Stories by WTTW News

A new film on HBO starring Oprah Winfrey tells the remarkable story of Henrietta Lacks. We revisit our conversation with the Chicago author who tells the story.

Universities across the U.S. are trying to reconcile two conflicting free speech concerns: the right of students to protest controversial speakers and the right of those commentators to speak on campus.

Studies estimate that more than 100 billion plastic bags are used annually in the U.S. But in Chicago, many shoppers have switched their habits since the start of the city’s tax on plastic and paper bags, a new study shows. 

As Chicagoans usher in spring and get outside, the Chicago Park District is highlighting its efforts to limit the use of pesticides at nearly 600 parks across the city.

A new study finds that youth who specialize in individual sports like tennis and gymnastics are more likely to suffer overuse injuries than those who participate in football and other team sports.

Gov. Bruce Rauner is casting his promise to veto legislation that’s become known as the “abortion bill” as a matter of timing rather than philosophy.

Crash data for 2015 released this week by the Illinois Department of Transportation shows a rise in the number of reported “doorings” in Chicago – collisions that occur when the door of a parked vehicle is opened directly in the path of an oncoming cyclist.

The rally, march and expo is projected to be among the largest of those taking place Saturday in 400-plus cities worldwide.

Chicago schools may close early. More fallout from the United Airlines passenger removal. The governor’s race has a new issue: abortion rights. And in sports, surprises on all fronts.

Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak Monday in Chicago as part of his goal to “encourage and support the next generation of leaders,” according to his press office.

Watch the April 20, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Newly elected Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge President Kevin Graham, a 21-year veteran of the force, shares his concerns and priorities. 

Some Chicago teachers say CPS is looking into whether they are skipping school.

A coalition of community organizers are trying to get the Obama Foundation, the city, and the University of Chicago to commit to creating jobs and not displacing area residents.

This fall, 100 homeless families with school-age children will gain permanent housing and support services, thanks to a partnership between the city and the nonprofit Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

With Chicago residents increasingly forgoing landlines for cellphones and other technology, state legislators are considering freeing AT&T from a longstanding mandate that it offer copper-wire "plain old telephone service."

High rent prohibits many U.S. teachers from living in the same cities in which they work. That’s according to a new report from the rental marketplace Apartment List. But in Chicago, teachers are faring better than their coastal peers.

For nearly a decade, the website Forgotten Chicago has documented the city’s storied past. Meet the site’s co-founder and editor, Jacob Kaplan.

About 100 East Chicago residents and activists rallied and marched Wednesday while EPA head Scott Pruitt visited the city's lead-contaminated neighborhoods.

A giant pop-culture convention, Earth Day celebrations and a wine festival usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

Watch the April 19, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The fates of municipal IDs, police oversight and aviation security at O’Hare hang in the balance at City Council.

From “Downton Abbey” to “My Fair Lady,” a conversation with the stars of Lyric Opera’s spring musical.

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency told residents in East Chicago on Wednesday that the agency had no plans to close its Chicago office. 

A big show is brewing under the big top, with a cast and crew of more than 200 – plus 65 horses. We go behind the scenes of “Odysseo.” 

Can the city and Chicago Public Schools get on the road to fiscal health without bankruptcy? Lessons from other cities.