Stories by WTTW News
After Orlando, Renewed Effort to Limit Sale of Assault Rifles
| Alexandra Silets
The debate rages on over the sale of assault weapons like the one used in the Orlando massacre. We talk with Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg about his experience trying to buy that kind of assault rifle.
Whistleblower Cop On Ending Police ‘Code of Silence’
| Nick Blumberg
Meet a Chicago police officer who says she faced retaliation after investigating corrupt cops, and find out how she hopes to help other whistleblowers.
History of the Rolling Stones Told by Glencoe Native in New Book
| Marc Vitali
From their rise in the early 1960s at the forefront of the British invasion to the worldwide mega-tours of more recent decades, the Rolling Stones have never left the public eye. A new book takes a panoramic look at the band.
Gov. Rauner: Bankruptcy for CPS Might Be ‘Best Option’
| Paris Schutz
Gov. Bruce Rauner renews talk of possible bankruptcy for Chicago Public Schools. How would it work? That and more in a rare one-on-one interview with the governor.
Little Black Pearl Artists Focus of Union League Club Exhibit
| Marc Vitali
Young artists get a rare opportunity to show their work. We visit the Union League Club to see an exhibition by a cultural institution in the Kenwood community called Little Black Pearl.
Strawberry Moon Caps off Summer Solstice on Monday
| Evan Garcia
Monday marks a rare celestial event for stargazers: For the first time in decades, the full moon falls on the summer solstice.
German Woman Recreating Ancestor’s Journey to America
Chicago One of Many Stops on #Barmen2Bozeman Trip
| Kristen Thometz
In 1880, a 26-year-old German leather manufacturer left his hometown for America. Now, his great-great-granddaughter is recreating his cross-country journey in a 1880s Victorian dress.
Find the Shedd's Frog Hopping Around Chicago This Week
| Evan Garcia
Don’t be alarmed if you spot a large, colorful frog hopping around the city this week.
Original Chicago Cocktail: How's Harold?
| Erica Gunderson
Whether it was dancing with a polka queen or meeting with protesters, Mayor Harold Washington was always smiling. We celebrate Chicago’s first and so far only African-American mayor with the signature drink, How’s Harold?
Urban Explorer Photographs Chicago’s Abandoned Sites and Buildings
| Evan Garcia
Rick Drew has been exploring and photographing abandoned sites in and around Chicago for a decade. But the hobby is considered by some as simple trespassing. "Chicago Tonight" asked Drew about his eccentric – and sometimes dangerous – pastime.
The Week in Review: Chicago Property Taxes Soar
| WTTW News
The average Chicago homeowner's property tax bill will go up roughly 13 percent, and it will keep going up for four years. That story and more on this week's edition of The Week in Review with Joel Weisman.
Lincoln Park Zoo Announces $125M Campaign, Major Exhibit Plans
| Evan Garcia
The Lincoln Park Zoo unveiled plans Thursday for major renovations to the Kovler Lion House and the construction of a new polar bear exhibit.
War of Words Continues in Springfield as End of Fiscal Year Looms
| Marc Vitali
Illinois State House Republican Leader Jim Durkin joins "Chicago Tonight" after a week of incendiary rhetoric in Springfield as the end of the fiscal year is just two weeks away.
Disability Advocates Fight for Rideshare Access
| Paris Schutz
A proposed ordinance would require 5 percent of a rideshare company's fleet to be wheelchair accessible, but Uber has its own plans to address accessibility.
CPS to Hold Meetings on Lead Levels in Water
| Paul Caine
With more and more Chicago schools being found to have elevated levels of lead in their water, some Chicago aldermen are now calling for public hearings on the issue.
Chicago Police Department Announces Increased Security for Pride Parade
| Kristen Thometz
City officials and law enforcement outlined plans for increased security measures at next weekend's 47th annual Chicago Pride Parade in the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando.
Master of Painting Brings Art from Bronzeville to the World
| Marc Vitali
From his studio in Bronzeville, Kerry James Marshall creates large-scale canvases that are prized in museums around the world. A 1997 winner of a MacArthur "genius" grant, Marshall spoke with “Chicago Tonight” at the opening of his career retrospective at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Weekend Events: Celebrate Pride, Father's Day and Jane Lynch
| Meredith Francis
Plenty of dad-friendly events are on tap this weekend – including a finger-licking barbecue fest in Portage Park – and in the heart of Boystown, Pride Month festivities are under way.
Shedd, Brookfield Zoo 1st in US to Receive Humane Certification
| Evan Garcia
Two Chicago-area institutions are the first in the nation to receive certification in a new program that assesses the well-being of animals held in captivity.
Is Lucas Museum Deal Within Reach?
| Paris Schutz
Friends of the Parks’ executive director Juanita Irizarry insists the lawsuit is still on, but Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Wednesday he believes an agreement can be reached.
Gov. Rauner to Lawmakers: ‘Please Come Back to Springfield’
| Alexandra Silets
Lawmakers were supposed to be in Springfield on Wednesday, but House Speaker Michael Madigan canceled the session in spite of his pledge to work through the summer.
Retaining Principals a Chronic Challenge for CPS
| Brandis Friedman
It may not be quite an "exodus" of CPS principals, but more of them are leaving. Why the district is concerned it could get worse.
Chicago Pride Celebrations This Year to Include Memorials, Extra Security
| Nick Blumberg
As Chicago remembers victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting, it's also preparing to celebrate Gay Pride Month over the next two weekends. Hear details from the parade coordinator.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
2026 Chicago Summer Festival Guide
Interim Top Cop Collecting $142K Annual City Pension While Earning $211K Salary, Records Show
Pritzker Signed 78 Bills Last Week, Including Requirements for Boater’s Insurance and Home Service Appointment Windows
What Impact Would a Switch to Permanent Daylight Saving Time Have?
Agency Charged With Probing Chicago Police Department Misconduct Created ‘Vacuum of Accountability’ By Clearing Backlog: Watchdog
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter