Stories by WTTW News
Community Activists Share Expectations for Obama Library
| Dan Andries
The site for the Obama Presidential library has been chosen and now community activists tell us what they expect as the project moves forward.
Chicago’s Plastic Bag Ban Extended to Smaller Chain Stores
| Evan Garcia
As of Monday, chain stores that are 10,000 square feet or less must comply with the city's plastic bag ban originally enacted a year ago.
Cartoonists of the Gilded Age on Display at Driehaus Museum
| Dan Andries
Revisit the wry cartoons of the turn of the century satirical magazine, Puck.
Frustrated Top Cop Calls for Tougher Gun Laws
| Brandis Friedman
Superintendent Eddie Johnson says his department has so far made 1,900 gun arrests in 2016, a 7-percent increase over the first seven months of 2015.
Uptown Restaurant with Mission to Help Homeless Closes
| Hunter Clauss
Inspiration Kitchens had been a fixture of the Uptown neighborhood for 11 years. But owners of the restaurant say a loss of federal funding and the state's historic budget impasse made it difficult to maintain a financial foothold.
Tips for Midsummer Gardens, from Planting to Pruning to Harvesting
| Dan Andries
The WTTW organic garden is growing at an astonishing pace, with sweet corn towering over the plot and many vegetables ready for the grill. But if your own garden–like ours–is looking a little too lush, not to worry: There are easy ways to tame it, says Jeanne Nolan, the Organic Gardener.
Section of Lakefront Trail on North Side Reopens with Improvements
| Reuben Unrau
As part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s plan to improve Chicago parks, a revamped section of the lakefront trail was opened to the public Friday.
The Week in Review: Clinton Makes History as Democrats Strive for Unity
| Nick Blumberg
Hillary Clinton becomes the first woman to be nominated by a major party in the U.S. Meanwhile, Mayor Rahm Emanuel takes a hit at the Democratic National Convention and Illinois Democratic delegates focus on finding a challenger to Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2018.
Original Chicago Cocktail: Crooked Cowboy
| Erica Gunderson
William Hale “Big Bill” Thompson was arguably the most corrupt politician Chicago has ever seen. He inspires a bourbon-based cocktail topped off with a taste of Chicago.
Photos: Democratic National Convention 2016, Day 4
| Evan Garcia
Hillary Clinton formally accepted her party's presidential nomination on the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
Hillary Clinton Accepts Nomination: ‘We Are Stronger Together’
| WTTW News
“It is with humility, determination and boundless confidence in America’s promise that I accept your nomination for president of the United States,” Hillary Clinton said.
Lollapalooza: 5 Daytime Shows You Can’t Miss
| Reuben Unrau
A slew of lesser-known names deserve just as much attention as the late-night heavy hitters. Behold: Your best bets for your dose of daytime music this weekend.
Mayor Emanuel Makes 1st Appearance Before Illinois Delegation at DNC
| Paris Schutz
Largely absent from proceedings at the Democratic National Convention so far, Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Thursday appeared before the Illinois delegation at a breakfast event on the convention’s final day.
Dick Durbin to Decide on Gubernatorial Bid in November
| Paris Schutz
Once again, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin gave an impassioned speech Thursday morning before the Illinois delegation at the Democratic National Convention, sounding more like a candidate for governor than ever.
Weekend Best Bets: Tall Ships, Lollapalooza, Poetry Fest
| Rebecca Palmore
Celebrate Lolla's 25th anniversary in Grant Park, sip bloody marys in Highwood, celebrate local poets in Bronzeville, eat tacos in Pilsen, tour tall ships at Navy Pier and other notable events for your perfect summer weekend.
Democratic National Convention: Special Coverage with ‘Chicago Tonight’
| WTTW News
Join us all week for special coverage of the Democratic National Convention.
Photos: Democratic National Convention 2016, Day 3
| Evan Garcia
President Barack Obama electrified a packed Wells Fargo Arena with his speech, but things got even more exciting the moment he finished and Hillary Clinton walked on stage to embrace him.
Obama: Hillary Clinton Most Qualified Presidential Candidate Ever
| WTTW News
President Barack Obama said “there has never been a man or a woman—not me, not Bill, nobody—more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America.”
Cullerton Focused on November Election, Growing Supermajority
| WTTW News
While many in his party are already looking ahead to 2018, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton says he’s focusing on the upcoming November election and growing Democratic majorities in Illinois.
Obama Library to be Built in Jackson Park
| Paris Schutz
Jackson Park beat out Washington Park as the site for the future Obama Presidential Center. Reaction from Illinois delegates at the Democratic National Convention.
Voters Favor Durbin for 2018 Governor’s Race, Poll Shows
| WTTW News
Nearly 50 percent of registered Democratic voters would likely cast a vote for U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin in the 2018 race for Illinois governor, a new poll shows.
Air Pollution Action Day Issued for Wednesday
| Reuben Unrau
In response to the National Weather Service’s air quality alert, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has declared an Air Pollution Action Day for the Chicago area on Wednesday.
Labor Unions Flex Muscle with Illinois Democrats at DNC
| Paris Schutz
The year-and-a-half fight that Democrats have waged against Gov. Bruce Rauner’s “turnaround” agenda has coalesced nearly all of Illinois’ labor movement behind the Democratic Party, and nowhere is that more evident than in Philadelphia this week.
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