Stories by WTTW News
Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 5/23
Eddie Arruza and his panel of journalists discuss this week's headlines.
Cubs, Rooftop Owners Talks Hit Impasse
Ricketts Moves Forward with Wrigley Field Renovations
The battle between Chicago Cubs and rooftop owners has hit the boiling point. Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts announced plans to go forward with more scoreboards and an expanded renovation project as rooftop owners prepare to take them to court. Take our poll.
Springfield News with Dave McKinney
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan presses for an income tax surcharge on millionaires, Toni Preckwinkle lobbies hard for her proposed Cook County budget. Chicago Sun-Times’ Springfield bureau chief Dave McKinney joins us with an update on these topics and more.
Household Debt and Our Economy
Amir Sufi, professor of finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, argues in his new book House of Debt that a sharp increase in household debt was an underlying reason for the Great Recession (in 2008) and a primary cause for our still sluggish recovery. Sufi joins us to discuss his book, and what in his view, former Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner got wrong.
Navigating the Adult World of Health Care Needs
La Rabida Children’s Hospital Offers Vital Program
Students with special health needs have had parents do everything for them such as manage doctors’ appointments and answer health insurance questions. But as those students grow up, they must learn to care for themselves. La Rabida Children’s Hospital has a program designed to help both teens and their families make a smooth transition.
A Lot of Eggs in Their Basket
One could say that the Chicago Field Museum is putting a lot of eggs in one basket, with the publication of its new book, The Book of Eggs. The result being a grand collection, extensive showcase of 600 species of birds. We find out more when John Bates, associate curator and book editor, joins us. Take a quiz.
Actor Michael Urie Visits
Actor Michael Urie made his claim to fame starring in the hit TV sitcom Ugly Betty. He joins us on Chicago Tonight to talk about his new Chicago comedy show Buyer and Cellar. Learn more about Urie's new play.
Viewer Feedback 5/22
Cats and Rodent Control
We share what you had to say about Jay Shefsky's recent story on the city's new approach to rodent control when we read some of our viewer feedback.
Modern Sculpture in an Old-Fashioned Setting
Free Art Show Invites Fresh Look at Civic Gem
An 88 year-old war memorial has a new function: it’s the stunning backdrop to a show of contemporary sculpture.
Cook County Pension Reform Update
A plan to rescue the pension system of Cook County workers could be on the fast track in pension-weary Springfield. So much so that County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is putting her reputation on the line to lobby state lawmakers and the governor to get it done in the waning days of the general assembly spring session. Will it happen?
How to Fix Illinois
Illinois celebrates its bicentennial in 2018, and two authors have suggestions on how to fix the funk in Illinois just in time for the celebration. Read an excerpt from Fixing Illinois: Politics and Policy in the Prairie State.
China's Rising Status
Former Chicago Reporter Visits Chicago Tonight
What does China's rising economic and political clout on the world stage mean for the United States? The New Yorker writer Evan Osnos visits Chicago Tonight to talk about China's rising status and his new book. Read an excerpt from Age of Ambition.
Ask Geoffrey: 5/21
Geoffrey Visits a Spot Where North Meets North
Geoffrey visits a rediscovered war curiosity, a long-lost war trophy, and a place in Chicago where north meets north in tonight’s Ask Geoffrey.
Gardening Tips from Eliza Fournier
Now that spring-like weather is actually here, what should you do with your tulips and other flowers? Eliza Fournier from the Chicago Botanic Garden joins us to offer spring gardening pointers. Read tips from Chicago Botanic Garden's May gardening checklist.
Springfield News with Dave McKinney
Springfield legislators enter the final stretch for the spring session and Chicago Sun-Times’ Springfield bureau chief Dave McKinney joins us with an update on where Gov. Quinn’s efforts to make his “temporary” income tax extension permanent stand, more general assembly news.
Shakman's Original Appearance on Chicago Tonight
The original January 2002 airing of Attorney Michael Shakman on Chicago Tonight.
Michael Shakman
The Man Behind the 'Shakman Decree' Visits
The legal battle that started in 1969 over Chicago patronage hiring is ending. Attorney Michael Shakman filed a motion to stop the federal hiring oversight because he says the city has reached "substantial compliance." We’ll talk to the man behind the “Shakman Decree," hear why he thinks the city no longer needs a hiring watchdog.
The Return of Digital Billboards
Chicago Tonight first reported on the wave of digital billboards that were sprouting up unregulated in neighborhoods, a year ago. Despite complaints from residents, aldermen, electronic billboards are back.
Battle over Minimum Wage
Should the Minimum Wage Be $10 an Hour?
Last week House Speaker Michael Madigan advanced a proposal to ask voters whether the state’s minimum wage should be increased to $10 an hour. Despite countless reports and research, the argument over the minimum wage still remains contentious. We debate the issue with our panel.
Hedy Weiss: Theater Reviews
Theater and Dance Critic of the Chicago Sun-Times, Hedy Weiss reviews a production of “Charles Ives” at the Strawdog Theater and more. Read more about the plays and watch additional reviews.
Love Story
When Jay Shefsky first came up with the idea for this story he thought it was about a man with an unusual talent. It turned out to be a remarkable story of love and art. See a photo gallery of Antonio's work.
Emanuel Reflects on Time in Office
Chicago Tonight’s Phil Ponce interviews Mayor Rahm Emanuel on the three-year anniversary of Emanuel’s time in office.
Physical Abuse by Chicago Police Caught on Video
A federal law suit charges 10 police officers with battery and the use of excessive force. The actions, caught on tape, show an officer hitting a handcuffed, kneeling woman in the head and screaming racial insults at her.
Rauner Makes Pitch to Suburban Women
The Republican candidate for governor is seeking to beef up his credentials with an important constituency that helped decide the last gubernatorial election: suburban women. Today, Bruce Rauner appeared at a town hall in the North Shore in front of an all-female crowd.
Assessing Emanuel
A Look at the Mayor's First Three Years
Tonight we look back at Rahm Emanuel’s first three years as Chicago’s first mayor post Richard M. Daley. We address Emanuel’s future challenges, including his re-election bid. View timeline of key events during Emanuel’s term.
CPS Principal Soars
Alan Mather Gets Golden Apple Award
Lindblom Math & Science Academy Principal Alan Mather has been recognized for his transformation of the West Englewood school by the Golden Apple Foundation. We chat with him about the school's turnaround and more.
Trending
Chicago Bears Say They Are Moving Forward With a Move to Indiana
Obama Presidential Center Is Ready for Its Close-Up: First Look at Obama Foundation’s ‘Beacon of Hope’ and Economic Engine
Officials Hold Groundbreaking for $7B Project to Redevelop Area Surrounding United Center
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza Launches Chicago Mayoral Campaign
Victory Lap on Digital Ad Tax Was Premature, Brandon Johnson Acknowledges
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter