Stories by Taurean Small
Crain’s Corner
Rauner and the Gubernatorial Election
| Taurean Small
The Nov. 4 election is rapidly approaching, and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner isn’t any closer to revealing his plans for running the state. Rauner recently appeared before Crain’s editorial board, and Greg Hinz joins us to talk about Rauner’s visit and the upcoming election.
Gen. Zinni on US Military Intervention
| WTTW News
A four-star general with four decades of experience in the military gives his take on America’s latest military intervention in Syria and what he sees as a disconnect between the Washington establishment and military leadership.
End of Life Decisions
| WTTW News
End of life planning can be daunting for patients and loved ones, especially when considering the right to die. The controversial topic is being discussed more, and joining us to talk about the controversy and changes surrounding the issue are Dr. Peter Angelos and Ed Gogol.
Singer Dee Alexander’s Breakout Moment
| WTTW News
Chicago vocalist Dee Alexander celebrates her new album at Hyde Park Jazz Festival.
Ask Geoffrey: 9/24
Mt. Prospect's Missing Mountain
| Erica Gunderson
Geoffrey Baer climbs the highest heights in Chicagoland, gets on his soapbox at Bughouse Square, and tours Chicago via World War I monuments in this week’s edition of Ask Geoffrey.
A Way with Words
New Art Show Sets Sail with a Boatload of Wordplay
| Marc Vitali
A free exhibition explores the artful use of language by contemporary Illinois painters and sculptors.
Mayor Emanuel Calls for Sentencing Reform
| Brandis Friedman
Mayor Rahm Emanuel called on the Illinois Legislature to reform sentencing laws for low-level drug offenses. Brandis Friedman has the details.
Analyzing Airstrikes Against ISIS
| WTTW News
Airstrikes against ISIS in Syria have begun. Our panel discusses the decision by the United States and several Arab nations to target the Islamic militant group in the already war torn country.
“Big Cat” Williams on Bears vs. Jets
| WTTW News
James "Big Cat" Williams joins Ann Kreiter to break down the Bears' second win of the season.
Coexisting with Wildlife
| WTTW News
With wildlife sightings on the rise in Illinois, we discuss how residents can coexist with animals returning to the regions they once inhabited.
‘David Bowie Is’
Exhibit on Display in Chicago
| WTTW News
The touring exhibition on the history, music, fashion, art, legacy, and identity of David Bowie lands in Chicago at the MCA.
Discussing the New Archbishop Selection
| WTTW News
This weekend Cardinal Francis George introduced his successor, Bishop Blase Cupich. Our panel discusses the significance of the Vatican's appointment.
Researchers: Greater Precautions Needed to Stop Ebola
| WTTW News
We explore the latest recommendations from two researchers on the Ebola outbreak.
Turning Trees into Art
| WTTW News
If you spent time in city parks this summer, you may have noticed trees being transformed. The Chicago Park District teamed with a local sculptor's group to turn trees that were condemned into public art. We revisit Jay Shefsky’s story.
Locals Named MacArthur Geniuses
| WTTW News
The MacArthur Foundation recently announced their 21 Genius grants winners, and five have Chicago connections. We sit down with two of the winners to learn more about their work and their reactions to the $625,000 award.
Remembering Sheldon Patinkin
| WTTW News
Chicago native Sheldon Patinkin, who was part of the first generation of Chicago improvisers, died Sunday at the age of 79.
Viewer Feedback: 9/22
Chicago’s Animal Care
| WTTW News
We share what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer feedback.
Blase Cupich Introduced as New Archbishop
| Paris Schutz
Saying that he was "well-prepared" for the responsibilities of leading a church of 2.2 million people, Cardinal Francis George introduced his successor, Blase Cupich.
Weekend Events Around Town: 9/19-9/21
| Travis Cornejo
The Les Turner ALS Walk for Life, Lakeview Taco Fest, and a Concert for Peace; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.
Web Extra: The Week in Review: 9/19
| WTTW News
Joel Weisman and his guests continue the conversation online by talking about Mary Ann Ahern’s question to Bruce Rauner.
Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 9/19
| WTTW News
Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss this week’s headlines.
Brandon Marshall Talks About Domestic Violence
| WTTW News
Bears star Brandon Marshall speaks out about Roger Goodell, domestic violence, and his past troubles, which have been brought to light in a new complaint against the NFL. Paris Schutz has the latest.
Ald. Bob Fioretti on His Mayoral Run
| WTTW News
Last week Ald. Bob Fioretti announced he will run for mayor of Chicago in the 2015 election. Chicago Tonight speaks with Fioretti about his political future.
Scotland’s Future
Scots Head to Polls for Independence Vote
| WTTW News
Today, Scottish voters will choose whether to remain part of the United Kingdom or become an independent country.
EXPO CHICAGO
| WTTW News
EXPO CHICAGO returns to Navy Pier for its third season and features artwork from more than 140 of the world’s leading galleries.
Scientists Speak about Spinosaurus
Paleontologists Discover Largest Predatory Dinosaur
| Taurean Small
The scientists behind the discovery of Spinosaurus, the largest predatory dinosaur ever found, visit Chicago Tonight.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
2026 Chicago Summer Festival Guide
Deep Tunnel Reservoirs Nearly Full as Chicago Region Pounded With Rain Over Holiday Weekend
Who Is Running, or Thinking About Running, to Become Chicago’s Next Mayor
Bipartisan Housing Bill Still Awaits Trump’s Signature. Here’s What the Bill Would Do
Chicago’s Pension Debt Increased in 2025 to $36.4B: City Analysis
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter