Stories by WTTW News

From humble beginnings, she eventually became one of the most famous -- and richest -- women in the world. We revisit Oprah Winfrey's August 1984 appearance on Chicago Tonight when she took on critics who were calling her show "sensationalist" and more. Oprah's website

Carol Marin gets the latest on the political remap battle from Springfield. And then her studio panel analyzes Rahm Emanuel's first week in office, as well as Joe Berrios' latest nepotism news.

The Blagojevich retrial is delayed until Wednesday, when the defense will begin presenting their case. Who will they call to testify? Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Oprah Winfrey wanted to make her program number one. Mission accomplished. We have an extended cut from John Callaway's February 1984 conversation with the Queen of Talk. Are you sad to see Oprah go?

Opening arguments began today for Tahawwur Rana, a Chicagoan charged with organizing terrorist attacks on two Mumbai hotels and a Jewish center in 2008. Ash-har Quraishi has the latest from the courthouse. More on the Story: Details on the attacks and the trial

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Joel Weisman and his panel of guests look back at Rahm Emanuel's first week as mayor: his swearing in, his move to cut $75 million from the budget, and appointment of several familiar aldermen on City Council to lead committees. Also, the prosecution in the Blagojevich retrial rests as talk swirls about the former governor himself taking the stand in his own defense. Oprah ends her historic run with a star-filled sendoff at the United Center.

The Chicago History Museum is putting its final touches on its newest exhibit. We talk to the curator of "Out in Chicago," a history of Chicago's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.

How did the village of Winnetka solve a dangerous and tedious transportation problem 70 years ago? Geoffrey Baer tells us about the "big dig" in Ask Geoffrey.

In case you haven't heard, Oprah Winfrey is winding up her Chicago-based talk show next week. We go to the WTTW vault to look at John Callaway's 1984 conversation with the Queen of Talk at the beginning of her Chicago career. Oprah's website

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

Chicago's new mayor is ordering an audit of the city's controversial TIF program. Eddie Arruza talks with the mayor's budget director about what's being uncovered as the new financial team looks into the city's books. Chicago Tonight's Rahm Emanuel page More on the Story: Emanuel's finance team

This home is believed to be one of the most energy-efficient homes in the country. But not everyone is ecstatic about the eco-friendly home's impact on the surrounding environment. Ash-har Quraishi reports on the growing pains of going green in the city.

Longer school days in Chicago and teacher layoffs based on performance not seniority. Those are just two of the changes in a school reform bill sitting on Gov. Quinn's desk. We find out how it will affect students and teachers throughout the state. More on the Story: Read more about the reform bill Contact Gov. Quinn

Thousands of immigrants today live in the Chicago area. We talk with a 19-year-old who shares her life story about living in Chicago -- undocumented. Nick Shields reports.

A new exhibit showcases the efforts of 10 internationally known designers to offer eco-friendly solutions that meld sustainable materials with aesthetic design. Ash-har Quraishi has the story.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel presided over his first City Council meeting today. It was a largely ceremonial event that included an embrace between the new mayor and a presumed political foe. Eddie Arruza reports on the new faces and new direction at Chicago's City Hall. Chicago Tonight's Mayor Rahm Emanuel page More on Mayor Emanuel's first City Council meeting

Mayor Emanuel's controversial pick for Chicago Public Schools CEO, Jean-Claude Brizard, sits down with Carol Marin to talk about his experience and vision for students and teachers here. More on the Story: CPS leadership team More on the Story: Brizard's history

Rod Blagojevich's one-time best friend Lon Monk is back on the stand today. And there are fireworks between Judge Zagel and defense attorneys. Elizabeth Brackett has the story from the former governor's corruption retrial. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Former Blagojevich chief of staff, Alonzo "Lon" Monk, took the stand today to testify against his one-time boss. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest from the former governor's corruption retrial. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Tomorrow marks the first meeting of the new Chicago City Council. One already-influential alderman is getting even more power: 40th ward Alderman Patrick O'Connor. We talk with O'Connor about the new Council -- and the new mayor. Ald. Patrick O'Connor's website

From Rod Blagojevich to former vice presidential chief of staff Scooter Libby, why are so many high profile officials lying? We talk to the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Tangled Webs, who believes it's an epidemic. More on the book

They're back... and that's not exactly fine and dandy with some Chicago residents. Chicago Tonight has the story of why there are more dandelions than ever, and why the Chicago Park District says that's a good thing. Chicago Park District press release

We have the latest on Father Michael Pfleger and other top headlines in religion news when the Chicago Tribune's religion reporter joins us. Catholic Charities, a major adoption provider for Illinois, is saying they will continue to turn away same-sex couples after the June 1 start of the Civil Unions law.

Afternoon testimony in the Blagojevich retrial took a turn away from the Senate seat down Lincoln Avenue to Children's Memorial Hospital, as Children's CEO Patrick Magoon took the stand. Elizabeth Brackett takes us through the testimony. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

A new political era in Chicago has begun. Rahm Emanuel was sworn in today in as the city's 46th mayor, as the 45th mayor looked on. Eddie Arruza reports on what the new mayor had to say in his first public speech.

The baton passing between Mayor Daley to Mayor Emanuel is complete. There was plenty of pomp and circumstance today, but there's work to be done, including tackling the city's near $600 million deficit. Carol Marin and her panel take a look at the challenges Mayor Emanuel faces as he takes office.