Stories by WTTW News

Eddie Arruza and his panel discuss this week’s headlines.

In the wake of the massacre at of the Paris offices of the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, Eddie Arruza and his panel of journalists discuss freedom of the press, and whether fear of retribution impacts reporters. 

The City Lost and Found, No Pants Subway Ride, and Handmade Market Chicago; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

Springfield Special Session Should Schools Close on Cold Days? Founding Editor of "The Onion" on Paris Terror Attacks The Great Pension Debate Mayoral Candidate Willie Wilson

Illinois lawmakers met in Springfield for a special session to decide how to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.

The Illinois Senate passed special election bill HB4576 by 37-15. See how members voted in our interactive graphic.

The Illinois House passed special election bill HB4576 by 66-40. See how members voted in our interactive graphic.

For the second day, Chicago Public Schools are closed because of cold weather, but not everyone agrees.

The shooting massacre at the Paris office of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo has shaken the tenets of not only parody, but freedom of expression. Scott Dikkers is the founding editor of The Onion and served as editor-in-chief of the popular satirical news organization for 14 years. He joins us to discuss his experiences working in news satire, and how the deadliest attack France has seen since 1961 may affect the genre’s landscape.

Illinois still has one of the worst funded pension systems in the nation. But reform efforts seem to be at a standstill until the Illinois Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of a pension bill passed last year. The court is scheduled to hear arguments in March.

Chicago businessman Willie Wilson has put $1 million of his own money into his effort to take down incumbent Mayor Rahm Emanuel. We talk with Wilson about his background, why he wants to be mayor, and whether he thinks he has enough support to win.

A show at The Art Institute looks at the transformation of American cities in the 1960s and '70s. We revisit the story.

We share what you had to say about the proposed Washington Park site for the Obama Presidental Library, the unethical conduct at Chicago Public Schools, and finding the joy in the everyday with Mike Leonard in tonight's viewer feedback.

CPS Cancels Classes for Second Day Obama Library Plot Thickens Ironing Out Medical Marijuana Details Ice Ribbon Zamboni Ask Geoffrey: 1/7 Chicago Area Spirits on the Rise

Chicago Public Schools will be closed for a second day tomorrow because of the extreme weather.

Obama Library proposals from The University of Illinois at Chicago and The University of Chicago are getting added help from the mayor's office to ensure the library stays in the Midwest as The U of C finally releases proposal specifics. Hearings are set for next week to aid The U of C in securing city park land for the proposed Jackson Park and Washington Park locations. Some fear the hearings will serve to push through rushed legislation for a land grab.

As Illinois prepares for implementation of legal medical marijuana, we take a look at some of the challenges and regulatory hurdles these businesses face.

The new Maggie Daley Park includes a quarter mile long "ice ribbon" for skaters. We find out what it takes to maintain Chicago's newest ice rink.

Geoffrey Baer puts Chicago ZIP codes in order, traces the beginnings of the Teamsters union, and tells the story of the show behind a heart of silver in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Evanston was once the center of the temperance movement and a dry community until 1972. But now it has its very first distillery called FEW. The name just happens to be the initials of the one-time president of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, Frances Elizabeth Willard. Whatever Ms. Willard might think of that, the distillery is one of a growing number of spirits producers popping up all around Chicago. We get a taste of what’s being bottled.

Final Week for Quinn CPS IG Says School Employees Stole Nearly $900,000 Treasurer Mike Frerichs ‘David Bowie Is’  Mike Leonard is Back

Hundreds of mourners gathered Tuesday inside New York City's St. Ignatius Loyola Church as former three-term New York Gov. Mario Cuomo was laid to rest. 

Gov. Pat Quinn speaks to the City Club of Chicago during his final days in office.

Chicago Public Schools Inspector General Nicholas Schuler says CPS employees orchestrated a plan to steal nearly $900,000 from the district. Other findings include unethical conduct and possible criminal behavior, according to a new report.

Mike Frerichs won the hotly contested treasurer's race in November. He joins us to share his vision and what he thinks about consolidating his office with the comptroller's post.

The touring exhibition on the history, music, fashion, art, legacy, and identity of David Bowie landed in Chicago at the MCA. During its 15-week run, 193,000 people saw "David Bowie Is." We revisit the story.