Stories by Marc Vitali
Pop Goes Magritte
From The Beatles to “The Exorcist,” the surrealist artist Rene Magritte had a profound influence on pop culture
Paul McCartney is a huge fan of Rene Magritte. And then there are the album covers influenced by Magritte.
The Magic of Magritte
Shooting a Real Story About a Surreal Sort of Guy
An extraordinary look at everyday objects, the Art Institute’s summer blockbuster is “Rene Magritte: The Mystery of the Ordinary.” Don’t miss it.
Supreme Court Closing Decisions
The Supreme Court hands down the last of the 2013-2014 session decisions. We hear from Constitutional experts and former Supreme Court clerks about the rulings.
Examining the State Budget
A new state budget that both Republicans and Democrats say is out of whack goes into effect tomorrow, with a few new wrinkles. Paris Schutz has latest.
Proposed Lucas Museum Site Problematic
So what exactly would be wrong with building the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in a parking lot between Soldier Field and McCormick Place?
A Surreal Summer
Magritte Brings Surrealism to Art Institute of Chicago
The great surrealist Rene Magritte gets an exhibition at the Art Institute that delves into the early part of his career, when he evolved as an artist and created many of the dream-like paintings that came to identify his signature style.
Big Changes for Chicago Public Schools
We dive into recent headlines surrounding Chicago Public Schools.
Viewer Feedback: 6/30
Navy Pier's Secretive Spending
We share what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer feedback.
Judge Rules Against Term Limits, Redistricting
Petitions calling for limiting Illinois legislators’ terms and political redistricting hit a major road block that could keep them off the November ballot.
Weekend Events Around Town: 6/27 - 6/29
A triathlon, a Greek food festival and a symphony performance; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.
Web Extra: The Week in Review: 6/27
Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the next mayoral election in the web extra video.
Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 6/27
Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss this week's headlines.
Rejection in Black-and-White
An Old Chicago Film Studio Knew What They Wanted – and It Probably Wasn’t Your Script
Apparently Chicago's silent film studio received enough unsolicited manuscripts to craft a form letter to silence prospective writers.
Supreme Court Still in Session
We take a look at some of the Supreme Court rulings so far during this session, and preview what cases are to come.
The Civil Rights Movement 50 Years Later
Rev. Jesse Jackson Reflects on Civil Rights Anniversary
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. reflects on the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
World Triathlon Runs Through City
Chicago Named A Host City For The ITU World Triathlon Series
Chicago is the only U.S. stop on the eight city worldwide triathlon circuit this weekend.
Summer Reading Picks
No more pencils, but plenty of books. As we gear up for summer, we discuss some of the hot reads for the season with our literary panel.
‘Star Wars,’ Comics Artist
Dave Dorman was an 18-year-old with a love for comic book illustration when he walked into a movie theater and saw “Star Wars” for the first time in 1977. He identified strongly with Luke Skywalker and never dreamed the movie’s director, George Lucas, would eventually own his art. But fate would lead Lucas to Dorman and his art.
Chicago Artist Flying High with Flyboys and Girls
Comics, Pop Culture and Anime Inspire a Painter's "Parade"
You might have seen the name Hebru Brantley in the press last year. The Chicago artist made waves with just one sale when Jay-Z bought a painting of his at Miami’s Art Basel expo.
Battle Begins Over Lucas Museum Location
One day after George Lucas announced that Chicago will be home to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts, controversy erupts over its proposed location. Eddie Arruza has the details.
Lucas Museum to Come to Chicago
It's official. Chicago will be home to the Lucas Museum. We talk next steps and initial plans with our panel.
Outgoing CPS Inspector General Talks Career
James Sullivan Set to Resign
We talk with outgoing Chicago Public Schools inspector general James Sullivan about his 12 years looking for waste and fraud at CPS.
Jeanne Nolan, Chicago Tonight Go Organic
The Organic Gardener founder, Jeanne Nolan teams up with Chicago Tonight to talk gardening tips and unveil a special project.
Ask Geoffrey 6/25
A chunk of transportation history rests in the Chicago River. Geoffrey Baer talks trains and technology in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.
Web Extra: A Bullying Survivor's Story
Six years ago, Katya Mazon, 18, realized the isolation and emotional pain she experienced was bullying. Read about her story.
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
Obama Presidential Center to Soon Release More Museum Tickets for September Through January
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter