Stories by WTTW News

He brought down his homicidal mobster father with a letter to the FBI. Now, Frank Calabrese, Jr. has written a book detailing the rise and fall of the Calabrese Chicago crime family. Operation Family Secrets Sound off on our discussion board

We sit down with the two aldermanic candidates in the 16th ward runoff. Meet JoAnn Thompson and Hal Baskin. 16th ward page with web-exclusive video

The stock market took a dip today, as news from Japan's nuclear plants left investors rattled. We find out what the disasters in Asia will mean for the market here at home.

Jay Shefsky talks with scientists who have found a way to create replacements for brain cells that die in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. More on the Story

Legendary political journalist David Broder, a Chicago Heights native and University of Chicago alum, died last week at 81. We revisit his 2000 appearance on Chicago Tonight. Broder's Washington Post collection

We sit down with one of the aldermanic candidates in the 15th ward runoff. Meet Raymond Lopez. More Coverage of the 15th ward runoff

The devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan has already claimed thousands of lives. But now, the risk of a potential meltdown at a power plant raises new concerns about the use of nuclear energy. We talk with two experts to get their take on nuclear power. Sound off on our discussion board about nuclear power

We sit down with the two aldermanic candidates in the 46th ward runoff. Meet Molly Phelan and James Cappleman. Visit our 46th Ward page after the show for web-exclusive video. 46th Ward candidates on our Aldermanic Runoff page

The gloves come off in "God of Carnage," a biting comedy at the Goodman Theatre. We speak with the cast of this acclaimed show about the primal instincts of parenting. For a behind-the-scenes look at how this story was produced, including a photo gallery, click on More on the Story. More on the story

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Gov. Pat Quinn abolishes the death penalty with a stroke of his pen. An Illinois House committee has resurrected a bill allowing people to carry concealed weapons here. Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel and Finance Committee Chair Ed Burke both plan to pour money into various aldermanic races in next month's runoff election. Rod Blagojevich asks Judge Zagel to sentence him and dismiss the counts in the former governor's upcoming corruption retrial.

It's called "Transformational Education," and it's in play right here in Chicago. We talk with Teach For America founder Wendy Kopp about her new book, and her commitment to close the achievement gap in America. More on the book: A Chance To Make History Teach For America

Peter Sellars is renowned for his unique stagings of classical and contemporary operas and plays. We talk with the noted theater director about his latest production. "Hercules" at Lyric Opera of Chicago More on the Story: Web-exclusive video

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

Former governor Rod Blagojevich has asked a judge to cancel the retrial against him and sentence him for the one count he was found guilty of, lying to the FBI. Carol Marin and our panel analyze Blagojevich's unusual request, and the chances the judge will listen. Chicago Tribune article about what Blagojevich wants

We sit down with the two aldermanic candidates in the 6th ward runoff. Meet the incumbent, Ald. Freddrenna M. Lyle, and the person running against her, Roderick T. Sawyer. 6th Ward aldermanic runoff page

Interim Chicago Public Schools CEO Terry Mazany talks with Elizabeth Brackett about the state of the cash-strapped school system. Terry Mazany on CPS website

A new book about young adults and the benefits of growing up slowly is sparking some lively conversations. Co-author Barbara Ray talks about Not Quite Adults. Link to Not Quite Adults

Motorists may be doing a double-take as they head to fill up their tanks. Chicago-area gas prices have risen 11 percent in the last month. We find out what's behind the soaring dollar signs and if we can look forward to paying $5 a gallon in the near future. Find Chicago Gas Prices Tell us how you cope with higher gas prices

McDonald's isn't clowning around when it comes to sidelining Ronald McDonald. Find out why when WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us to look at the week in business.

We know many kids and workers are off today, but do we really have any clue why? Paris Schutz has the history behind a holiday that is unique to Illinois. Learn more about Pulaski Day The Polish Museum of America

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

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Police Superintendent Jody Weis steps down on the final day of his contract. Mayor Daley taps former top cop Terry Hillard as Weis' temporary replacement. Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel says he'll have his picks for both police and school superintendent by his inauguration day. Former governor George Ryan talks about his death penalty decisions as Gov. Quinn mulls over abolishing it permanently. Gas prices spike, and air traffic controllers are making more close-call mistakes at O'Hare airport. And in sports, the Bears cut Tommie Harris.

The controversial 'Human Sexuality' class at Northwestern University that involved a post-class demonstration of a live sex act is generating plenty of media attention. Ash-har Quraishi has the story from Evanston. The original Daily Northwestern story Response from the professor of the class

The couple who demonstrated the live sex act after the Northwestern University class joins us to discuss the controversy.

For more perspective on the Northwestern story, we talk to Daniela Schreier, a licensed clinical psychologist on faculty at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Television shows like ABC's "Modern Family" document the changing landscape of adoption in America. Author Adam Pertman joins us to talk about how adoption has transformed in our nation. Adoption Institute Adam Pertman's website