Stories by WTTW News

Democratic candidate for governor Bill Daley reports raising $800,000 in just over two weeks. Paris Schutz has the latest on where the race stands.

Rep. Tammy Duckworth joins us to talk about her exchange with an IRS contractor last week, today’s jump in student loan rates and what to expect when Congress returns from the holiday break. Watch a video.

Some innovative programs are preparing school principals for struggling urban schools by mentoring them and getting them firsthand experience. We look at how the Center for Urban Education Leadership at UIC and the nonprofit New Leaders are training 21st century urban school principals for the tough job they face. Read an article.

A new book by historian Dennis Cremin looks at the evolution of “Chicago’s front yard.” Read an excerpt.

Are some of the plants in your garden already dying? Or are the top-heavy plants face down in the mud? The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Eliza Fournier joins us. Read her summer gardening tips.

We share what you had to say about the demolition of St. James Catholic Church and the city's new Divvy bike sharing program in tonight's viewer feedback.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines. Check out Chicago Tonight's weekly roundup of all of this week's stories.

Joel Weisman and his panel of local journalists delve further into the dynamics of the Blackhawks organization, including NHL salaries, player safety and concussions, and style of play. Watch the web extra conversation.

The Loop was a sea of red this morning. Jubilant fans lined the sidewalk along Washington Street, amid the canyon of skyscrapers underneath a bright blue summer sky. Read an article and watch web extra video.

The $500 million plan to modernize Wrigley Field got the green light Thursday from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, despite some objections from Lakeview Ald. Tom Tunney.

Republican Sen. Bill Brady officially announces his run for Illinois governor in 2014. He joins us. View a timeline of his political career.

Our panel of book lovers – Rebecca Johns, Al Gini and Susan Nussbaum -- breaks down the titles you absolutely must read this summer. View their top picks.

Once, there were dozens of men's hatmakers in Chicago. Today, there is only one. We revisit Jay Shefsky's story about Optimo Hats. Read an article and view a slideshow.

Fifty-two million years ago, after the extinction of dinosaurs, a tropical lake basin surrounded by volcanoes was home to thousands of diverse species. Now that basin is known as Wyoming's Fossil Lake, with some of the most well-preserved fossils in the world. The Field Museum's Lance Grande brings us some of his fantastic finds from The Lost World of Fossil Lake. Read an interview with Grande and view photos.

We share your comments about a controversial severance package for Metra CEO Alex Clifford in tonight's viewer feedback.

Preservationists have lost their battle to save historic St. James Catholic Church in Bronzeville. Demolition on the 133-year-old church began Wednesday. Watch Eddie Arruza's March story about the efforts of parishioners and preservationists to save the structure.

New details emerge about Friday’s Blackhawks parade and celebration. View a map of the parade route.

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act in a 5-4 ruling. The 1996 law blocked federal recognition of same-sex marriages. In a separate case, the court ruled that it could not take up a challenge to Proposition 8, the California law banning gay marriage. Read the full opinions.

Heavy rains swept through the Chicago area Wednesday morning challenging commuters and the engineers at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Read an article.

This Friday, the city unveils a new bike share program called Divvy. We talk with Gabe Klein, commissioner for the Department of Transportation, about what to expect. View a map and learn more about the program.

While NASA astronauts were lauded as American heroes, it was up to their wives to present the facade of a perfect family life. In her new book, The Astronaut Wives Club, author Lily Koppel tells the story of the dozens of women who tried to maintain normalcy as the nation scrutinized their every move. Read an article and an excerpt.

Computer scientists are partnering with physicians to take next-generation virtual reality to the extreme. We revisit Ash-har Quraishi's exploration inside the CAVE2 in tonight's edition of Scientific Chicago. Read an article and view a slideshow.

For the second time in three years, the Chicago Blackhawks are Stanley Cup Champions. They beat the Bruins in dramatic fashion late in the third period last night in Boston. We recap the wild series clincher and the historic Hawks season.

What was behind the departure of Metra's former executive, Alex Clifford? Paris Schutz has new details. Read the separation agreement and RTA's statement.

Metra CEO Alex Clifford may receive up to $700,000 for stepping down, according to reports. His resignation raises questions about how the Metra is run – and whether the agency is using public dollars responsibly.

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which is considered a landmark in civil rights legislation. The 5-4 ruling declared that the formula for preclearance is unconstitutional and unnecessary. Read the full opinion and reaction.