Stories by Jessen O'Brien

Need some ideas for what to do this weekend? Chicago Tonight knows what is going on!

Driving Illinois tollways may soon take a bigger toll on your wallet. The Tollway Board just approved a massive toll increase. We hear from the Tollway's executive director.

From curious machines to handmade objects of beauty, the American Craft Expo takes place in Evanston this weekend. An expert from the fair joins us with a collection of artfully made items.

What are large blocks doing in the middle of Grant Park? Geoffrey Baer tells us their historical significance in tonight's Ask Geoffrey.

Are some airlines skirting the city sales tax? We look into that issue, plus the City of Chicago's tax lawsuit against some nearby counties.

People are still talking about the East Coast earthquake felt from New York to Illinois. We talk with a seismologist about the quake's impact -- and whether it could happen here.

We see some of the amazing murals scattered about the Chicago Park District's fieldhouses.

It's a busy day for city schools as the Chicago Teachers Union’s House of Delegates meets to discuss a potential 4 percent pay raise cut. Meanwhile, the Chicago Public Schools have announced their plans for a longer school day. We talk with CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard about all of this and more. 

Joking about history -- from the ancient Greeks to the Jersey Shore. Comedian Colin Quinn joins us to talk about his one-man show, directed by Jerry Seinfeld.

EMC Corporation is opening a new office in Chicago and plans to add 200 new jobs over the next two years, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced on Tuesday. 

On the eve of his 100th day as Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel issues a list of accomplishments so far. But how much of his checklist is still incomplete? Eddie Arruza reports.

The iconic Wrigley Building may have found a buyer. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 joins us to talk about that, some good news about the real estate market, and other top business stories.

Been to Grant Park lately? The yearly music festival Lollapalooza left it a mess. But might that actually have been a good thing? Ash-har Quraishi has that story.

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

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

Need some ideas for what to do this weekend? Chicago Tonight knows what is going on!

With more bad economic news, the financial markets take another nosedive. Is a second recession on the way? Eddie Arruza and his panel look at what is driving down stocks.

David Axelrod was a key architect behind President Barack Obama's historic 2008 campaign. We talk to writer Daniel Libit about one of the most successful political strategists Chicago has ever produced.

His neighbors call him the flower man. But he's not planting tulips and daffodils at his suburban condo development. He has created what may be the most extensive native prairie garden at a residential complex. And experts say gardens like these can help slow climate change. Jay Shefsky has the story. 

Can dance compete with blues and theater as one of Chicago's signature art forms? We talk to world-renowned dancer, Chicago native and creator of the Chicago Dancing Festival -- Lar Lubovitch.

The statue of Christopher Columbus in South Chicago was once located at City Hall and served a very refreshing purpose. We find out more in tonight's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Should Chicago change its garbage collection system from ward-by-ward to a grid system? We have your thoughts in tonight's Viewer Mail.

It's the best score Illinois has seen in a decade, but students in the state are still testing below the national average when it comes to the ACT. Especially in science. We look at where we may be going wrong.

The state says three Illinois hospitals, including one in Chicago, should start paying property taxes. Eddie Arruza and his panel discuss the controversial issue.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced an innovative new program for Chicago that will address foreclosures and stabilize property values in key neighborhoods throughout the city.  Elizabeth Brackett has the story.

Millions of dollars in federal grants have been allocated to stem the tide of foreclosures in Chicago neighborhoods.  We show you the results of a developer’s rehabbed homes -- one year later.