Stories by WTTW News

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.

A panel of state lawmakers joins us to talk about redistricting, casinos and thrown punches during the last day of the spring legislative session. Did lawmakers in Springfield create fair maps for redistricting?

Hundreds of couples lined up early this morning outside the Cook County Clerk's office to apply for a civil union license. Ash-har Quraishi reports on the new law that went into effect today. More on the Story: Web article and slideshow of licensing Cook County Clerk's website

Judge James Zagel criticized the ex-governor for testimony in which Blagojevich told the jury there were parts of the recorded telephone calls that were favorable to his case that the prosecution deleted. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Longtime White Sox great, Frank Thomas, joins us to discuss his life, career and new book with Joel Weisman. The book is Going Yard: The Everything Home Run Book. More on the Story: Book excerpt More on the book

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

As the clock winds down on the legislative session in Springfield, lawmakers continue to work on a budget, pass the controversial remap plan and deal with gambling expansion. We hear the latest from Springfield when Chicago Sun-Times Springfield bureau chief Dave McKinney joins us via Skype. How do you feel about the possibility of a casino in Chicago?

Former governor Rod Blagojevich took the stand for the third day today in his retrial, claiming that he made no attempt to shakedown the head of Children's Memorial Hospital. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

If you can't get to a grocery store, let it come to you. Paris Schutz has more on an innovative solution to the problem of food deserts in Chicago. More on the Story: More about the mobile market Fresh Moves

Chicago leads the nation in adapting to climate change. WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us with that and a look at the week's top business headlines. Article on the Com Ed rate hike Article on the drop in Chicago's unemployment rate

Imagine a world without fish. That's what author Mark Kurlansky did in his new book, and he didn't like what he saw. He tells us what it would mean if our oceans became nearly barren. Mark Kurlansky More on the book Marine Stewardship Council

Two giants of Chicago theater share the stage when John Mahoney and Rondi Reed team up in a new production. It's called "The Outgoing Tide," and it's one of three shows Chicago Sun-Times theater critic Hedy Weiss reviews for us. More on the Story: More about the plays

WLS-AM broadcaster and frequent Chicago Tonight contributor Tom Roeser has passed away. We take a moment to remember his work. ABC News obituary

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Rod Blagojevich, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. take the stand in the Blagojevich retrial. The Mumbai terror trial here gets international attention. ComEd gets its controversial rate hike approved. The legislative session is scheduled to end soon with redistricting and the state budget still unsettled. And in sports, a late game collapse dooms the Chicago Bulls' season. Guests:

It's almost "Summertime," and we'll hear a live performance from a new re-telling of George Gershwin's musical masterpiece, Porgy and Bess. More on the Story: The opera's history

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

Blagojevich took the stand today in his retrial, telling stories from his childhood through to adulthood. He reminded jurors, "I used to be your governor, and I'm here to tell the truth." Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Bertocchi and Defense Attorney Joseph Lopez join us to discuss the former governor's testimony and what it can do for his case. Will Blagojevich's testimony help or hurt him?

A house in the McKinley Park neighborhood of Chicago is a relic from when the area was home to an explosive industry. Geoffrey Baer tells us about the history and uncertain future of this landmark home, in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

We fly on a fully restored World War II bomber and meet a man who flew 35 missions as a tail gunner. The Collings Foundation

The defense of Rod Blagojevich kicks off with a bang of high-profile witnesses. But the action doesn't last very long. What and who can we expect next? Elizabeth Brackett takes us through the possibilities. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Convicted terrorist David Headley testified today that Tahawwur Rana praised the gunmen from the attacks in Mumbai. Headley said Rana wanted the gunmen to receive Pakistan's highest posthumous military honor. Ash-har Quraishi has the latest on Rana's trial. Chicago Sun-Times article

The EPA this month ordered state officials to make the Chicago River clean enough for swimming. Paris Schutz has more on the decision and why many aren't happy about the river's new direction.

A GPS that gets you there by the most fuel efficient route, a mass extinction of fish that paved the way for human evolution and a nose that can smell bacterial infections are just three of the science stories we're keeping an eye on in tonight's installment of Scientific Chicago.