Stories by WTTW News
Springfield News with Dave McKinney
Springfield bureau chief for the Chicago Sun-Times Dave McKinney joins us to discuss all the latest action in Springfield, where things stand for Gov. Quinn’s proposed budget and the latest on efforts to pass pension reform for Cook County workers.
Stevenson Farm Named Historic Landmark
Adlai Stevenson Home is Designated National Treasure
The Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home was built in 1938 and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. It was one of four sites to be designated a historic landmark this year. We tour the newly selected Lake County landmark.
Local James Beard Award Winners
Winners of the James Beard Foundation Awards were announced last week and Chicago’s chefs, restaurants earned four top honors. Beard winners Dave Beran and Jimmy Bannos Jr., join us tonight.
Web Extra: On The Table with Elizabeth Brackett
As part of the Chicago Community Trust’s #OnThetable2014, Chicago Tonight's Elizabeth Brackett hosted a dinner with area residents where they shared their thoughts, concerns, opinions and hopes for the region's future. Read her blog of the event and watch videos of what participants had to say.
Web Extra: On The Table with Eddie Arruza
As part of the Chicago Community Trust’s #OnThetable2014, Chicago Tonight's Eddie Arruza hosted a dinner with area residents where they shared their thoughts, concerns, opinions and hopes for the region's future. Read his blog of the event and watch videos of what participants had to say.
Web Extra: On The Table with Brandis Friedman
As part of the Chicago Community Trust’s #OnThetable2014, Chicago Tonight's Brandis Friedman hosted a dinner with area residents where they shared their thoughts, concerns, opinions and hopes for the region's future. Read her blog of the event and watch videos of what participants had to say.
This 'Henry' is Unexpectedly Hilarious
Shakespeare’s Band of Brothers Breached by a Band of Fools
They spar, make obscene gestures, and throw around insults like “egregious dog,” “counterfeit rascal” and “damned and luxurious mountain goat.”
Radar Site Smoke Halts O’Hare, Midway Flights
After smoke led an Elgin radar facility to be evacuated, all inbound and outbound flights were stopped at O'Hare International and Midway airports, according to the Associated Press.
Extending Prescription Privileges
State legislation allowing psychologists to prescribe medication drugs was approved in a House committee vote last week and now moves on to the full House for further debate. Tonight, we take a look at the controversial bill and debate the pros, cons. Learn more and read the full bill.
Classic Chinese Fable Comes to Life
“The White Snake” chronicles the tale of a gentle serpent spirit who transforms herself one day into a beautiful young woman and travels down to the world of humans. So begins Mary Zimmerman’s interpretation of the classic Chinese fable into a spectacular Goodman Theatre production. See a slideshow from the play.
Cats and Rodent Control
Like most big cities, Chicago has a rat problem. Exterminators and local municipalities do their best to make a dent, but now there's a new approach to rodent control that is actually quite old.
Diners Discuss Chicago's Future
Chicago Tonight Takes Part in New Community Initiative
Elizabeth Brackett, Eddie Arruza and Brandis Friedman participated in the Chicago Community Trust initiative called On the Table. Last night they hosted three dinner-and-discussion forums.
Karen Lewis Weighs In on Rahm's Re-election, More
Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis discusses her opposition to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s re-election, who she would like to see run against him, the union’s proposal for a new tax on financial transactions and much more.
Durbin Proposal Tackles Student Loans
As student loan debt spirals out of control, U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin pushes legislation to lower interest rates and save individual borrowers thousands.
New $14.5M Farm Purchase Raises Eyebrows
Cook County Forest Preserve Acquisition Largest in 45 years
The Cook County Forest Preserve District makes its biggest land purchase in nearly 50 years snapping up a foreclosed 400 acre horse farm in Barrington Hills. We look at how the Forest Preserve was able to afford the $14.5 million property and what it might become.
James 'Big Cat' Williams Talks NFL Draft
Former Bear Breaks Down This Year's Draft
Coming off the worst defensive season in Chicago Bears history, it's no surprise General Manager Phil Emery used this year's draft to beef up the team's defense. Read an interview with the Bears new signee and former Northern Illinois University quarterback, Jordan Lynch.
Viewer Feedback 5/12
Crain's Corner: Web Do-it-Yourself Eye Exams Coming Soon
We share what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer feedback.
Weekend Events Around Town: 5/9 - 5/11
A film festival, an orchestra concert and a Mother's Day celebration; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.
Web Extra: The Week in Review: 5/9
Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss weekly headlines.
Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 5/9
On this edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Joel Weisman and his guest discuss this week's headlines.
Web Extra: Brenda Myers-Powell Shares Her Personal Story
Brenda Myers-Powell is the executive director of The Dreamcatcher Foundation. Read her firsthand account of human trafficking.
Islamic Groups Denounce Nigerian Abductions
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) and the Nigerian Islamic Association decry the kidnappings and violence in Nigeria. They also distance themselves from Boko Haram, saying the terrorist group is extremist, but not Islamic. The U.K. have also joined the international effort to rescue the girls.
Chicago's Human Trafficking
As the nation rallies together to bring back the girls abducted in Nigeria, nearly 25,000 women and girls fall victim to trafficking in Chicago every year. Tonight, we address Chicago’s human trafficking problems, possible solutions.
Crain's Corner
Web Do-it-Yourself Eye Exams Coming Soon
Do-it-yourself online eye exams could transform the world of optometry. We talk to a Crain’s Chicago Business reporter about a local start-up that has just scored $1 million in seed money to make it happen.
Sayonara ‘Sausage Superstore’
Hot Doug’s to Close in October
Iconic gourmet hot dog spot Hot Doug’s, known for its exotic hot dogs and sausages as well as its duck fat fries, is closing. Hot Doug’s owner Doug Sohn tears himself away from the counter to tell us about his decision to close the “sausage superstore.”
Sacred Artist
As a Muslim girl growing up in Turkey, Meltem Aktas wasn’t planning to make a career of Christian art. We revisit Jay Shefsky's profile of the sacred artist. View a slideshow of her work.
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2026 Chicago Summer Festival Guide
Obama Presidential Center to Soon Release More Museum Tickets for September Through January
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
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