Stories by WTTW News

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Emmy Award-winning JBTV founder and producer Jerry Bryant launched the nation’s longest-running music television show in 1984. We caught up with him to talk about the origins of his annual holiday show and some of the artists whose careers he's helped launch over the years.

In August 2001, a WTTW11 crew met guitarist Rick Nielsen in advance of a Cheap Trick show at Navy Pier. We had a backstage pass and front-row tickets. This interview and performance haven’t been seen in 14 years.

Gift wrap, feasts and relaxation are probably on tap this weekend. But what to do after holiday festivities? Check out our picks to continue the party.

A young, Harvard-educated, first-time candidate tells us why he believes he can defeat the state’s most powerful incumbent, House Speaker Michael Madigan. Paris Schutz brings us the report.

The University of Chicago answers activists' calls with a new trauma center in Hyde Park. One of the hospital's top surgeons joins us to discuss the details.

They are an unlikely group of lunch mates: a handful of Chicago police officers and 12 people working to rebuild their lives after serving time in prison. Brandis Friedman has the story.

The award-winning pastry chef and owner of Mindy’s Hot Chocolate in Bucktown shares her favorite holiday recipes from her first cookbook, “Cookie Love,” and talks about her latest baking business–a line of cannabis-infused desserts that will be sold to medical marijuana patients in Illinois.

Photographer Richard Nickel lived–and died–to save Chicago's architectural treasures. A new book takes us inside the mind of this legendary rebel by sharing his letters, drawings, notes and breathtaking images. Joining us to discuss the book and the man at the center of it are the authors, Richard Cahan and Michael Williams.

There's a new cat on the PBS block. We meet big-name local talent behind "Nature Cat."

The scroll, which bears the seal of one of China's most famous painters, makes few appearances outside of its vault at the Field. 

Wheaton College's decision to place a tenured professor on paid leave after she declared she was wearing a Muslim headscarf to express her solidarity with Muslims facing hostility has created national and international headlines. Larycia Hawkins joins us to discuss her position.

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was the only Republican that President Obama appointed to his cabinet upon taking office in 2009. His new memoir "Seeking Bipartisanship" chronicles his political life in Illinois and on the national stage. LaHood joins us to discuss his book and career.

A spectacular Nativity set blends heavenly drama with earthly delights. “Chicago Tonight” visited the museum and found an elaborate piece of art originally seen in churches in 18th century Naples.

A miserable afternoon for Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears. James "Big Cat" Williams joins us with his take on the Bears ninth loss of the season. 

There was once a club scene in Chicago that was something of a rarefied world. A photographer who was not part of the scene ventured into one of the clubs and captured a fantastic nightlife that is now long gone and preserved almost exclusively in his work. A new book pairs those photos with poems from an acclaimed poet. Eddie Arruza has the rap.

It raked in nearly $250 million in its first weekend, garnering critical acclaim along the way. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is well on its way to becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time. Tonight, we revisit a 2013 "Chicago Tonight" report that introduced viewers to the Chicago computer scientists who helped make some key special effects in the very first "Star Wars" movie.

During this week’s special edition of the Week in Review, Joel Weisman and his panel discuss the biggest news stories of 2015, including the release of the Laquan McDonald video, the resignation of CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett and the three-time Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks.

This week's festive lineup includes movies, music and much, much more.

What can be done to restore trust between police and young people, or to improve safety in both Chicago schools and neighborhoods? Chicago high school students who are interested in politics, policy and community leadership ask our panel tough, thoughtful questions.

The federal civil rights investigation into the Chicago Police Department is now underway. Federal officials will meet with Mayor Rahm Emanuel tomorrow and spent Wednesday with top police officials.

On Thursday, “Chicago Tonight” welcomes 50 Mikva Challenge high school students from across the city to participate in a forum on violence.

The cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools is spiraling closer and closer to a financial doomsday that could see as many as 5,00 teachers laid off to help plug a $480 million budget hole. The CPS CEO joins us to talk about the district's finances and the new four-year contract being offered to the Chicago Teachers Union.