Stories by WTTW News

CTU Provides Update on Karen Lewis’ Health

During a press conference this afternoon, the CTU announced there will be a temporary changing of the guard at the union while Karen Lewis recovers from what is described as a serious illness. Brandis Friedman has the latest.   

Income Disparity

We take a look at the growing income disparity between blue- and white-collar workers.  

Metra Proposes Rate Hike

Metra is proposing fare increases of nearly 11 percent next year to help modernize aging infrastructure and railcars.

Area Hospitals Penalized for High Readmission Rates

More than 100 state hospitals will be penalized by Medicare for having too many patients return to a hospital within a month of being admitted for treatment. We discuss the impact these penalties will have on hospitals and patient care.

A Museum Looks Back to the Future

For its 40th anniversary, the Smart Museum of Art has transformed itself into a museum of sculpture -- much as it was at its opening in October 1974.

Exploring Chicago’s Dirt Jumps

This summer Jay Shefsky introduced Chicago Tonight viewers to a hidden treasure found in the woods of Clark Park. We revisit Jay’s story on The Garden, home of Chicago’s dirt jumps.

Viewer Feedback: 10/9

Steven Salaita

We share what you had to say about Chicago Tonight’s conversation with Steven Salaita when we read some of our viewer feedback.

Karen Lewis Has Emergency Surgery

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis underwent emergency surgery today. NBC 5 News Reporter Mary Ann Ahern joins us with the details on the story she broke this afternoon.

Spread of Ebola Leads to More Precautions

The first person diagnosed with Ebola in the United States has died, and Ebola screenings will soon be implemented at O’Hare. We discuss the latest Ebola cases and precautions being put in place to stop the spread of the disease. 

Nik Wallenda to Walk Tightrope in Chicago

Nik Wallenda plans to tightrope walk between Chicago skyscrapers blindfolded. A state law requires all tightrope walkers to have either a safety net or harness, but the City says that law should not apply to Wallenda. 

A Closer Look at CPS Options Schools

CPS high school students in need of non-traditional high school settings can choose among more than 40 Options Schools. Learn more about these schools and why CPS has expanded the number of seats available. 

Ask Geoffrey: 10/8

In tonight’s edition of Ask Geoffrey, we revisit Chicago’s School Street, the history of Chicago’s civil defense unit, and a tree planted by Ulysses Grant in a South Side park.

The Evolution of River North Dance

Company Celebrates 25 Years with Showcase of Athletic Dance

On the eve of their milestone silver anniversary, River North Dance Chicago gets a rehearsal room visit from Chicago Tonight.

Chicagoans to Vote on Ballot Questions

The mayor pulls a sneaky end-run around aldermen who had wanted city voters to weigh in on whether or not there should be an elected Chicago Public School Board. Paris Schutz has the latest on today’s strange developments.

Analyzing the Illiana Expressway

Planning for the Illiana Expressway continues after the project received a green light from a federal environmental review. Our panel discusses the controversial tollway and what happens next.

Is There an Ideal Age to Die?

Last month, Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel penned an op-ed detailing why he hopes to die at the age of 75. Chicago Tonight discusses the controversial article.

CPS Helps Dropouts Finish High School

Since launching the Student Outreach and Re-engagement centers, or SOAR, Chicago Public Schools has helped 170 former high school dropouts earn their diplomas. Find out how the program works and what students are saying about it.

Steven Salaita Speaks Out

His tweets cost him a tenured position at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Chicago Tonight sits down with Steven Salaita to hear about how social media changed his life.

Hedy Weiss: Theater Reviews

Theater and Dance Critic of the Chicago Sun-Times, Hedy Weiss reviews a production of “Smokefall” at the Goodman Theatre, “The Night Alive” at Steppenwolf, and “The Commons of Pensacola” at the Northlight Theatre.

Great Chicago Fire Struggles to Stay Lit

Electrical problems and soggy weather fizzled Saturday night's Great Chicago Fire Festival. Paris Schutz has more on the aftermath and the mayor's plans for the event moving forward.

US Supreme Court Clears Way For Same-Sex Marriage

Supreme Court Rejects Seven Appeals

In a surprise move, the U.S Supreme Court started its new term by deciding not to hear any of the same-sex marriage petitions before it. Our panel takes a closer look at what the Court's decision means.

Blair Kamin on El Centro, ‘God Box’

Chicago Tribune Pulitzer prize-winning architecture critic Blair Kamin talks about NEIU’s El Centro and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s “God Box” located at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Bison to Return to the Prairie State

A bison conservation herd makes its way to Illinois to help protect the landscape. 

“Big Cat” Williams on Bears vs. Panthers

Bears Lose 31-24 to Panthers

Bears' turnovers turn the tide in the Panthers favor. Former Bear James "Big Cat" Williams joins Ann Kreiter to talk about Chicago's latest loss.    

Viewer Feedback: 10/6

African Elephants in Danger of Extinction

We share your thoughts about the slaughter of African elephants when we read some of our viewer feedback.

Weekend Events Around Town: 10/3-10/5

A mac and cheese fest, the West Town Art Walk, a Chicago Gangster Convention; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.
 

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