Stories by Xueying Chen

Giant Heads Turn Heads in Millennium Park

Jaume Plensa's sculptures featuring giant heads opened to the public this summer in Chicago's Millennium Park. We revisit our talk with the Catalan Spanish artist and sculptor on his inspiration behind his latest installation.

I Grow Chicago

In Swahili, Kusanya means to collect and gather the people and strengths within the community to build a stronger, more hopeful, and more peaceful neighborhood. Kusanya is also a café in Englewood which has embarked on a journey of bringing hope and love to the community. 

Off To The Races

Carol Marin and four political journalists analyze where the candidates stand in the latest polls, and how money is influencing the hotly contested races.

Assessing US Involvement in Iraq

We sit down with experts to check in on the crisis in Iraq.

Transforming Waste into Organic Material

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is taking the residue of human waste from their water filtration process and transforming into a powerful soil additive/fertilizer that is used in parks, golf courses, and farms throughout the area.

Tom Skilling on Climate Change

Chief meteorologist at WGN Tom Skilling co-authored an op-ed in the Chicago Tribune regarding climate change and the potential effects of inaction. We discuss the issue with him tonight. 

Shark Week and the Shedd

Shark Week is back. We discuss our continuing fascination with the ocean's top predator with shark expert Lise Watson of the Shedd Aquarium.

Weekend Events Around Town: 8/8-8/10

The annual Chicago Korean Festival, a bubble workshop for children, and a celebration of Japanese culture; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

Web Extra: The Week in Review: 8/8

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists delve further into the upcoming mayoral race, and whether potential candidates Karen Lewis and Alderman Bob Fioretti pose a real challenge to Rahm Emanuel.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 8/8

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists recap this week's headlines.

Contract Buyers in Chicago

Many black Chicago homeowners were forced to purchase their homes on contract in the ‘60s. Eventually, homeowners in North Lawndale banded together and fought back against buying on contract.  

Karen Lewis On Her Political Future

Karen Lewis stops by to discuss her political future and more. 

Contract Buyers League

We take a look at a little-known piece of Chicago's real estate history: the Contract Buyers League. 

A 'Mockingbird’ Rediscovered

The author of the upcoming book, "The Mockingbird Next Door," details her friendship with Harper Lee, the reclusive author of the classic novel "To Kill a Mockingbird."

A Musical Journey Through the Aurora Borealis

A new Science & Symphony production is premiering at the Grant Park Music Festival. It's a musical and visual journey through the Northern Lights.

Viewer Feedback: 8/7

Working With Watson

We share what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer feedback.

Aldermanic Oversight

Bill Would Give Oversight of City Council to Inspector General Joe Ferguson

The City Council’s watchdog says he will run out of money to investigate aldermen within the next two weeks. Paris Schutz has the latest in the ongoing heated debate over who polices aldermen.

City Releases Data on Complaints Against Police

After an eight-year legal battle, the City of Chicago has finally released data on which police officers have amassed the most complaints. We talk to the journalist whose lawsuit finally forced disclosure and the President of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Rosetta Makes Historic Space Travel Feat

After a 10 year, 4 billion mile long journey, the European Space Agency’s Rosetta spacecraft made history today as the first spacecraft to go into orbit around a comet.

Discovery Reveals Life of Ancient Insects

The discovery of a tiny cricket in a 20-million-year-old piece of amber that was found in the Dominican Republic more than 50 years ago offers new views into an ancient environment and how it once thrived.  

The Cost of Compromise

In an age of polarization and a divided Congress, many are calling for compromise. But in a new book, constitutional law professor Richard Weisberg details how flexibility and compromise have harmed the human race throughout history.

Ask Geoffrey: 8/6

Geoffrey Explains Why There’s a Fish in a Tree, More

Why is there a trout among the trees alongside Golf Road? Geoffrey Baer tells the story of the one that got away and answers other viewer questions in tonight’s Ask Geoffrey.

Previewing the City’s 2015 Budget

The city releases its 2015 budget forecast with a relatively manageable deficit, assuming the city gets pension reform. But what happens if it doesn't? Paris Schutz has the details.  

BGA Exclusive on Chicago Tonight

Investigation Details Suburban Police, Fire Pension Issues

A new investigation by the Better Government Association details pension problems experienced by dozens of suburban police and fire pension funds. BGA’s senior investigator Andrew Schroedter joins Chicago Tonight with more on the story. 

Tribune Publishing Company’s Rough Start

After being spun off from the broadcast arm, Tribune Publishing Co. debuts on the New York Stock Exchange but its first day of performance is not great.

Egon Weiner

A Chicago artist continues to make an impression on the city more than 25 years after he died. You may not know his name but you’ve likely seen his public art. Egon Weiner was also a teacher, and his prominent students continue his legacy. 
 

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