Stories by WTTW News
Shakman's Original Appearance on Chicago Tonight
The original January 2002 airing of Attorney Michael Shakman on Chicago Tonight.
Michael Shakman
The Man Behind the 'Shakman Decree' Visits
The legal battle that started in 1969 over Chicago patronage hiring is ending. Attorney Michael Shakman filed a motion to stop the federal hiring oversight because he says the city has reached "substantial compliance." We’ll talk to the man behind the “Shakman Decree," hear why he thinks the city no longer needs a hiring watchdog.
Battle over Minimum Wage
Should the Minimum Wage Be $10 an Hour?
Last week House Speaker Michael Madigan advanced a proposal to ask voters whether the state’s minimum wage should be increased to $10 an hour. Despite countless reports and research, the argument over the minimum wage still remains contentious. We debate the issue with our panel.
Emanuel Reflects on Time in Office
Chicago Tonight’s Phil Ponce interviews Mayor Rahm Emanuel on the three-year anniversary of Emanuel’s time in office.
Physical Abuse by Chicago Police Caught on Video
A federal law suit charges 10 police officers with battery and the use of excessive force. The actions, caught on tape, show an officer hitting a handcuffed, kneeling woman in the head and screaming racial insults at her.
Assessing Emanuel
A Look at the Mayor's First Three Years
Tonight we look back at Rahm Emanuel’s first three years as Chicago’s first mayor post Richard M. Daley. We address Emanuel’s future challenges, including his re-election bid. View timeline of key events during Emanuel’s term.
CPS Principal Soars
Alan Mather Gets Golden Apple Award
Lindblom Math & Science Academy Principal Alan Mather has been recognized for his transformation of the West Englewood school by the Golden Apple Foundation. We chat with him about the school's turnaround and more.
Opera Legend Jessye Norman
Norman Talks Life, Career
From her humble origins in segregated August, Ga., to the world’s leading opera houses, Jessye Norman recounts her extraordinary life and career in a new memoir, "Stand up Straight and Sing!" Read an excerpt from her book.
Viewer Feedback: 5/19
CPS Principal Speaks Out, Gains Support
We share what you had to say about our conversation with with Blaine Elementary principal Troy LaRaviere about his recent op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times when we read some of our viewer feedback.
Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 5/16
Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss this week's headlines.
Web Extra: The Week in Review: 5/16
Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss weekly headlines.
Attorney General Madigan Defends Pension Law
There are more court developments today in the on-going Illinois pension reform case. A Sangamon County judge stopped the reform overhaul by issuing a stay on the implementation of the law.
Adler President Michelle Larson Visits
If you've ever dreamed of leaving our planet to visit otherworldly destinations, it just got a bit easier to do. On May 16, Adler Planetarium is set to open its newest space adventure, “Destination Solar System." Adler President Michelle Larson joins us to talk about the new show, more.
Keys to Blackhawks Cup Repeat
While the Chicago Blackhawks await their Western Conference Final opponent, we assess the team's chances of winning a second straight Stanley Cup.
Migratory Birds in Flight
Far-Traveling Birds that Visit Chicago
Find out about the far-traveling birds that visit Chicago. We have an expert from the Nature Conservancy talk about the variety of migratory birds taking flight in the city.
Preckwinkle Pension Plan Near Done
A Cook County pension reform bill may be headed to Springfield. County officials say they are nearing a deal to solve the county's pension problem. Will it mean higher property taxes as well?
CPS Principal Speaks Out, Gains Support
We speak with Blaine Elementary principal Troy LaRaviere about his recent op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times and the overwhelming response he has received from colleagues about the Chicago Public Schools' administration and its treatment of employees.
Springfield News with Dave McKinney
Springfield bureau chief for the Chicago Sun-Times Dave McKinney joins us to discuss all the latest action in Springfield, where things stand for Gov. Quinn’s proposed budget and the latest on efforts to pass pension reform for Cook County workers.
Stevenson Farm Named Historic Landmark
Adlai Stevenson Home is Designated National Treasure
The Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home was built in 1938 and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. It was one of four sites to be designated a historic landmark this year. We tour the newly selected Lake County landmark.
Local James Beard Award Winners
Winners of the James Beard Foundation Awards were announced last week and Chicago’s chefs, restaurants earned four top honors. Beard winners Dave Beran and Jimmy Bannos Jr., join us tonight.
Radar Site Smoke Halts O’Hare, Midway Flights
After smoke led an Elgin radar facility to be evacuated, all inbound and outbound flights were stopped at O'Hare International and Midway airports, according to the Associated Press.
Extending Prescription Privileges
State legislation allowing psychologists to prescribe medication drugs was approved in a House committee vote last week and now moves on to the full House for further debate. Tonight, we take a look at the controversial bill and debate the pros, cons. Learn more and read the full bill.
Classic Chinese Fable Comes to Life
“The White Snake” chronicles the tale of a gentle serpent spirit who transforms herself one day into a beautiful young woman and travels down to the world of humans. So begins Mary Zimmerman’s interpretation of the classic Chinese fable into a spectacular Goodman Theatre production. See a slideshow from the play.
Diners Discuss Chicago's Future
Chicago Tonight Takes Part in New Community Initiative
Elizabeth Brackett, Eddie Arruza and Brandis Friedman participated in the Chicago Community Trust initiative called On the Table. Last night they hosted three dinner-and-discussion forums.
Karen Lewis Weighs In on Rahm's Re-election, More
Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis discusses her opposition to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s re-election, who she would like to see run against him, the union’s proposal for a new tax on financial transactions and much more.
Durbin Proposal Tackles Student Loans
As student loan debt spirals out of control, U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin pushes legislation to lower interest rates and save individual borrowers thousands.
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