Stories by WTTW News

Viewer Feedback: Sept. 3

We share what you had to say about some of our recent stories when we read viewer feedback from the Chicago Tonight website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Fox Lake Mourns Officer's Death as Search for Suspects Enters Day 2

The far north suburban community of Fox Lake is still grieving as dozens of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers search for three suspects who allegedly shot and killed Fox Lake police Lt. Joe Gliniewicz early Tuesday morning. Brandis Friedman visited Fox Lake on Wednesday and she joins us with the latest.

Taste Test on the Proposed Chicago Soda Tax

A proposed penny-per-ounce tax on sugary beverages is meant primarily as a way to address skyrocketing obesity and diabetes rates. But some of that revenue could go toward funding the city’s big cash crunch.

Crain's Roundup: Wall Street's Wild Ride, Sprint's Chicago Expansion

Crain’s Chicago Business deputy managing editor Ann Dwyer takes a closer look at the wild ride on Wall Street, Sprint adding 1,050 jobs in Chicago, Chrysler’s considering producing Jeep Cherokees here and Illinois becoming the “Land of Delivery.”

Corpse Plant Postmortem: Spike's Story Not Over, Say Botanists

We conduct a postmortem on Spike, the smelly corpse flower that failed to bloom at the Chicago Botanic Garden. What happened? Paris Schutz has the story.

Northwest Chicago Film Society Launches New Season at NEIU

The Northwest Chicago Film Society kicks off its fall season of 35-millimeter film screenings on Wednesday at the auditorium at Northeastern Illinois University in the North Park neighborhood.

'Cook County ICU' on the Human Side of a Famous Hospital

Dr. Cory Franklin spent 25 years leading Cook County Hospital's intensive care unit – more than enough for a lifetime of stories. The ICU's former chief joins Chicago Tonight to discuss his new book, Cook County ICU, his most memorable patients, and what they taught him.

Summer Pilot Program 'Targets' Violence Perpetrators

For three hundred South and West Side Chicagoans, a summer job meant more than just a few extra bucks – it may have also meant a safer community. A pilot program called Target 7-11 H.I.T. paid neighbors in Englewood and the west side of Garfield Park to work as violence interrupters, during what is a notoriously deadly time of year for those communities. Brandis Friedman explains how it works.

Ask Geoffrey: Sept. 2

Where was Bacon's Arena, the site of Joe Louis' first pro match?

In this edition of Ask Geoffrey, our local history expert goes ringside at Joe Louis' first professional knockout, rides by the site of long-lost Logan Square mansion, and finds out what's cooking at a former bread-baking palace.

Plus-Size Model Emme Decries Fashion Industry in Chicago-Made Documentary

The plus-size model speaks out in Model Diet, a locally-produced documentary criticizing the fashion industry’s standards. 

Preview: The Week Ahead in Springfield

Illinois House lawmakers will soon consider whether to override a veto by Gov. Bruce Rauner that could send negotiations with state employee unions to binding arbitration. And with no state budget in place, just how do lawmakers plan on maintaining critical state services? Amanda Vinicky joins Chicago Tonight with a preview of the week ahead in Springfield. 

Examining the Issues Before Congress

Congressmen Foster, Roskam on Iran Nuclear Deal, Planned Parenthood Funding, More

Congress reconvenes next Tuesday after a five-week recess, and there are some weighty and urgent matters to attend to, including yet another debt ceiling fiscal cliff. Joining us to share their thoughts on these and other issues are Congressman Bill Foster (D-11th); and Congressman Peter Roskam (R-6th).

Human Rights Group Calls for Legalization of Prostitution

Amnesty International is calling for the legalization of prostitution, a move some advocacy groups say is short-sighted. We'll hear from both sides.

Thinking Big About Sewage: Thornton Reservoir Nears Completion

As the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District cuts the ribbon on it's new sewage reservoir, we revisit Jay Shefsky's visit in May to the bottom of the Thornton Quarry.

Use Your Words: How Small Talk Can Help Build a Child's Brain

Using your words may be the secret to bridging the achievement gap for kids from different economic backgrounds. Find out about the Thirty Million Words Initiative.

Growing a Movement: Green City Market's Impact on Chicago

It is a farmers market with a mission. Green City Market in Lincoln Park bills itself as Chicago’s only truly “green” farmers market, linking farmers to chefs and the Chicago community. And even when the seasons are changing, this year-round sustainable market offers a bounty of locally grown foods.

Chicago Improv Group The Katydids Gets Airtime Following Video Music Awards

TV Land’s female-driven comedy series – from Chicago-based improv group the Katydids – airs in January, but VMA viewers got a sneak peek on Sunday after the awards show.

City Holds Town Hall Meeting on Budget

The mayor and top city officials are speaking to the public at this hour in the first of a series of town hall meetings on the city budget. That budget could be as much as $754 million out of whack thanks to escalating pension costs. Higher taxes and fees are almost certainly inevitable, the question is which? How are residents responding to the shortfall? Paris Schultz joins us live from Malcolm X College.

State Budget Stalemate: Week 10

The state's budget standoff is entering its 10th week on Wednesday. We talk with two of the most outspoken leaders from both sides of the aisle to see if any compromise is on the horizon. Joining Chicago Tonight are Rep. Lou Lang and Rep. Ron Sandack. 

Chicago-Based 'Bobby & Iza' Pilot Up for NBC Comedy Web Series

Two Chicago actors could see their pilot picked up by NBC for a web series. 

The Fight Over Dyett High School

The fight to reopen a South Side high school has caused 12 parents and activists to go on a hunger strike to get Chicago Public Schools to hear their concerns. We look at the history of the closure and what the new proposals are.

SpongeBob SquarePants Musical to get Pre-Broadway Tryout in Chicago

The musical, directed by Steppenwolf’s Tina Landau will feature original songs from David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, and Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, among others. 

Why Allstate Wants to Monitor Your Driving, and Your Data

Patents recently issued to Northbrook-based insurance giant Allstate could allow the company to monitor your car for sources of distraction, collect health data on drivers, and even monitor what's going on around your vehicle. The company says any new technology will improve driver safety, but some are worried it could violate the privacy of drivers, passengers and passers-by. 
 

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