Stories by WTTW News

We catch a glimpse into Chicago in the 19th century on a tour of the remarkably preserved Glessner House on South Prairie Avenue.

Find out how the decisions of one woman over a hundred years ago help keep this Chicago neighborhood beautiful in tonight's Ask Geoffrey.

What happens when you mix puppets and opera? We go behind the scenes at one of the most technically sophisticated puppet shows in the country. Jay Shefsky has the story. More on the Story: Learn the origins of puppet opera and see photos Opera in Focus

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ComEd has restored service to more than 600,000 customers affected by this week's power outages, but that leaves well more than 100,000 still without power. We talk with an official from ComEd about the progress of the restoration. ComEd Storm Center Outage Map Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Power outage safety

Street violence is on the rise in Chicago and some groups are using social media to plan and execute their attacks. Carol Marin and her panel discuss the changing face of crime.

Radio personality Steve Dahl just announced he's offering subscriptions to his podcasts. The industry veteran joins us to discuss the changing landscape of communications.

Some South Side residents are angry over major construction projects and beach restoration along the south lake shore. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Ald. Leslie Hairston List of South Side parks

There haven't been many bright spots in the first half of the Cubs and White Sox campaigns. We review their seasons so far and take a look at what can be expected the rest of the way.

What are the health hazards associated with thawing food in your powerless refrigerator? Our Elizabeth Brackett and her panel discuss this and other health-related concerns caused by the storm.

Is gambling expansion a safe bet to solve the state's financial woes? We address the issue with State Rep. Lou Lang and State Rep. Jack Franks.

Paris Schutz has the story of why one suburb is fighting for more bees, and why some residents there feel a bit stung.

BROKE, USA Do payday lenders and pawn shops offer a valuable service to the working poor or do they exploit their customers? We talk to Gary Rivlin, the author of a new book who says there is a "poverty industry" that takes advantage of people in need.

Jay Shefsky takes an in-depth look at an important piece of Chicago cultural history—the original Wienermobile! The New York Times article Oscar Mayer

Security details for Chicago officials remain a source of controversy. Eddie Arruza tells us what Mayor Rahm Emanuel had to say about that ongoing debate.

Monday's storms left hundreds of thousands without electricity. ComEd has been working around the clock to restore power to customers but full restoration could take days. Ash-har Quraishi has the story.

President Barack Obama continues to push for a deal on raising the debt ceiling. But can it get done? And what happens if it doesn't? Illinois Senator Mark Kirk joins Carol Marin with more.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is cutting up Chicago's credit cards. Comptroller Amer Ahmad tells us about the city's latest cost-cutting and scandal-reducing measures.

There is new competition for ComEd as gas company Nicor enters the residential electricity market. WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us to talk about what that could mean for Chicago consumers.

Curb Your Enthusiasm's Jeff Garlin joins us to talk about his new stand-up comedy show in town—and his efforts to curb some of his own appetites.

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This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Mayor Rahm Emanuel ushers in a new era of ethics reforms in city government. A vicious beating and stabbing in Lakeview brings renewed fear to the city. Former top cop Jody Weis is hired by the Chicago Crime Commission. State workers lose their raises as Gov. Pat Quinn cuts nearly $400 million from the state budget. City Council approves gun ranges in Chicago. Summer travel costs you more as airlines raise rates. And in sports, bypassed Paul Konerko is finally voted an all-star as the Sox struggle to reach .500.

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Reform is coming to Cook County in the form of quarterly performance reports. We sit down with County Board President Toni Preckwinkle about the unveiling of the new initiative.

Chicago's demographics have changed considerably over the last 10 years and now the City Council is deciding how to remap the city's wards. Eddie Arruza and his panel of aldermen look at what's at stake and who's battling for control.

We hear from Dr. David Ansell, the author of a new book about the history of Cook County Hospital.