Stories by Yasmin Rammohan

Swimming at Promontory Point

We revisit a story about two men playing in the ice sheets of Lake Michigan in Hyde Park on their daily swim. Elizabeth Brackett reports. Read an article about the risks of swimming in cold water.

Web Extra: Update on Winter Swimmer

Back in 2012, we met two men – Greg Lane and Andre DeMar – who regularly swam in Lake Michigan, including during frigid Chicago winters. We spoke with Andre DeMar today to find out if he still swims in the frigid waters. It turns out he does. In fact, he swam in Lake Michigan this morning as the outside temperatures hovered around -2 degrees – without windchill. Read an interview.

David Broza

Israeli singer-songwriter David Broza joins us with a conversation and performance. Watch web extra performances.

Polar Vortex Returns to Chicago

The polar vortex made its unwelcome return today, causing delays and closings. Will tomorrow be a repeat? Paris Schutz has the story. Send us your severe weather photos here and we'll use them in our online slideshow.

Tom Skilling on City's Record Lows

WGN's Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling talks about the city’s record low temperatures, and what we can expect over the next few days.

Medical Marijuana

We break down the rules Illinois has outlined for medical marijuana, and some additional restrictions Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ald. Ed Burke would like to impose in Chicago.

Chicago Pushes For More Vaccine Coverage

The Chicago Department of Public Health is ramping up its campaign to increase teenage HPV vaccination coverage. We talk vaccinations and disease prevention with the agency’s medical director, Dr. Julie Morita. Read an interview and view graphics on HPV.

Medicaid Expansion in Illinois

Illinois is one of 25 states that have chosen to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. We head to DuPage County to check up on the massive changes taking place in the state's health care system.

Pat McGann

We talk with Chicago comic Pat McGann fresh off his first appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. Watch his performance.

Viewer Feedback: 1/27

Boot Camp & Pensions

We share what you had to say about pension reform and Cook County boot camp labor in tonight's viewer feedback.

Lawmakers at Odds over Pension Reform Savings

It turns out pension reform could save $15 billion less than legislative leaders initially anticipated. An actuarial analysis done by the pension systems affected by this bill say the real savings will be $145 billion, rather than the $160 billion originally advertised. Read an article.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 1/24

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

Web Extra: The Week in Review: 1/24

The panelists turn the tables and ask Joel Weisman a few questions about his favorite memories of hosting The Week in Review for the past 36 years. Watch the web extra video.

Weekend Events Around Town: 1/24 -1/26

A scavenger hunt, restaurant tour and winter activities; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

Web Extra: New Charter Schools vs. Old Neighborhood Schools

The Chicago School Board approved seven new charter schools for the city. Where are they located in comparison with the neighborhood schools that were closed down? View a map of charter vs. neighborhood schools.

Stealing Homes

With only $40 and forged paperwork, crooks are stealing houses from unsuspecting homeowners. It’s real -- and a felony. Last week, the Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance cracking down on the "Clouding A Title" scammers, adding steep fines to jail sentences. City Treasurer Stephanie Neely and Cook County Recorder of Deeds Karen Yarbrough join us with tips on how to protect yourself from strangers changing your locks and moving in.

Boot Camp Labor Put to Use in Community

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart plans to eradicate abandoned and blighted homes throughout the county, using county boot camp labor. What community is he starting with? Brandis Friedman has the story. Read an article and view a slideshow.

Chicago Incubator Reinventing the Legal Field

Chicago’s shared, professional spaces are popping up all over town, and now there is one for attorneys. The Chicago Bar Foundation-sponsored program supplies new lawyers with the skills and knowledge to start their own businesses while reaching a growing number of those in need. Read an article about the incubator.

Mavis Staples Biography

A new book details the life of one of the most enduring artists in popular music: Mavis Staples.

People’s Music School Youth Orchestras

A remarkable, free music program in a Chicago Public School is changing lives. We revisit Jay Shefsky's story.

Viewer Feedback: 1/23

Students Question GOP Gubernatorial Candidates

We share what you had to say about our recent forum featuring high school students from the Mikva Challenge questioning the GOP candidates for Illinois governor in tonight's viewer feedback.

Chicago School Board Approves 7 New Charters

The Chicago School Board voted Wednesday to approve seven new charter schools in the city. Many parents, as well as the Chicago Teachers Union, have said they will protest any expansion following the closing last year of 50 neighborhood schools. We have the latest on the vote and reaction to it. View a graphic and a map on the new proposed charter schools.

John Cullerton

Senate President John Cullerton joins us to talk pensions, the upcoming session and midterm elections.

Report: Pension Reform Will Not Fix IL Budget

After state lawmakers finally passed pension reform in December, Illinoisans could be forgiven for assuming the state is now on track to balance its budget. But a report out this week says the reforms don't do nearly enough to fix the state's budget gap. Two of the authors of the report join us to discuss their findings and the implications for the state.

Tio Hardiman on Run for Governor

Tio Hardiman joins us, along with his running mate, to talk about his run for Illinois governor. View a timeline of his career.

Pope Francis Painting

We revisit the story of Chicago artist Jason Seiler who scored the biggest commission of his career: a painting of Pope Francis for the cover of TIME magazine’s Person of the Year issue. View a slideshow of Seiler's artwork.
 

Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors