Stories by WTTW News
Harvest Time with Rick Bayless
While it may not feel like it, fall is upon us which means it’s time to harvest those gardens and cook up some new seasonal recipes. We join Chicago chef Rick Bayless in his own garden to harvest and cook up a refreshing fall dish.
Ask Geoffrey: 8/27
Geoffrey Baer compares fact and fiction in a long-ago murder, explores the life of an architectural pioneer, and strolls the Riverwalk in this week’s Ask Geoffrey.
Mayoral Campaign Kicks Off
Today is the first day to start circulating nominating petitions in the race for mayor and City Council.
Exploring Space
From close encounters with a speeding comet to an intimate visit with mysterious Pluto, we examine the most fascinating stories from the final frontier.
Cops and Cameras
Should Cops Wear Body Cameras?
Should police in Chicago wear body cameras? We discuss the implications with our panel.
Growing Solutions Farm
Gardeners know the therapeutic benefits of tending to their flowers, vegetables and fruits. The Julie & Michael Tracey Family Foundation teamed up with organizations to create a therapeutic garden for people with autism. Brandis Friedman has the story.
Pete Seeger’s Letters
Chicago banjo player Michael Miles had a 25-year correspondence with legendary folk musician and activist Pete Seeger, who died earlier this year. We revisit Jay Shefsky’s conversation with Miles about how the cards and letters changed his life.
Viewer Feedback: 8/26
Freedom of Expression and Education
We share what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer feedback.
More than War Stories
Chicago Artist Paints Pacific Overtures
A onetime sailor and tattoo artist blends adult experiences with childhood memories to create mystical memorials to World War II.
Celebrating Chicago’s Champions
City Honors Jackie Robinson West All-Stars
The U.S. Little League World Series champs, Chicago's Jackie Robinson West All-Stars, return home to a hero's welcome. Paris Schutz has all the details.
Quinn Vetoes Ride-Sharing Legislation
This morning, Gov. Pat Quinn invoked the home rule principle when vetoing HB 4075, a bill that would have set standards and regulations for the commercial ride-sharing industry.
Analyzing the ‘CPS Preference’ Policy
CPS Grads to Get Leg Up in Fire Department Exam
The city is preparing to take applications for firefighters for the first time in almost a decade, but the plan to diversify the department is not sitting well with everyone. We take a look at the policy that gives preference to hiring CPS graduates from both sides of the spectrum.
Freedom of Expression and Education
Discussing U of I’s Job Revocation, the First Amendment
After being offered a tenured teaching position at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Steven Salaita quit his job at Virginia Tech. U of I revoked its offer, and many believe it’s due to Salaita’s criticism of Israel on Twitter.
Roberto Clemente Remembered
Musical Celebrates Life of Baseball Icon
Roberto Clemente is back in Chicago: a new musical celebrates his life.
Architecture Upswing Hits Chicago
As construction in urban areas picks up, the Chicago Loop feels the momentum. The old Chicago Motor Club building may be converted into a hotel soon while the Thompson Center waits its turn for a facelift.
Cardinal George Enrolls in Clinical Research Trial
Chicago Cardinal Francis George will participate in a clinical research trial at the University of Chicago Medicine to treat his cancer.
Weekend Events Around Town: 8/22-8/24
A fashion fest, dancing in Millennium Park, and a 5K obstacle course to raise money for MS; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.
Web Extra: The Week in Review: 8/22
Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists breakdown the Chicago mayoral race, and debate whether Karen Lewis will actually throw her hat in the ring. Also, they discuss the likelihood of having two political newcomers – Lewis and Bruce Rauner – both being elected.
Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 8/22
Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss this week’s headlines.
James Foley: ‘A Brave, Fearless Journalist’
Medill Grad Remembered by Professors
James Foley always wanted to be where the stories were and where the people were. Chicago Tonight talks with those who knew him during his time at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
Settlement Reached with Bank of America
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announces a $300 million settlement related to the foreclosure crisis, much of that will go into the state's beleaguered pension system. It's part of a record national $17 billion settlement with Bank of America. Paris Schutz has the latest.
Jane Lynch
We catch up with Chicago native actor and comedian Jane Lynch, who just won another Emmy Award.
Old St. Pat's Church
Documentary Shines Light on Revival of Church
A new documentary tells how a struggling Chicago church reinvented itself and revitalized a declining neighborhood.
Living Your Truth
Arts Program Teaches Young People to Find Their Voice
A vibrant 17-year-old with a beaming smile, Mekel Johnson walked into the room prepared for an interview that could grant him the opportunity to end his summer with a memorable trip.
Gubernatorial Race Heats Up
Candidates Announce Debate Schedules
Republican candidate for governor Bruce Rauner agrees to a series of debates with Gov. Pat Quinn. But why is the Quinn camp calling Rauner’s debate schedule "phony" and "concocted?" Paris Schutz has the latest.
Trending
2026 Chicago Summer Festival Guide
Chicago US Attorney’s Office Reviewing Past Grand Jury Proceedings After Another Case Tied to ‘Broadview Six’ Prosecutor Falls Apart
Chicago’s Sidewalks Aren’t Accessible for People With Mobility Challenges, Lawsuit Argues. The City Wants the Case Dismissed
Cook County Announces $20M for Community Violence Intervention Services
Chicago Advocates Call for New Gun Violence Prevention Efforts After Mass Shooting, Trump Response
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