Stories by WTTW News

Geoffrey Baer visits the John Hancock’s Crown of Lights to find out how the center makes its seasonal wardrobe changes in this week’s edition of Ask Geoffrey. He also sheds light on a shadow casting sculpture and why some city roads have both a street and a place.

There's a growing outcry over a plan to spend $100 million in state money to bring a Barack Obama presidential library to Chicago. Paris Schutz has the latest. View a map of all official 15 presidential library locations.

We take a detailed look at Chicago's selective enrollment schools, their impact and their effect on racial diversity in the schools. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. 

Housing prices in some Chicago and suburban zip codes are almost back to their 2007 peak prices, according to a new report. Dennis Rodkin from Crain’s Chicago Business tells us which areas are surging and which are still lagging. 

What does climate change and national security have to do with each other?  Everything according to science and military experts. We take a closer look on Tuesday’s Scientific Chicago.

A spike in digital bugs, hacks resulting in stolen personal data has led tech experts to caution consumers to protect themselves. Tonight, we discuss the effects of the breaches and what you can do to make yourself and your personal data more secure. 

Meet the brother-sister band that calls itself White Mystery. From their hometown of Chicago, the siblings export a raucous brand of rock n’ roll to a worldwide fan base. Guaranteed to be the loudest band ever featured on Chicago Tonight.

Governor Quinn floats a way to pay for Chicago pension reform that does not involve property tax hikes -- and the City Council is on board.  Paris Schutz has the latest.

Lawmakers are back in Springfield this week to debate, among other things, a graduated income tax, extending the temporary income tax, pension fixes and more. Joining us are State Sen. Daniel Biss (D), State Rep. Christian Mitchell (D) and State Rep. Tom Demmer (R). 

The Roman Catholic Church made history when it conducted the canonization of two popes on April 27. We take a look at the historic event, the process of becoming a saint. View our timeline of popes declared saints. 

Results show that new treatments for Hepatitis C do work -- but at a cost. Brandis Friedman has the story of the new drugs costing tens- of- thousands of dollars.

"Chicagoland" aired its final segment. Local documentary makers join us to discuss the cutting-edge project, review the ethical components of journalistic filmmaking. 

We share what you had to say about City Council members' push to move forward on a plan to ban plastic bags at grocery stores when we read some of our viewer feedback. 

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss Cardinal Francis George and debate the appeal of gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner. 

The CNN series "Chicagoland" concluded Friday, April 25. Let us know your opinions on the show.

A classic play, a party at the zoo and a concert; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

In celebration of our 30th anniversary, we revisit John Callaway’s interview with Harold Washington on April 24, 1984—the very first episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

City Council members move forward on a plan to ban plastic bags at grocery stores. Paris Schutz has the latest. 

Former top aide to Mayor Richard M. Daley, attorney Mara Georges joins Chicago Tonight to discuss the city’s ride-sharing controversy and more. View a graphic on ride-sharing companies in Chicago.

Back in Chicago, South Side native and Politico’s chief political columnist Roger Simon talks shop and discuss his past life as a city beat reporter. 

Melding songs and paintings is the latest project from Jon Langford, a native of Wales and veteran Chicago rocker who shows no signs of slowing down.

WTTW’s newest show takes you around town with well-known residents.  Hosts Odette Yousef and Mark Bazer tell us about the new WTTW series that starts on Friday, April 25.

We share what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer feedback. 

Chicago’s premiere live, nightly news program turns 30 today. We look back at the inaugural show and 30 years of keeping you connected with the city and its community.  

Wrigley Field – then Weeghman Park—hosted its first baseball game on April 23, 1914. A century later, Wrigley Field is home to the Chicago Cubs. Eddie Arruza joins us with latest on the day’s celebrations. View a timeline.