Stories by WTTW News

We sit down with the two aldermanic candidates in the 41st ward runoff. Meet Mary O'Connor and Maurita Gavin. Visit our 41st ward page for web-exclusive video

In yet another first in man's exploration of space, NASA's "Messenger" spacecraft arrived at the planet Mercury. It's the first craft ever to go into orbit around the closest planet to the sun. We talk to an Astrophysicist from the Adler Planetarium about what humans are learning from our planetary neighbors.

What happens when you mix puppets and opera? We go behind the scenes at one of the most technically sophisticated puppet shows in the country. Jay Shefsky has the story. For the origins of puppet opera, visit More on the Story Opera in Focus

Acclaimed architect Robert A.M. Stern helped resurrect New York's fabled 42nd Street. But that's not why he is being honored in Chicago this weekend. He's here to accept the Richard H. Driehaus prize for his classical style architecture. Geoffrey Baer gives us a sneak preview of a new WTTW documentary about Stern, debuting tonight.

We hear what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer mail. Send Chicago Tonight your comments

On the first anniversary of the Health Care Reform Act, Elizabeth Brackett talks to the Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance. He explains what parts of the act have gone into effect in Illinois and what's to come. Has health care improved since reforms became law? Join the discussion. Illinois Dept. of Insurance

When it comes to your electric supply, ComEd may no longer be the only game in town. But does competition equal a lower power bill? Carol Marin and her panel discuss the issue.

Smokestacks on the Southwest Side are the source of a burning issue. We discuss why some residents are upset, and find out what the aldermanic candidates are doing about it in our forum for the 25th ward runoff election. Visit our 25th ward page for web-exclusive video

A local group of physicians, who volunteer their time to do free joint replacement surgeries in poor countries around the world, have now brought the program home to Chicago. Elizabeth Brackett reports. Operation Walk Chicago

Grammy-winning composer Stephen Schwartz -- best known for his musical "Wicked" -- revitalizes Studs Terkel's "Working" in a newly adapted musical exploration here in Chicago. Visit our More on the Story blog for web-exclusive video More on Stephen Schwartz

Col. Muammar Qaddafi's forces keep fighting despite the allies' air attacks against them. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel debate whether this war in Libya is something the U.S. should be a part of. Sound off on this topic on our discussion board

We sit down with the two aldermanic candidates in the 50th ward runoff. Meet Bernard Stone and Debra Silverstein. Visit our 50th ward page for web-exclusive video

We visit a Chicago school where visually impaired students are encouraged to throw their teachers to the floor. Jay Shefsky has the story. Otis Elementary School Tohkon Judo Academy World Sport Chicago

The origins of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade are explored in a new book. We speak with author Emily Lambert about the history of the Futures market. More on the book: The Futures

We sit down with the two aldermanic candidates in the 24th ward runoff. Meet Sharon Dixon and Michael Chandler. Visit our 24th ward page for web-exclusive video

Do you know what "Circus Peanuts" are? Apparently Alpana Singh and Phil Ponce didn't the last time Alpana was here. We attempt to correct a past misunderstanding in tonight's edition of Ask Alpana. "Circus Peanut" tasting Liquors

The second trial of Rod Blagojevich will proceed as planned. At least that's the indication given by Judge James Zagel after defense attorneys asked that the trial be canceled and the ex-governor sentenced on his one conviction. Eddie Arruza reports on what Judge Zagel said at a status hearing today.

Chicago Sun-Times Chairman Jim Tyree's death was ruled an accident by the medical examiner. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel discuss medical mistakes: how they happen and how hospitals deal with them. Should doctors be held to standards of perfection? Tell us what you think.

AT&T announced plans to purchase T-Mobile for $39 billion. WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us to look at how the deal will impact Chicago business.

We sit down with the two aldermanic candidates in the 20th ward runoff. Meet Willie Cochran and Che "Rhymefest" Smith. See the 20th ward candidates in web-exclusive video

Ash-har Quraishi has the personal story of one couple's mission to create meaningful employment and sustainable careers for adults with autism. Learn about Aspiritech

We sit down with the two aldermanic candidates in the 17th ward runoff. Meet Latasha Thomas and David Moore. See the 17th ward candidates in web-exclusive video

We hear what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer mail. Contact Chicago Tonight now

Nearly every Friday morning for four and a half years, two Chicago nuns have led a vigil at the place where undocumented immigrants are processed before being deported. Jay Shefsky brings us their story. Broadview Detention Center Vigil

People across the world wait anxiously for the next development in the Fukushima nuclear power plant meltdown scare. What is the nuclear energy situation here, and should we be afraid of radiation too? We talk with nuclear and radiation experts on the show. More on the Story: Local doctor on effects of radiation exposure

Body Worlds is back. The popular exhibit of preserved and dissected human bodies and body parts has returned to Chicago. This newest version focuses on how we age -- on the inside. Eddie Arruza reports on our internal life cycle. Body Worlds exhibit information Watch more Cultural Connections online