Stories by WTTW News
City Treasurer to Mayor Emanuel: Sue Big Banks
In a surprise move, Chicago's City Treasurer Kurt Summers joins the chorus calling on the mayor to sue big banks over controversial swap deals that have cost taxpayers millions of dollars.
Do Chicago Police Have a Code of Silence?
A whistleblower lawsuit filed by two police officers claim that Chicago police have a “code of silence.” We discuss whether the code exists with our guests.
Study: Some People ‘Hardwired’ for Chronic Pain
What our age may or may not say about our health, why some people may be “hardwired” to experience chronic pain, and a possible explanation for the ice geysers on Saturn's moon Enceladus. Rabiah Mayas joins “Chicago Tonight” to examine these stories and more.
Hedy Weiss Reviews: ‘The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window,’ More
The Chicago Sun-Times theater critic reviews four plays that address societal challenges and conflicts, including Goodman Theatre’s revival of the rarely staged second play by “Raisin in the Sun” author Lorraine Hansberry.
Restored Art Installation Invites Reflection on Consequences of War
A prominent work of art has been out of the public eye for almost five years. Titled “Above and Beyond,” the installation commemorates American soldiers who lost their lives in the Vietnam War, and it's back on display at the Harold Washington Library.
Political Life of Abraham Lincoln Chronicled in New Book Series
The political life of America’s 16th president is being told in a new multi-volume series by Chicago native Sidney Blumenthal.
Weekend Events: Memorial Day Edition
Enjoy the long weekend with a long list of things to do around town, including a performance by the Chicago Children’s Choir, the opening of the new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier and the annual Bike the Drive event.
What Do New Overtime Rules Mean for Workers, Businesses?
How will the Obama administration’s expansion of overtime affect businesses and employee wages? We look at the new rules.
Governor, Republicans Slam Democratic Budget Proposal
Democrats propose a budget that includes hundreds of millions more for Chicago Public Schools. The latest from a heated day in Springfield.
CPS Preps for Last-Minute Funding Pitch
As parents rally for education funding outside of CPS headquarters, district officials prepare for an even bigger rally in Springfield.
Crain’s Roundup: Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks Court Corporate Clients
Chicago sports teams are turning to their heroes of the past to boost the team brands, and a billionaire biotech pioneer wants to revive print newspapers, and he's putting his money on Tribune Publishing. Crain's Chicago Business has the story.
‘Heroes on Deck’ Reveals Story Behind WWII Pilots, Sunken Aircraft
A new documentary tells the amazing story of World War II aviators who earned their wings aboard makeshift aircraft carriers on Lake Michigan.
Ron Magers’ Final Newscast After 51-Year Career
Ron Magers signs off Wednesday night after 51 years in television news, including almost 35 in Chicago. He started here at WMAQ-Channel 5, where he co-anchored with “Chicago Tonight” host Carol Marin for 13 years. In April, Magers sat down for a conversation with his former “TV wife.”
Delmark Records an Encore for Local Jazz, Blues Enthusiast Bob Koester
The legendary owner of a storied Chicago record store is back in business after a very brief retirement.
Ask Geoffrey: Earl ‘Madman’ Muntz’s Crazy Chicago Story
Did a used-car salesman design and build his sleek and sporty luxury car right here in Chicago? Geoffrey Baer has that story and more.
Turning Wastewater into Fertilizer, MWRD Plant Battles Nutrient Pollution
A brand new water treatment facility that takes wastewater and creates high-grade fertilizer comes online for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District in Stickney.
Illinois Fiscal Watchdog Under Investigation for Campaign Spending
The state's fiscal watchdog, Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino, is under federal investigation. Meet the citizen watchdogs who broke the story.
Lawmaker Meetings Continue, But No State Budget
There was a flurry of late-session activity in the Illinois House and Senate on Tuesday, but still no budget deal.
Volunteers Collect Dead, Injured Birds in the Loop
Since 2003, a group called the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors has made it their mission to collect birds that have been killed or injured after striking buildings and other structures.
US Federal Reserve Expected to Increase Interest Rate
Excitement on Wall Street as a possible interest rate hike approaches. Why some surprises in the U.S. economy have investors and analysts feeling good.
Faced with Water Crisis, Waukesha Looks to Lake Michigan for Help
Activists warn of ‘dangerous precedent’ if Lake Michigan water diverted
The city of Waukesha, Wisconsin wants to take just over eight million gallons of water a day from Lake Michigan for the city's drinking water. But environmental activists warn that allowing access could set a dangerous precedent.
Strategies for Container Gardening in Chicago
If you’re one of the many Chicagoans living in an apartment or condo with limited outdoor space, growing your own food can seem like a challenge – but, Jeanne Nolan says, anything you can grow in the ground can be grown in a container with just a few adjustments.
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Who Is Running, or Thinking About Running, to Become Chicago’s Next Mayor
This 50-Ton Prehistoric Boulder Was Unearthed at O’Hare, Contest Is On To Name It
Rock Star: Meet the Guy Who Excavated O’Hare’s 50-Ton Boulder, and Yes, He Has Thoughts About the Name
Mayor Brandon Johnson Launches Reelection Campaign, Vowing ‘We Can’t Go Backward’
City Lawyers Recommend Paying $6M to Family of Man Killed by Driver Being Chased by Police
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