Stories by WTTW News

In 1908, boxer Jack Johnson defeated Tommy Burns for the heavyweight title – at a time when whites and blacks rarely entered the same ring.

Strong words from the president about kneeling in the NFL as a new policy is unveiled. We get local reaction to the rules.

The state is one step closer to legalizing the production of industrial hemp after a 106-3 vote in the Illinois House this week. 

Could the Midwest soon be connected to a futuristic transit option? We visit one company’s hyperloop test site in the Nevada desert.

Of the five most populous cities in the country, only the Windy City saw a population drop in 2017, according to U.S. census data. But the city still has an edge over Houston.

This is Chicago’s first year cracking the top 10 of the ParkScore Index, an annual ranking of park systems in the nation’s 100 biggest cities.

Watch the May 23, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

The new book “Why We Need Religion” argues that people need religion, but not for spiritual reasons. We discuss the power and purpose can religion can have with author Stephen T. Asma.

A former industrial corridor along the North Branch of the Chicago River could be turned in to the city’s newest entertainment district. Rock critic Jim DeRogatis sounds a warning.

A new report from the ACLU and the University of Chicago alleges a disturbing trend of abuse towards young migrants held by immigration officials.

A viewer wants to know why the towers atop an iconic Chicago skyscraper have changed height. Geoffrey Baer proves himself equal to the task in this week’s Ask Geoffrey.

The actor known for his role as Dwight Schrute on NBC’s “The Office” talks about his dual roles in Matthew-Lee Erlbach’s new play “The Doppelganger.”

Illinois’ highest court has struck down a Cook County judge’s order requiring all filings in the murder case of suspended Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke to be made in his chambers under seal.

Summer festivals, cycling on Lake Shore Drive, global fare and Chicago Dogs baseball usher in the weekend. Here are a dozen things to do in and around Chicago this long holiday weekend.

Parents and advocates want to see Chicago Public Schools take more action to resolve its special education issues beyond the addition of a state monitor who will oversee district reforms.

A new zoo resident born in downstate Peoria stands about 9 feet tall. Guests can see the 2-year-old giraffe Finely at the zoo’s Regenstein African Journey exhibit.

The project that will transform 19.3 acres of Jackson Park into the Obama Presidential Center aced its final in a series of city votes Wednesday.

Memorial Day is synonymous with grilling. In anticipation of the long weekend of cooking out with friends and family, Chicago Tonight asked local chefs for their favorite Memorial Day recipes. Dig in!

Families living within Chicago Public Schools’ most affluent attendance area have been receiving priority access to highly coveted seats at a Lincoln Park magnet school, according to a new report.

If ever there were a way to remind audiences of what it would really take to “make America great again,” the Goodman Theatre’s revival of “Having Our Say” could easily qualify as the show to get the job done.

As the weather gets nicer, Chicagoans and tourists are expected to flock to an increasingly popular destination: the Chicago River and attractions along its main branch. But has it become too congested?

Watch the May 22, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

A major acquisition of a homegrown Chicago bank: Is the buyer taking a big risk? And what does the deal mean for customers?

The Obama Presidential Center keeps getting green lights even though important architectural details are missing. Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin weighs in.

Is the country’s declining birth rate a cause for concern, or a sign that more women are taking control of their reproductive choices?

A firestorm erupts over a state Democratic lawmaker’s claims that Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is retaliating against her.