Stories by WTTW News

The Illinois Senate returns to Springfield for the lame-duck session. We bring you the latest news.

In its final hours last night, the 112th Congress passed a carefully orchestrated fiscal cliff deal despite staunch House Republican opposition. We discuss the deeper meaning behind the deal, and the way it came together, with a panel of economists.

After four years, the Tribune Co. finally emerges from bankruptcy. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM has that story, market reaction to the fiscal cliff deal, and more top business headlines.

Cracking down on the misuse of handicapped parking and a so-called "skin tax" at strip clubs are two of more than 100 new Illinois laws that just kicked in. We tell you about some of the others you should know about.

A new study on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender youth zeros in on a number of health issues. We hear from one of the authors, and some young people.

The director of one of next year's biggest Indian films discusses why he decided to film in Chicago.

Tom Cruise stars as the Hollywood version of author Lee Child's character, Jack Reacher. We revisit a conversation with Child about his best-selling books, the new movie and the latest installment in the Reacher series.

We continue our conversation with Jeff Garlin and his mother in our web-extra video.

Royal treasures of the Indian maharajas. We preview the new exhibition at the Field Museum.

We take a look back at 2012 with Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists. It was a year of hard-fought election battles, the teachers’ strike, the scandals, the court sentences and Chicago’s sad sports scene. All that, and much more in The Year in Review.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists summarize the year in one word.

Missed any of Chicago Tonight this week? Check out our weekly roundup for links to ALL of this week's stories on the web.

In the aftermath of the Connecticut tragedy, the nation's debate over gun ownership has gone from simmering to boiling. We hear from two men with differing -- and passionate -- views on the issue.

We hear what you had to say about Illinois gun laws in tonight's Viewer Mail.

A coalition of public employee unions fight back over efforts to reform the state's drastically underfunded pension system. Paris Schutz has more on what they're looking for.

The veto session ended with several big ticket issues still unresolved. We preview what is expected to be addressed at the beginning of the year.

Saddled with heavy debt, the Field Museum is facing painful cuts. We talk with the museum president about how the museum will adapt.

Is Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho a Christmastime movie? A new book about watching movies offers new ways to think about classic films.

In the wake of the elementary school rampage in Connecticut, the Chicago Public Schools' security chief joins us to discuss school safety here.

While it’s no longer permissible to go behind-the-scenes of the Thorne Miniature Rooms, we got a peek back in 2002. Watch curator Rebekah Levine change a light bulb for one room in our web-extra video.

A new book attempts to bridge the gap between those who use Chicago’s longest-running food pantry and the well-off residents who live around it.

The defense for Daley nephew Richard Vanecko is furious as the judge on the case steps aside, citing ties to former Mayor Daley. Our Carol Marin has the latest on this explosive case.

Memorials, vigils and funerals were held today for some of the victims of the school shooting rampage in Connecticut. We take a closer look.

In the wake of the Newtown massacre, Gov. Quinn and Mayor Emanuel call for new gun laws in Illinois. Paris Schutz has more on where the law stands, and how it might change.

A costly interception, penalties and sacks -- all add up to another Bears loss. James "Big Cat" Williams is here to break down what went wrong against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.

James “Big Cat” Williams offers his take on the NFL’s ruling to vacate the discipline handed down to Saints players involved in the bounty scandal.