Stories by WTTW News

We share what you had to say about pension reform and Cook County boot camp labor in tonight's viewer feedback.

It turns out pension reform could save $15 billion less than legislative leaders initially anticipated. An actuarial analysis done by the pension systems affected by this bill say the real savings will be $145 billion, rather than the $160 billion originally advertised. Read an article.

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

The panelists turn the tables and ask Joel Weisman a few questions about his favorite memories of hosting The Week in Review for the past 36 years. Watch the web extra video.

A scavenger hunt, restaurant tour and winter activities; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

The Chicago School Board approved seven new charter schools for the city. Where are they located in comparison with the neighborhood schools that were closed down? View a map of charter vs. neighborhood schools.

With only $40 and forged paperwork, crooks are stealing houses from unsuspecting homeowners. It’s real -- and a felony. Last week, the Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance cracking down on the "Clouding A Title" scammers, adding steep fines to jail sentences. City Treasurer Stephanie Neely and Cook County Recorder of Deeds Karen Yarbrough join us with tips on how to protect yourself from strangers changing your locks and moving in.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart plans to eradicate abandoned and blighted homes throughout the county, using county boot camp labor. What community is he starting with? Brandis Friedman has the story. Read an article and view a slideshow.

Chicago’s shared, professional spaces are popping up all over town, and now there is one for attorneys. The Chicago Bar Foundation-sponsored program supplies new lawyers with the skills and knowledge to start their own businesses while reaching a growing number of those in need. Read an article about the incubator.

A new book details the life of one of the most enduring artists in popular music: Mavis Staples.

A remarkable, free music program in a Chicago Public School is changing lives. We revisit Jay Shefsky's story.

We share what you had to say about our recent forum featuring high school students from the Mikva Challenge questioning the GOP candidates for Illinois governor in tonight's viewer feedback.

The Chicago School Board voted Wednesday to approve seven new charter schools in the city. Many parents, as well as the Chicago Teachers Union, have said they will protest any expansion following the closing last year of 50 neighborhood schools. We have the latest on the vote and reaction to it. View a graphic and a map on the new proposed charter schools.

Senate President John Cullerton joins us to talk pensions, the upcoming session and midterm elections.

After state lawmakers finally passed pension reform in December, Illinoisans could be forgiven for assuming the state is now on track to balance its budget. But a report out this week says the reforms don't do nearly enough to fix the state's budget gap. Two of the authors of the report join us to discuss their findings and the implications for the state.

Tio Hardiman joins us, along with his running mate, to talk about his run for Illinois governor. View a timeline of his career.

We revisit the story of Chicago artist Jason Seiler who scored the biggest commission of his career: a painting of Pope Francis for the cover of TIME magazine’s Person of the Year issue. View a slideshow of Seiler's artwork.

A street near Soldier Field honors a fallen World War II hero. Geoffrey Baer has that soldier's story, and he answers your questions in this week’s edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Thousands of pages of secret church documents are released as part of a court settlement showing how the Archdiocese of Chicago moved predator priests from parish to parish for years, exposing children to abuse. We meet the attorneys for the victims who fought to get the documents opened to the public. Read the detailed documents.

We talk with Metra’s interim CEO Don Orseno, Metra board member Jack Schaffer, and Chicago Tribune transportation reporter Richard Wronski about the commuter issues encountered last week during the polar vortex, and what the agency plans to change for future storms. Read an interview.

Were they violent terrorist conspirators or three angry young men entrapped by undercover cops? Paris Schutz has the details from opening day of the NATO 3 trial.

We find out what’s happening at the newly reopened Block Museum on the campus of Northwestern University, including a show of photographs by master photographer Edward Steichen and Polaroids by Andy Warhol. Watch a web extra video.

Lee Bey is one of Chicago's keenest observers of architecture and urban planning. This month, he is shutting down his WBEZ blog, "Beyond the Boat Tour" after four years. He is leaving to join the team at the University of Chicago's Arts Incubator in Washington Park. Bey joins us to discuss his new gig, the one he's leaving, and life in Chicago. Read an interview.

Students from the Mikva Challenge who questioned the Republican candidates for Illinois governor during our Monday forum share their thoughts in a written survey. Read their responses.

We take a look to see how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is being celebrated across the city today. Read a blog and watch videos.

We are holding a special one-hour candidate forum, hosted by Phil Ponce, to give viewers an opportunity to meet the Republican candidates for Illinois governor. Chicago Tonight is partnering with the Mikva Challenge, a program that encourages Chicago youth to be active in the political process. During the forum, high school students from the Mikva Challenge will question the candidates about jobs, gun violence, education and more. View a slideshow and watch web extra videos.