Stories by WTTW News

New Laws for the New Year

Cracking down on the misuse of handicapped parking and a so-called "skin tax" at strip clubs are two of more than 100 new Illinois laws that just kicked in. We tell you about some of the others you should know about.

A Healthy Chicago For LGBT Youth

A new study on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender youth zeros in on a number of health issues. We hear from one of the authors, and some young people.

Web Extra: Bollywood Film's Director

The director of one of next year's biggest Indian films discusses why he decided to film in Chicago.

Lee Child

Tom Cruise stars as the Hollywood version of author Lee Child's character, Jack Reacher. We revisit a conversation with Child about his best-selling books, the new movie and the latest installment in the Reacher series.

Web Extra: Comedian Jeff Garlin and His Mother

We continue our conversation with Jeff Garlin and his mother in our web-extra video.

Maharaja: The Splendor of India's Royal Courts

Royal treasures of the Indian maharajas. We preview the new exhibition at the Field Museum.

The Week in Review’s Annual Year in Review

We take a look back at 2012 with Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists. It was a year of hard-fought election battles, the teachers’ strike, the scandals, the court sentences and Chicago’s sad sports scene. All that, and much more in The Year in Review.

Web Extra: The Year in Review: 12/21

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists summarize the year in one word.

Weekly Roundup of Chicago Tonight Stories

Missed any of Chicago Tonight this week? Check out our weekly roundup for links to ALL of this week's stories on the web.

Gun Control Debate

In the aftermath of the Connecticut tragedy, the nation's debate over gun ownership has gone from simmering to boiling. We hear from two men with differing -- and passionate -- views on the issue.

Viewer Mail: 12/20

Illinois Gun Laws

We hear what you had to say about Illinois gun laws in tonight's Viewer Mail.

Unions Propose Plan to Fix Pension Crisis

A coalition of public employee unions fight back over efforts to reform the state's drastically underfunded pension system. Paris Schutz has more on what they're looking for.

Legislators on January Session

The veto session ended with several big ticket issues still unresolved. We preview what is expected to be addressed at the beginning of the year.

Facing Cuts, Field Museum Reimagines Future

Saddled with heavy debt, the Field Museum is facing painful cuts. We talk with the museum president about how the museum will adapt.

"Queue Tips: Discovering Your Next Great Movie"

Is Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho a Christmastime movie? A new book about watching movies offers new ways to think about classic films.

School Safety

In the wake of the elementary school rampage in Connecticut, the Chicago Public Schools' security chief joins us to discuss school safety here.

Web Extra: Behind-the-Scenes of the Thorne Rooms

While it’s no longer permissible to go behind-the-scenes of the Thorne Miniature Rooms, we got a peek back in 2002. Watch curator Rebekah Levine change a light bulb for one room in our web-extra video.

From Strangers to Neighbors

A new book attempts to bridge the gap between those who use Chicago’s longest-running food pantry and the well-off residents who live around it.

Judge in Daley Nephew Case Steps Aside

The defense for Daley nephew Richard Vanecko is furious as the judge on the case steps aside, citing ties to former Mayor Daley. Our Carol Marin has the latest on this explosive case.

Reaction to Connecticut School Shooting

Memorials, vigils and funerals were held today for some of the victims of the school shooting rampage in Connecticut. We take a closer look.

Illinois Gun Laws

In the wake of the Newtown massacre, Gov. Quinn and Mayor Emanuel call for new gun laws in Illinois. Paris Schutz has more on where the law stands, and how it might change.

"Big Cat" Williams on Bears vs. Packers

A costly interception, penalties and sacks -- all add up to another Bears loss. James "Big Cat" Williams is here to break down what went wrong against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.

Web Extra: "Big Cat" on Saints Bounty Scandal

James “Big Cat” Williams offers his take on the NFL’s ruling to vacate the discipline handed down to Saints players involved in the bounty scandal.

The Newberry 125 Exhibition

We take you inside a very special exhibit at the Newberry Library showcasing 125 of its most prized possessions.

Ask Geoffrey: 12/17

From Candy Cane Lane to the Christmas Tree Ship, Geoffrey Baer talks holiday traditions in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Viewer Mail: 12/17

Vanecko Manslaughter Charges

We have some of your thoughts about the manslaughter charges filed again Richard Vanecko for David Koschman's death in tonight's Viewer Mail.
 

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