Stories by WTTW News

GOP candidate for governor Bruce Rauner unveils a plan to increase education funding for early childhood, K-12, and college. But critics say he has no way to pay for it.

One third of Americans have no retirement savings and far more do not have enough savings to maintain their working lifestyle into retirement. Our panel discusses how retirement is changing.

The Chicago Bears lose their season opening game 23-20 in overtime -- a stunning loss at home to the Buffalo Bills.   

Intelligence has given humans an advantage over other forms of life. But could human intelligence soon be surpassed, and what would this mean for the human race?

Musicologist David Patterson attempts to amend the biography of architect Frank Lloyd Wright to acknowledge the powerful influence of his father, a preacher, essayist, musician and composer.  

U.S. Attorney General Zachary T. Fardon and FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Robert J. Holley said in a joint statement there is not an open investigation of the Chicago Police Department.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the U.S. Senate race between Republican Jim Oberweis and incumbent Dick Durbin. Also, they weigh in on the likelihood of Chicago Teacher’s Union President Karen Lewis running for mayor. 

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss this week’s headlines.  

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced he has reached a tentative agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police for a new contract for rank-and-file police officers.

The Federal Reserve and Commerce Department are reporting a stronger U.S. economy with gains in employment, manufacturing, and exports. A panel of economic experts crunch the numbers.  

A former U.S. NATO ambassador discusses the current meeting of the world powers.

For the first time in 10 years—and only the second time ever—Lyric Opera of Chicago is opening up its closets and putting more than 3,000 costumes used in dozens of operas up for sale. Get a preview on Chicago Tonight.

The Organic Gardener Jeanne Nolan is back with an update on the WTTW Garden.

It was 35 years ago that Jane Byrne pulled off the most stunning political upset in Chicago history.

Did a Chicago police officer unjustifiably kill an unarmed man? Surveillance video and phone transcripts raise new questions as police-involved shootings come under fire.

The BGA assesses how many promises Mayor Rahm Emanuel kept during his first term.

We discuss the highs and lows of the speed limit debate with our panel.

Geoffrey Baer discovers mobbed-up macaroni makers, a boat launch that's gone to the dogs, and a beautiful reminder.

Chicago Tonight invited Jim Oberweis, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, to appear on tonight’s show, but he declined our invitation.

The first day of school is complete for Chicago Public Schools students. CPS and the mayor's office say they plan to build on what they see as last year's successes. Brandis Friedman breaks down the city's plans.

As the latest polls show the race between Sen.  Dick Durbin and his challenger Jim Oberweis tightening, the long-serving Illinois senator joins us to discuss the Senate race, congressional dysfunction, and other hot-button issues.

As Labor Day passes, the campaigns for governor are accelerating into full gear. Paris Schutz has the latest.

According to the real estate rumor mill, pharma giant Baxter International may be moving out of Illinois. What does this mean for the state and its workforce?

The photographer Wallace Kirkland was a late bloomer who started his career as a social worker at the Hull House settlement in Chicago. He took a winding path in an artistic career that led him from Jamaica to India and around the world – all the while photographing Chicago people and places. 

We explore Chicago as a terminal town from 1939 until present day, with author Joseph P. Schwieterman.

Joel Weisman and his panel continue their conversation about Jackie Robinson West little league championship.