Stories by WTTW News

The effects of fetal alcohol syndrome are well-documented. So why is there controversy over how much an expectant mother should drink during pregnancy? We talk to a leading local pediatrician and the author of The Mystery of Risk: Drugs, Alcohol, Pregancy and the Vulnerable Child. More on the Story: Info, videos on book & Fetal Alcohol Syndrome More on the book

Season's Readings! Our panel of book lovers recommends their best bets for great summer reads. More on the Story: Guest bios and book recommendations Jessa Crispin's website More on Miguel Figueroa More on Al Gini

It's not much now, but find out how the city plans to transform a three-mile long abandoned railway. Paris Schutz takes us for a journey down the Bloomingdale Trail. More on the Story: Web article & photo gallery Bloomingdale Trail website

We hear from Michael Hogan about rising tuition, budget issues and his first year as president of the University of Illinois. Should U of I be given more resources from the state? Michael Hogan's bio

It's now a waiting game as jurors in the retrial of Rod Blagojevich finish their second day of deliberations. Two of the former governor's defense attorneys join us to discuss everything that went on and how they're feeling now that it's almost over. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Gov. Pat Quinn signs a landmark education bill. We talk to the bill's sponsor about the changes that pave the way for longer school days and why it's harder for teachers to strike. More on the Story: Breakdown of school reforms & teacher reaction Do you think the bill will improve education in Illinois?

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, new top cop Garry McCarthy is beefing up police presence in the wake of mobs of thugs, who are quickly converging and dispersing, robbing shoppers and tourists in the Near North and downtown areas. Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's case goes to the jury after a tough cross-examination and closing arguments. Gov. Pat Quinn threatens to shut down the summer road construction season to get legislators back to the bargaining table in Springfield.

The fate of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich is now in the hands of the jury. The prosecution and defense teams finished their closing arguments Thursday afternoon. Elizabeth Brackett was in court and has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page Do you think Rod Blagojevich is guilty?

One of our viewers was curious about a unique bridge in Hoffman Estates. Geoffrey Baer is here with some answers in this week's Ask Geoffrey.

It's hammer-time when a master of the hammered dulcimer joins us for an in-studio performance. More on the Story: Watch videos of Max ZT's performances Max ZT's website More Cultural Connections online

It's nearly a wrap. The prosecution and defense in the corruption retrial of Rod Blagojevich both rested their cases today, and the prosecution began its closing argument. Elizabeth Brackett was in court for it all and reports back with the details. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Garry McCarthy is now officially Chicago's Police Superintendent. Eddie Arruza goes one-on-one with him to talk about flash mobs, crime and redistributing cops.

Do cell phones cause cancer? And what exactly does the World Health Organization have to say about it? A Chicago scientist who contributed to the latest report joins us to clarify the findings.

With temperatures creeping toward the 100-degree mark, how does a beer shake sound? Check Please! Host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh tells us about a trending summer drink. Ask Alpana your own question and watch previous segments As Seen On Chicago Tonight: Wine Alpana’s Picks for Starter Wines for New Wine Drinkers

Prosecutors finished cross-examining Rod Blagojevich today. Closing arguments are expected tomorrow and the case should be in the hands of the jury by Thursday. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Much of the back and forth between Rod Blagojevich and Prosecutor Reid Schar during today's cross-examination has to do with the intention behind the former governor's words. Elizabeth Brackett breaks down Day 25 of the Blagojevich retrial. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

It's been almost 40 years since the Watergate burglaries and subsequent cover up. We have former Nixon White House counsel John Dean here to discuss the impact the scandal has had on politics, the law and more. More on the Story: Videos of Dean's 1973 testimony and Nixon's statements to public

We hear what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer mail. Send Chicago Tonight your comments

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Gov. Pat Quinn is considering vetoing a number of major bills the Illinois lawmakers passed at the end of the legislative session this week. Examining casino expansion, ComEd rate hikes and the new state budget are on his summer to-do list. Rahm Emanuel flexes his political clout just two weeks into mayoral tenure, convincing legislators to pass the perennial gambling expansion and a once-dead workers' compensation overhaul. Former Governor Rod Blagojevich's cross-examination starts testily.

Groupon Inc. has filed for an initial public offering of stock worth up to $750 million. Jim Kirk from Crain's Chicago Business joins us to discuss the local company's latest business move. Article on the filing Groupon website

Henrietta Lacks died of cervical cancer in 1951. But her cells kept living. They started a scientific revolution and a multi-billion dollar industry. When members of her family found out, they felt angry and exploited. We talk with the author of a best-selling book about the story. More on the Story: Read and hear an audio excerpt from the book Author Rebecca Skloot's website

A futuristic library lands on the University of Chicago campus. But where do they keep the books? Find out when we get a tour of the latest striking addition to Chicago architecture. More on the Story: See photos of the library and watch a video The Library website

From the outside, this Hyde Park bank looks more like a museum dedicated to the history of the automobile. We find out more about the building in tonight's Ask Geoffrey.

More than 30 same-sex couples convened at Millennium Park this morning to exchange vows and take part in one of Illinois' first civil union ceremonies. Ash-har Quraishi was there and reports on the historic celebration.

For two years, we wondered if Rod Blagojevich would take the stand. Now, we wonder if he'll ever leave it. Elizabeth Brackett recaps the former Illinois governor's fifth day on the hot seat. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

The Springfield bureau chief for the Chicago Sun-Times joins us to talk about the final hours of the spring legislative session and the bills that just squeezed in before its end. One of the biggest: the state House passed a redistricting bill. More on the Story: Maps of the new districts