Stories by WTTW News

It was widely expected that Paul Vallas would get a top job at Chicago State University on Monday. But that is not what happened.  

The primary for governor is a year away. But already, it's quite a contest. Limits on campaign contributions have been lifted. And this morning, six potential candidates made their pitches to Cook County Democratic committeemen. 

Since 2010, the zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute has used motion-detecting cameras and acoustic monitoring equipment to record and document animals roaming through the city.

An organization dedicated to teaching technology to middle school-age girls is coming to Chicago this spring.

The American Sports Museum would teach visitors about everything from physics to history. Founder Marc Lapides shares his vision for the space.

“If your district is broke, take care of the schools that you have before you open new schools. We think it’s a pretty straightforward idea,” said state Rep. Will Guzzardi, who introduced the legislation.

In an effort to curb violence, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has directed resources to expand mentoring programs in Chicago Public Schools. A new effort is targeting young men and women who aren’t in school.

“The whole idea is to use our vacant land as a way to adjust the issue of food access by encouraging urban farms and community gardens in certain areas,” said state Rep. Sonya Harper.

Viewers reflect on the closing of Meyers Ace Hardware.

Facing an ongoing lawsuit brought by Chicago Public Schools and increasing calls to restore vetoed funding to the cash-strapped school district, Gov. Bruce Rauner is urging “swift action” to enact statewide pension reform in a new Republican-led bill.

There was a time when Chicago sports teams were synonymous with losing. This week, the city lost two men who helped change that perception.

Throughout the month of April, nearly two dozen Chicago-area restaurants will offer special menu items to raise awareness and funds for child abuse prevention programs.

Candy-flavored e-cigarettes and other sweetened tobacco products threaten to create a new generation of addicted users, warns a new report by five prominent public health organizations.

The former SUPES Academy chief charged in connection with the Barbara Byrd-Bennett fraud scandal was sentenced Friday to seven years in prison after pleading guilty last year.

The governor’s race gets crowded. Sears’ future is in doubt. Red-light cameras may become more forgiving. And Bulls fans say goodbye to Jerry Krause. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

Watch the March 23, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Without enough votes to pass, the House of Representatives postpones a vote on the Republican’s bill to repeal Obamacare.

Comptroller Susana Mendoza is processing $8.6 million worth of delayed paychecks, following an order Thursday by Judge Rodolfo Garcia.

The changing face of glaciers around the world is the topic of a new exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Cook County is shrinking again – and the 2016 drop in population is the biggest of any county in the entire country. Is this just a statistical blip or the beginning of an alarming trend?

Recently departed U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon, who brought down former House Speaker Dennis Hastert and CPS chief Barbara Byrd-Bennett, joins us for an exclusive interview.

A controversial bill that would allow for the confiscation of firearms under certain circumstances made progress last week in Springfield.

Local School Council members from across Chicago hand-delivered a letter to Gov. Bruce Rauner this week, urging “immediate action” from the state.

Dance performances and festivals, Bon Jovi and street markets. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago this weekend. 

In the early 1960s, bald eagles were nearly extinct in the lower 48 states. But government protections and conservation measures have had a huge impact on their numbers. “I think it’s an incredible success story,” said biologist Chris Anchor.

Several South and Southwest Side communities lag behind national health and wellness benchmarks, according to a new community health survey.