Stories by Andrea Guthmann

Documenting ‘the Dead Zone’: Story of Chernobyl from Those Who Returned

Palatine native Holly Morris talks about her new documentary "The Babushkas of Chernobyl," which profiles three grandmothers who chose to ignore government orders and return home to live out their lives near the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster.

Summer Workouts Return to Millennium Park

Fill up your water bottle, grab a yoga mat and head to Millennium Park, where free summer workout classes begin in June. Get the full schedule.

Summit to Honor ‘People’s Mayor’ Harold Washington

Nearly 30 years after his death, the “People’s Mayor” Harold Washington is being honored with a daylong summit, and registration is filling up fast. Paula Thornton Greear with the Chicago Urban League says remembering Washington’s legacy is essential, especially given today’s political climate. 

RIP Lonnie Mack

Early rock hero and influential guitarist died Thursday

The red-hot guitar player with a soulful voice recorded for Chicago’s Alligator Records, played on one of The Doors greatest hits – and once shot a computer that didn’t agree with him.

The Week in Review: Unraveling the Latest Lucas Museum Plan

Joel Weisman and guests discuss the controversial and expensive new plan for the Lucas Museum and more top stories on this week's show.

Over 150 Countries Sign Paris Climate Change Pact on Earth Day

The terms of the historic global pact were agreed upon by 195 countries on Dec. 12, 2015, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, but Friday – Earth Day – marks the first day of the yearlong signing period.

City to Implement Nearly a Third of Police Task Force Recommendations

The police superintendent and mayor announce big changes to Chicago Police Department practices and oversight. But did the much maligned Independent Police Review Authority make the cut?

April 21, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the April 21, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Music Icon Prince Dies at 57

The sudden loss of Prince has the world talking. We hear from the Chicago photographer who took iconic pictures of Prince before he was a superstar.

How Chicago’s School-Choice System Hurts Some Neighborhood Schools

Some neighborhood high schools in poorer areas of Chicago are struggling to survive. We look at how the city's school-choice system is playing a role. 

Weekend Events: Feminist Film Festival, Earth Day, Music Under Glass

Celebrate spring weather and the planet with a bounty of events, from feminist films to fireworks and a culinary smackdown to classical music.

Another Corpse Flower to Bloom at Chicago Botanic Garden

If all goes as planned, the Chicago Botanic Garden is about to get very stinky in the next few days. That’s because Sprout, a titan arum–also known as a corpse flower–is very close to blooming.

Viewer Feedback: ‘Insightful Without the Sentimentality’

Hear what viewers had to say about our discussion of the police accountability task force's report and Carol Marin's conversation with Ron Magers when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Confessions of a Mommy Blogger in New Book on ‘Mediocre Parenting’

So what if the kids have a television for a babysitter and a Big Mac for dinner—five nights in a row? They're alive. These are the hilarious confessions of Chicago mommy blogger Karen Alpert, who is out with her second book, "I Want My Epidural Back: Adventures in Mediocre Parenting."

Karen Lewis: Rauner Holding Schoolchildren ‘Hostage’

As the head of the Chicago Teachers Union warns of a strike, the district makes one last pitch to reach a contract agreement. 

April 20, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the April 20, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Crain's Roundup: McDonald's Testing Bigger, Smaller Versions of Big Mac

One size apparently does not fit all Big Mac lovers. Crain’s Chicago Business managing editor Ann Dwyer weighs in on this story and more business news.

Do Big Wins for Clinton, Trump in New York Signal End of Primary Season?

Tuesday’s primary in New York proved that Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are the front-runners in their respective parties, with both candidates winning big in a state that was crucial to each campaign. What does it mean for the other candidates moving forward?

Ask Geoffrey: A League of Chicago’s Own

Chicago women had a professional baseball league of their own in the 1940s and '50s. Geoffrey Baer has the story of the National Girls Baseball League.

CTA Bus Driver Moonlights as Chicago Bluesman

As a guitarist, singer and songwriter, Toronzo Cannon drives the sound of Chicago blues from the city to blues clubs and festivals around the world.

New Book ‘The Gray Rhino’ Puts Emphasis on Recognizing Looming Threats

From climate change to leaky roofs, disasters big and small can often be avoided if the warning signs are recognized and acted upon in time. And while it can be easy to see the crisis approaching, it's not always easy to know when or how to react.

Ron Magers Reflects on 51-Year Career in TV News

The legendary Chicago news anchor who started his career at WMAQ-Channel 5 in August of 1981 will sign off one last time from WLS-Channel 7 on May 25.

Backlog of Rape Cases, Rape Kits Can Lead to Long Wait for Justice

Delays in rape kit testing and strained law enforcement resources nationwide mean that victims of sexual assault may face long waits for their attackers to face prosecution. 

Progressive State Income Tax Proposed in Springfield

A bill that's advancing in Springfield would move Illinois from a flat income tax of 3.75 percent to a graduated system, where higher earners pay higher rates. Does the bill stand a chance of becoming law?
 

Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors