Stories by WTTW News

Web Extra: 2 U of C Professors Win Nobel Prize in Economics

The University of Chicago has added two more Nobel Prize winners to its already long list of laureates. Professors Eugene Fama and Lars Peter Hansen, along with Yale University professor Robert Shiller were awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics today. Watch web extra videos.

Luis Gutierrez

Congressman Luis Gutierrez joins us to talk about the government shutdown, his recent arrest, and his new book, Still Dreaming: My Journey from the Barrio to Capitol Hill.

Advancements in Alzheimer’s Research

Researchers in the fight against Alzheimer’s may have found a way to detect the disease early on. They discovered small toxins related to Alzheimer’s, which builds up in the brain, attacking the brain’s memory centers. Collaborators  are trying to discover a way to protect the brain from these toxins, or even better, prevent them from building up in the first place. Dr. William Klein, an Alzheimer’s disease researcher at Northwestern University, joins us with details. Read facts and figures about Alzheimer's disease and watch a video.

Rise in Catholic School Enrollment

Catholic school enrollment rises for the first time in years. The rise comes as Chicago Public Schools lose 3,000 students. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Read an article.

Steven Van Zandt

Bruce Springsteen’s right-hand man Steven Van Zandt joins us for a wide-ranging discussion about the Boss, The Sopranos, and why he thinks The Rascals is one of the greatest American bands ever. View a behind-the-scenes slideshow of Van Zandt's visit to our studio and watch a web extra conversation.

An E Street Resident Visits Studio B

Little Steven Dreams Big with The Rascals

Guitarist for the E Street Band, Little Steven Van Zandt, visited us in studio to talk about being an underboss to the Boss, James Gandolfini and The Sopranos, and reviving one of his favorite bands, The Rascals.

"Birds of America"

Delve into an epic 33-pound book by the artist and naturalist, John Audubon. Birds of America is getting its first complete reproduction by a Chicago gallery owner more than 150 years after its first printing. View a slideshow.

Viewer Feedback: 10/14

We share what you had to say about this week’s stories in tonight’s viewer feedback.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 10/11

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

Web Extra: The Week in Review: 10/11

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists take a closer look at the picks for Lieutenant Governor by Republican gubernatorial hopefuls. Watch the web extra video.

Weekend Events Around the Town: 10/11 -10/13

A Civil War exhibit, food trucks, and the Chicago Marathon; Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.

Immigrant Songs of Rock and Romantic Dreams

New Chicago Recording Spans the Globe

A new rock record by a Chicago-based band is led by a dynamic vocalist who chronicles the experience of a South Asian immigrant. American Desi by the band Clara May might remind you of David Bowie or Robert Plant’s solo work at times, but Clara May stakes new ground with a unique point-of-view and an epic soundscape.

City Preps for Chicago Marathon

The city is in final preparations for the Chicago Marathon this weekend. But will it be safe in light of what happened in Boston? Paris Schutz has the details. View a route map and information on street closures.

Toni Preckwinkle

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joins us to discuss some major reforms proposed in the county's 2014 budget. Read her budget recommendations.

"One Summer: America, 1927"

Best-selling author Bill Bryson joins us to discuss his newest book, One Summer: America, 1927. Read an excerpt.

Nely Galán Inspires Latinas with Adelante Movement

Television producer, inspirational speaker and founder of The Adelante Movement Nely Galán hosts her national tour in Chicago this weekend. The Adelante Movement seeks to unite and empower women economically. The event will feature inspirational speakers, business workshops, networking sessions, and personal and financial business advice. Read an interview.

"How We Do It"

A book called How We Do It: The Evolution and Future of Human Reproduction explores the science of sex and childbirth. We revisit a conversation with the book's author. Read an excerpt.

Viewer Feedback: 10/10

Ventra, Fall Veto Session & Honeybee Rescuer

We share what you had to say about the CTA's new Ventra fare card system, the fall legislative session, and a profile of a honeybee rescuer in tonight’s viewer feedback.

Ventra Glitches & Confusion

A very bumpy start to the CTA's new Ventra payment system has forced the transit agency to change gears. We hear what some passengers have to say, and get the latest on the CTA's newly revised plan. Read an article and share your thoughts.

Government Shutdown: Day 9

President Obama invites House Democrats to a meeting at the White House to discuss the budget crisis. Is the government shutdown nearing its end? Carol Marin and her guests have analysis. Watch web extra videos.

Inmate Tracking at Cook County Jail

Want to know how Cook County Jail keeps track of its inmates? Through hundreds of thousands of pieces of tattered paper. Paris Schutz has more on why Sheriff Tom Dart says it's a disaster waiting to happen. Read letters from Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown to Dart.

All About the Benjamins

A newly redesigned $100 bill went into circulation on Tuesday. With a new paper blend, modernized security features and an updated portrait of Benjamin Franklin, the new bill will be more difficult to counterfeit. See photos and security features of the new bill.

Ask Geoffrey: 10/9

A Chicago landmark is undergoing a renaissance as a luxurious hotel on Michigan Avenue. We take a peek under the dust in tonight's Ask Geoffrey.

Honeybee Rescuer

Dan Parizek is a “Honeybee Rescuer." If you’ve got a beehive in the walls of your home, Dan will relocate it so it won’t be destroyed by an exterminator. With Colony Collapse Disorder destroying some 10 million beehives since 2007, Dan and others say we can’t afford to lose any more hives. We revisit Jay Shefsky's profile. Read an article, watch a web extra video, and learn more about Colony Collapse Disorder from local scientists.

Web Extra: Chicago to Host 2015 World Triathlon Grand Final

Chicago was recently named as the host city for the 27th edition of the 2015 World Triathlon Grand Final. Elizabeth Brackett has won four World Championship titles and placed second in this year’s London World Championships. Watch a web extra video about what Chicago can expect when it hosts the World Championships in 2015.

Rauner Selects Running Mate for IL Governor Run

GOP governor candidates have now all selected running mates. But are they qualified to be governor in an emergency? Paris Schutz has the latest. View a graphic of Illinois gubernatorial candidates and their running mates.
 

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