Stories by WTTW News
Moby Dick: One Chicago Puppeteer’s Quest for the White Whale
| Chloe Riley
Blair Thomas has chased Melville’s story for over 25 years. His efforts manifest this weekend in a performance at the MCA.
A Look Inside Chicago's Largest Prop House
| Jay Shefsky
A giant Bridgeport warehouse is home to the city's largest collection of vintage props for movies and TV. Jay Shefsky takes us behind the scenes.
Local FBI Chief Addresses Data Collection, Corruption
| Paul Caine
FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Anderson, who was recently appointed to lead the Chicago office, addresses concerns over data collection by the government, public corruption and the difficulties of policing after the Laquan McDonald shooting.
CPS, CTU Announce Plans for April 1 Teacher Walkout
| Brandis Friedman
Parents of Chicago Public Schools students still searching for alternatives to attending school this Friday will have their pick of 262 contingency sites announced today by the district. Meanwhile, the Chicago Teachers Union has released a tentative schedule of events, which includes picketing schools and rallying downtown during rush hour.
Why the Second City is First in Population Loss
| Erica Gunderson
The latest U.S. Census Bureau reported a dubious distinction for Cook County: the second most-populous U.S. county now leads the nation in population loss with over 10,000 fewer residents in 2015 than just a year before.
Wild Badger Implanted with Tracking Device in Cook County
| Evan Garcia
Badgers are known for their elusiveness: the mostly solitary animals travel and forage at night, moving from one place to another very quickly. But wildlife biologists recently got lucky and caught one in northwest Cook County.
CPS Prepares for 1-Day Teachers Strike
| Hunter Clauss
Chicago public school teachers will go on a one-day strike this Friday that may or may not be legal. Chicago Public Schools Chief Forrest Claypool joins “Chicago Tonight” to talk about the upcoming one-day teachers strike and what parents should do.
Viewer Feedback: 'How Can Teachers Just Walk Out?'
| Erica Gunderson
Hear what viewers had to say about our talk with CTU president Karen Lewis and our web story on a new water treatment plant that uses ultraviolet light to help clean the Chicago River when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Former Chicago Police React to Superintendent Pick
| Nick Blumberg
How will rank-and-file police officers react to the mayor's unexpected appointment of CPD veteran Eddie Johnson? Two former Chicago Police officers share their perspectives on Emanuel's pick and to aldermen inserting themselves more into the selection process.
Local FBI Chief Talks Terror Challenges
| Paul Caine
In the wake of the attacks in Brussels, the recently appointed Special Agent in Charge for the FBI division in Chicago joins “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the challenges in addressing terrorist threats.
Museum of Contemporary Photography Exhibit Captures Changing Medium
| Marc Vitali
In the Loop, a photographic feast is now being served. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Museum of Contemporary Photography combed its archives to find the pictures that best reflect the character of the museum. What they found were dramatic images from the 19th century to the 21st.
CPD Insider Eddie Johnson Selected as New Interim Superintendent
| Paris Schutz
In a surprise end-run, Mayor Emanuel shuns the recommendations of his police board and makes it known he wants Eddie Johnson to be police superintendent.
Report: DuPage Healthiest County in Illinois
Cook County Not Even in Top 50
| Kristen Thometz
DuPage County is the healthiest in the state, according to a recent comprehensive report comparing counties’ health statewide. Cook County doesn't crack the top 50.
Q&A with Chicago History Museum President Gary Johnson
| Chloe Riley
The head of the Chicago History Museum talks about the ups and downs facing museums today, plus his school days with Hillary Clinton and why he "binge listens" to Studs Terkel.
What Questions Do You Have for Mayor Emanuel?
| Alexandra Silets
Mayor Rahm Emanuel joins “Chicago Tonight” for a one-on-one interview with Paris Schutz on Tuesday. What are your questions for the mayor? Share them with us.
Chicago’s Rat Infestation A ‘Real Problem’ Says Mayor Emanuel
| Evan Garcia
Rat complaints are on the rise, according to city data. Find out what Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th Ward) are doing to address the issue.
The Week in Review: CTU, CPS Clash Over April 1 Teacher Walkout
| Alexandra Silets
Joel Weisman and his guests discuss the vote by the Chicago Teachers Union's House of Delegates to authorize a one-day strike and other top stories of the week.
CTU President Karen Lewis Explains 1-Day Teachers Strike
| Nick Blumberg
Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis said the newly approved April 1 walkout is not about contract negotiations with CPS. “If it were a contract strike, it would be illegal,” Lewis said to Eddie Arruza. “This is an unfair labor practice strike.”
CPS Scrambles to Prepare for April 1 Teacher Walkout
| Brandis Friedman
The Chicago Teachers Union says the vote for a one-day strike passed overwhelmingly. But a vocal minority still opposes it.
Lego Architect Reaches New Heights With MSI Exhibit
| Paul Caine
Meet the local man who's a certified Lego professional with a brand new exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Cook County Clerk David Orr on Election Law Changes
| Andrea Guthmann
Last week's primary election saw several firsts, including same-day voter registration and record-breaking early voting. Cook County Clerk David Orr discusses what it means for the future.
Peru’s Protected Treasure: Reserve is Key for Conservation
| Paul Caine
A small nature reserve at a tiny point on the southern coast of Peru is playing a big role in protecting endangered marine and bird species. Learn how the Chicago Zoological Society has been working with the community to engage locals in the conservation effort.
Weekend Events: March Madness, Chicago Beer Festival, Easter Brunch
| Meredith Francis
Hunt for Easter Eggs, get your fill of March Madness, see stand-up from Trevor Noah and more this Easter weekend in and around Chicago.
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