Stories by WTTW News

Web Extra: Cinco De Mayo, Mariachi Style

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, we revisit a performance from the award-winning Mariachi Aztlán.

That Ellington Elegance

A Mother’s Day Tip of the Hat to a Great Composer of American Music

Celebrating a decade of music and dance, the Harris Theater at Millennium Park hosts a Mother’s Day tribute to Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, who died 40 years ago this month.

Officials Probe First US MERS case

The first official case of the deadly infection Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) surfaces in the U.S. Last week, a patient was diagnosed at Community Hospital in Munster, Ind. Elizabeth Brackett will have an update and explain more about the dangerous virus. 

Sexual Assaults on Campus

The federal government released a list of 55 colleges and universities, including University of Chicago and Knox College in Illinois, that are under investigation for their handling of sexual violence and harassment complaints. We talk with a panel of experts about the issues surrounding sexual assault on campus. View a graph of on campus sex offenses for Illinois public universities.

Clock Ticking on State Poison Center

Without Funds Center Set to Close

Come July, Illinois may no longer have a poison control center. Tonight we look at the possibility of the long-standing Illinois Poison Center closing, analyze what that would mean for the state's only poison center. 

Paying His Debt to Society

There are hundreds of yoga studios in the Chicago area. But in the Austin neighborhood on the city’s West Side there is, as far as we know, just one.  Jay Shefsky introduces us to Marshawn Feltus, who learned yoga during his time in prison for murder and is now trying to repay the community he damaged by operating his own studio. 

Talking Weight Loss with Chef Graham Elliot

Acclaimed Chicago chef, restaurateur and TV personality, Graham Elliot has lost more than 100 pounds. Brandis Friedman finds out how he did it and why. 

Viewer Feedback: 5/5

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

Web Extra: The Week in Review: 5/2

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the City Council’s partial ban on plastic bags, and how it will impact South and West Side neighborhoods. Also, the reporters weigh in on the city’s image as portrayed in CNN’s “Chicagoland” series.Watch the web extra video.

Weekend Events Around Town: 5/2 - 5/4

A fashion show, a wine tasting event and an art fair; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 5/2

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

Remembering a Movie Star in Park Ridge

Re-acquaint yourself with a Hollywood legend tonight at the Pickwick Theatre

Tyrone Power will be remembered in a double feature on the big screen. Power gets the spotlight for his starring roles in In Old Chicago and....

Signs Still Show Weak Economy

Two local economists weigh in on the latest gross domestic product report and what we can expect for the second quarter. The GDP continues to grow but at a snail's pace. We find out what it all means tonight. Read the full report and view a graph of the U.S. economic growth.

Huffington on Redefining Success

No one can dispute Arianna Huffington’s success in the business world. But after an accidental fall from exhaustion and lack of sleep, Huffington began asking herself – Is this really what success feels like? She shares her secrets on success. Read an excerpt of Huffington's book.

Architectural Gems of Chicago

Chicago is filled with architectural gems. We sit down with Chicago Tribune’s architectural critic Blair Kamin to discuss some of the famed structures in the city and surrounding areas.

Fashion Forward at the Art Institute

For 80 years, the Fashion Design Department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago has been training future designers, stylists, and artists. Brandis Friedman goes behind-the-scenes for a peek at this year’s annual The WALK fashion show and fundraiser. 

'The Empowerment Project'

Meet the filmmaker behind The Empowerment Project: Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things, a documentary about inspiring women. We also see the group of women involved with the film, their journey to make the movie. Watch The Empowerment Project trailer.

Viewer Feedback: 5/1

'Chicagoland' Gets Dissected

We share what you had to say about the ethical practices behind CNN's Chicagoland series when we read some of our viewer feedback.

Chicago Petcoke Ordinance Passes

The Chicago City Council passed an ordinance regulating petcoke today. Petcoke is a coal-like substance, a byproduct of refining oil. The new ordinance does put new restrictions on the handling of petcoke, but the community says it's far from enough protection for the neighborhood. Elizabeth Brackett has the story.

Busy Day for City Council

Plastic bag ban, pedicab drivers, digital billboards, and more, Paris Schutz has the latest on a flurry of activity by the Chicago City Council today. 

Remarkable Tower Restored

It was a center of innovation and commerce for 32 years. And then it went dark, unused for another 32 years. Starting Friday, the Tower will be opened to the public for the first time ever following a major restoration. Eddie Arruza tells us it may be worth your while to make a special trip just north of the border. 

Backcourt Pressure

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver came down hard on L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling after a recording of his racist comments were made public. We discuss Sterling's lifetime ban and more with our panel. 

Exploring Species Extinction

Conservation biologists Curt Meine and Stanley A. Temple discuss species extinction, the importance of biodiversity, and what we can do in Chicago to help out. 

Ask Geoffrey: How are the John Hancock's lights changed?

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.

Obama Library Funding Battle

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.

New Racial Divide for CPS?

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. 
 

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