans to go forward with more scoreboards and an expanded renovation project as rooftop owners prepare to take them to court. Take our poll.

Springfield News with Dave McKinney

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan presses for an income tax surcharge on millionaires, Toni Preckwinkle lobbies hard for her proposed Cook County budget. Chicago Sun-Times’ Springfield bureau chief Dave McKinney joins us with an update on these topics and more. 

Household Debt and Our Economy

Amir Sufi, professor of finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, argues in his new book House of Debt that a sharp increase in household debt was an underlying reason for the Great Recession (in 2008) and a primary cause for our still sluggish recovery. Sufi joins us to discuss his book, and what in his view, former Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner got wrong. 

A Lot of Eggs in Their Basket

One could say that the Chicago Field Museum is putting a lot of eggs in one basket, with the publication of its new book, The Book of Eggs. The result being a grand collection, extensive showcase of 600 species of birds. We find out more when John Bates, associate curator and book editor, joins us. Take a quiz.

Actor Michael Urie Visits

Actor Michael Urie made his claim to fame starring in the hit TV sitcom Ugly Betty. He joins us on Chicago Tonight to talk about his new Chicago comedy show Buyer and Cellar. Learn more about Urie's new play.

Viewer Feedback 5/22

Cats and Rodent Control

We share what you had to say about Jay Shefsky's recent story on the city's new approach to rodent control when we read some of our viewer feedback.

Cook County Pension Reform Update

A plan to rescue the pension system of Cook County workers could be on the fast track in pension-weary Springfield. So much so that County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is putting her reputation on the line to lobby state lawmakers and the governor to get it done in the waning days of the general assembly spring session. Will it happen? 

How to Fix Illinois

Illinois celebrates its bicentennial in 2018, and two authors have suggestions on how to fix the funk in Illinois just in time for the celebration. Read an excerpt from Fixing Illinois: Politics and Policy in the Prairie State.

China's Rising Status

Former Chicago Reporter Visits Chicago Tonight

What does China's rising economic and political clout on the world stage mean for the United States? The New Yorker writer Evan Osnos visits Chicago Tonight to talk about China's rising status and his new book. Read an excerpt from Age of Ambition. 

Ask Geoffrey: 5/21

Geoffrey Visits a Spot Where North Meets North

Geoffrey visits a rediscovered war curiosity, a long-lost war trophy, and a place in Chicago where north meets north in tonight’s Ask Geoffrey. 

Gardening Tips from Eliza Fournier

Now that spring-like weather is actually here, what should you do with your tulips and other flowers? Eliza Fournier from the Chicago Botanic Garden joins us to offer spring gardening pointers. Read tips from Chicago Botanic Garden's May gardening checklist.

Springfield News with Dave McKinney

Springfield legislators enter the final stretch for the spring session and Chicago Sun-Times’ Springfield bureau chief Dave McKinney joins us with an update on where Gov. Quinn’s efforts to make his “temporary” income tax extension permanent stand, more general assembly news.
 

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