Stories by WTTW News

Community protest brings results as one company removes its petcoke from a Calumet River storage site. But thousands of tons remain on other sites. Elizabeth Brackett has the story.

In this edition of Ask Geoffrey, Geoffrey Baer brings us up to speed on the wildly popular railroad fairs of the late 1940s, where rail enthusiasts flocked to Chicago’s lakefront to see vintage and modern locomotives in action.

Quarterback Jay Cutler turns in a rollercoaster performance in the Bears’ win over the Browns. James “Big Cat” Williams joins us to critique Cutler, break down the potent rushing attack, and preview the Eagles matchup. Watch a web extra video.

We share what you had to say about the pending Ashland Bus Rapid Transit project in tonight's Viewer Feedback.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists take on weather reporting in Chicago. Does local media over-hype the weather? Watch the web extra video.

We talk with the South African Consul General about an event giving Chicagoans a chance to mourn and celebrate Nelson Mandela.

A new investigation by the Better Government Association, with the Chicago Sun-Times, raises serious questions about a well-known Chicago congressman and how he handled a sizable grant from a special interest. Where did the money end up? And were constituents ill-served? Read the full BGA story.

An art museum digs deep into its collection and brings out rarely seen works, from Frederic Remington to Salvador Dali. We revisit a preview of Inventory_The EAM Collection at the Elmhurst Art Museum. Read an Artbeat blog and view a gallery.

What’s wrong with this picture of an old firehouse on Lake Street near Kedzie? Look closely at how the word “Department” is spelled. Geoffrey Baer is on a hunt for more misspelled signs in the Chicago area for an upcoming edition of Ask Geoffrey. If you know of one, please share the information here.

A huge lake freighter pulls up to storage facility along the Calumet River, poised to haul away piles of the controversial petroleum byproduct called "petcoke."  Elizabeth Brackett has the latest details.

Is a new City Council office the answer to curing the city's financial woes or just another layer of bureaucracy? Paris Schutz has the story.

The Bears are tied again for first place in the NFC North. James “Big Cat” Williams breaks down their latest win over the Cowboys, including Josh McCown’s stellar performance, and the receiving corps’ outstanding effort. Watch a web extra video.

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama leave on Air Force One to attend a memorial service for Nelson Mandela Tuesday as Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan recalls her year in South Africa while Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island. Elizabeth Brackett has the details. Watch web extra videos about the anti-apartheid icon from WTTW's archives.

We share what you had to say about Chicago Tonight's Ventra Special in tonight’s viewer feedback.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. Watch the web extra video.

Nelson Mandela died at age 95. Watch web extra videos about the anti-apartheid icon from WTTW's archives.

On a special edition of Chicago Tonight with a live studio audience, we take a close look at the CTA’s problem-plagued rollout of its new Ventra payment system.

Pension reform passed the Illinois House and Senate today. Read official statements from politicians and policy institutes.

The Illinois House passes pension reform by 62-53-1. View an interactive vote graphic to see how each member voted.

The Illinois Senate passes pension reform by 30-24-3. View an interactive vote graphic to see how each member voted.

The pension reform bill passes both the Illinois House and Senate. Carol Marin and Paris Schutz join us live from Springfield with the details. View interactive graphics to see how Senate and House members voted on the bill.

In his newest WTTW special, Geoffrey Baer takes a real time machine to places all over Chicago and looks through it to see things that are now long gone. Geoffrey joins us Tuesday just minutes before the debut of the program to give us a sneak peek. Watch a video preview.

James "Big Cat" Williams breaks down the Bears' overtime loss to the Vikings, and coach Marc Trestman’s controversial call to attempt a field goal on second down. Watch a web extra video.

Have Illinois leaders, at long last, come to a pension deal? Will it pass? Paris Schutz has the story.