Stories by WTTW News

Viewer Feedback: 8/7

Working With Watson

We share what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer feedback.

Aldermanic Oversight

Bill Would Give Oversight of City Council to Inspector General Joe Ferguson

The City Council’s watchdog says he will run out of money to investigate aldermen within the next two weeks. Paris Schutz has the latest in the ongoing heated debate over who polices aldermen.

City Releases Data on Complaints Against Police

After an eight-year legal battle, the City of Chicago has finally released data on which police officers have amassed the most complaints. We talk to the journalist whose lawsuit finally forced disclosure and the President of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Rosetta Makes Historic Space Travel Feat

After a 10 year, 4 billion mile long journey, the European Space Agency’s Rosetta spacecraft made history today as the first spacecraft to go into orbit around a comet.

Discovery Reveals Life of Ancient Insects

The discovery of a tiny cricket in a 20-million-year-old piece of amber that was found in the Dominican Republic more than 50 years ago offers new views into an ancient environment and how it once thrived.  

The Cost of Compromise

In an age of polarization and a divided Congress, many are calling for compromise. But in a new book, constitutional law professor Richard Weisberg details how flexibility and compromise have harmed the human race throughout history.

Ask Geoffrey: 8/6

Geoffrey Explains Why There’s a Fish in a Tree, More

Why is there a trout among the trees alongside Golf Road? Geoffrey Baer tells the story of the one that got away and answers other viewer questions in tonight’s Ask Geoffrey.

Previewing the City’s 2015 Budget

The city releases its 2015 budget forecast with a relatively manageable deficit, assuming the city gets pension reform. But what happens if it doesn't? Paris Schutz has the details.  

BGA Exclusive on Chicago Tonight

Investigation Details Suburban Police, Fire Pension Issues

A new investigation by the Better Government Association details pension problems experienced by dozens of suburban police and fire pension funds. BGA’s senior investigator Andrew Schroedter joins Chicago Tonight with more on the story. 

Tribune Publishing Company’s Rough Start

After being spun off from the broadcast arm, Tribune Publishing Co. debuts on the New York Stock Exchange but its first day of performance is not great.

Egon Weiner

A Chicago artist continues to make an impression on the city more than 25 years after he died. You may not know his name but you’ve likely seen his public art. Egon Weiner was also a teacher, and his prominent students continue his legacy. 

Local Filmmakers Spotlight Chicago’s ‘Bucket Boys’

Chicago filmmakers and brothers Jarrell and Jerome Lucas’ first major project aims to tell the stories of the city's infamous bucket drummers.

In the Garden with Jeanne Nolan

Jeanne Nolan spends time in Chicago Tonight’s organic vegetable garden and talks garden tips with Phil Ponce on Chicago Tonight. 

A Mother to the Whole Community

One Woman’s Mission to Provide a Safe Haven

Diane Lanitker opened her home to help Roseland youth to provide them a safe haven from violence. Since Kids Off the Block’s founding in 2003, the organization has expanded beyond the walls of Lanitker’s home as word spread among local youth that there was a woman who would help them.

State Rep. Ford Pleads Guilty

State Rep. La Shawn Ford pleads guilty to lesser charges after prosecutors drop 17 felony bank fraud charges. Carol Marin has the latest.

Examining Chicago’s Water Supply

Toledo Water Issues Lead to Re-Test of Lake Michigan Water

A toxic algae bloom in Lake Erie put Toledo's drinking water in jeopardy. Could the same thing happen to Lake Michigan and Chicago's water supply? Paris Schutz has the latest.

Analyzing the Ebola Virus Outbreak

The largest Ebola virus outbreak in history is plaguing the western coast of Africa as one American doctor returns home for treatment. With more than 4,000 infected, international organizations are stepping up their response and aid to the affected countries.

Building Community Through Sport

Community groups in Little Village organize to prevent violence in a neighborhood that sits on the border between two warring gang factions. 

Future of Tribune Media Company

As the Tribune Company spins off its newspaper assets, we talk to Lynne Marek of Crain's Chicago Business about the prospects for Tribune Publishing and its stable of newspapers going forward.

How Old Do You Look?

A local professor has co-created a computer program that calculates age from a selfie. We talk about the development, process, and accuracy of the project FaceMyAge. 

Viewer Feedback: 8/4

Bitcoin Banking Rises

We share what you had to say about our story on Bitcoin expansion in Chicago when read some of our viewer feedback. 

Influential Alderman Defends Weakening IG Oversight

40th Ward Alderman Pat O’Connor, the mayor’s City Council floor leader, lashed out today at claims that he passed a bill trying to weaken the city council watchdog’s power to police campaign finance. And he says the timing of the bill, first reported by Chicago Tonight, is not connected to a recently opened probe into possible campaign finance violations O’Connor may have committed. 

Aldermen Grill McCarthy on Crime Stats

Police Superintendent Critical of Media for How it Reports Crime

Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy says that he believes there is no indication that the department is ‘faking crime stats’ in an effort to artificially give off the perception that crime is lower than it is.

Weekend Events Around Town: 8/1-8/3

A healthy living fest, Bears practice under the lights, and a free ABBA-inspired concert; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 8/1

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

Web Extra: The Week in Review: 8/1

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s initiative to temporarily house 1,000 immigrant children. 
 

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