Stories by WTTW News

The Week in Review: Record Wave of Exonerations Tied to Rogue Cop

A mass exoneration in Cook County clears 15 men. Proposed layoffs in the wake of the failed soda tax. And controversy over playmaking decisions by Bears coach John Fox.

Rev. Jesse Jackson Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

The civil rights advocate announced Friday that he was diagnosed with the progressive degenerative disorder in 2015. 

Nov. 16, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the Nov. 16, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

House Democrats Move to Impeach Trump. What Are Their Chances?

Illinois U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez on Wednesday was one of six House Democrats who formally moved to impeach President Donald Trump by filing articles of impeachment.

Family Secret Inspires Graphic Novel ‘The Hunting Accident’

Imagine learning your father was prison pals with notorious murderer Nathan Leopold. That’s the true story told in a new graphic novel.  

Brookfield Zoo Wolf Released into Wild Found Healthy in New Mexico

A Mexican wolf pup born this spring at Brookfield Zoo and released into the wild as part of a species recovery program was tracked down in New Mexico and is healthy, the zoo announced this week.

WTTW’s ‘Nutcracker’ Documentary Goes Backstage at Joffrey Ballet

The new documentary “Making a New American Nutcracker” premieres on WTTW. We speak with the Joffrey Ballet’s artistic director and the film’s producer.

Police, Community Must Have ‘Mutual Respect,’ Says Author

How can citizens avoid trouble when getting pulled over by the police? We speak with Dwayne Bryant, the author of a manual that explains how to safely handle a traffic stop.

Letter: Extend Federal Funds for Children’s Health Insurance Program

More than 50 organizations are urging the Illinois congressional delegation to reauthorize funding for programs that provide health insurance to children and support for low-income and at-risk families, before it becomes a crisis in the state.

15 Men Cleared in First-Ever Mass Exoneration in Cook County

“It’s a brand new beginning for me,” said Leonard Gipson, one of 15 men who had drug convictions vacated by a judge Thursday. The convictions stemmed from arrests made more than a decade ago by disgraced former Chicago Police Sgt. Ronald Watts.

Nov. 15, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the Nov. 15, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Putin Playing a ‘Long Game’ to Restore Russian Pride, Influence

As evidence mounts that Russia did meddle in the 2016 election, we speak with a Russia expert about what Vladimir Putin’s strategic goals might be.

Lawsuit: Public Defenders ‘Forced to Endure Heinous Sexual Misconduct’

Carol Marin discusses a court appearance by attorneys for Cook County public defenders who filed suit over detainees exposing themselves.

Cautionary Tales of City Life by Chicago Painter Bill Walker

A new exhibition looks at rare works of art that are powerful—and sometimes graphic. The historic work was made by an artist with a strong connection to Chicago public art.

Global Warming’s Impact on Lake Effect Snow: Fewer Flurries, More Rain

Lake Michigan is getting warmer, and eventually it will mean winters with less snow in Chicago. But don’t plan yet for winters free of the white stuff.

Chicago Tops 600 Homicides for Second Year in a Row

Shooting deaths are down across Chicago in 2017 after last year’s unexpected spike, but this week the city homicide totals crossed another grim milestone.

Cook County Settles Suit With Injured Detainee for $4.5M

Michael Borys was in jail for less than a day when he had a seizure and fell from his bunk, resulting in vision loss and multiple brain surgeries. Three years later, Cook County has agreed to settle a federal lawsuit 

Ilyasah Shabazz on the Legacy of Her Father, Malcolm X

To many, the legacy of activist Malcolm X is that of a fiery counterpart to the pacifist Martin Luther King, Jr. But to one of his daughters, that analysis overlooks his complexities and contributions to the fight for human rights.

Large-as-Life Dinosaurs Frighten and Fascinate at ‘Jurassic World’

An exhibition at the Field Museum aims to be an immersive experience that brings the 2015 movie and its gigantic reptilian stars to life. 

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Nov. 15-19

Dorky personas, holiday lights, fine art, gliding acrobats and seasonal brews usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Ask Geoffrey: What Happened to the Hamilton Statue?

What happened to the Alexander Hamilton statue in Lincoln Park? Geoffrey Baer tells his story in this encore edition of “Ask Geoffrey.” 

CTA Fare Hike Could Be on the Way

The Chicago Transit Authority hasn’t raised fares since 2009. Now, the head of the Regional Transit Authority says “the time has come” to change that. 

Cook County Proposes Nearly 600 Layoffs in Lieu of Soda Tax

With the penny-per-ounce pop tax fizzled out, new plans to come up with the $200 million Cook County says it needs.

New Blood Pressure Guidelines a ‘Signal to Take Action’

Many doctors have long believed the threshold for high blood pressure needed to be lower. On Monday, that change was made.

Nov. 14, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the Nov. 14, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Paradise Papers Offer Insight into Strategies to Minimize Tax Burden

Bermuda is more than a lovely vacation destination. Apparently, it’s also one of the places very wealthy people—and companies—stash their cash to lower their taxes.
 

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