Stories by WTTW News

In the 90s, "All Jokes Aside" served as a launching pad for many of today's top African-American comedians. A new film takes a look at the rise and fall of one of Chicago's once-premier comedy clubs. More on the movie Siskel Film Center

He's a Chicago legend and one of the forefathers of the blues. So why has his name been almost forgotten in modern culture? We talk to the author of I Feel So Good: The Life and Times of Big Bill Broonzy.

You can still enjoy the 31st Street beach, even though just south, some major construction is going on. Geoffrey Baer tells us what they're building in tonight's Ask Geoffrey.

We hear what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer mail. Send Chicago Tonight your comments

It was the first, and yet, monumental day for the new Chicago Public School Board. Facing a mounting deficit, the group voted to rescind a 4 percent raise for teacher salaries. School Board President David Vitale talks to Carol Marin about the decision.

The move to rescind teacher pay raises has garnered praise from Mayor Emanuel, while drawing the ire of the Chicago Teachers Union. CTU President Karen Lewis is here to give her perspective on the issue. Chicago Teachers Union website

A Chicago family leads their community to convert an illegal garbage dump into Eden Place: a three-acre nature center for their struggling South Side neighborhood. Jay Shefsky has the remarkable story. Eden Place Nature Center website Fuller Park Community Development website

The effects of fetal alcohol syndrome are well-documented. So why is there controversy over how much an expectant mother should drink during pregnancy? We talk to a leading local pediatrician and the author of The Mystery of Risk: Drugs, Alcohol, Pregancy and the Vulnerable Child. More on the Story: Info, videos on book & Fetal Alcohol Syndrome More on the book

Season's Readings! Our panel of book lovers recommends their best bets for great summer reads. More on the Story: Guest bios and book recommendations Jessa Crispin's website More on Miguel Figueroa More on Al Gini

We hear from Michael Hogan about rising tuition, budget issues and his first year as president of the University of Illinois. Should U of I be given more resources from the state? Michael Hogan's bio

It's not much now, but find out how the city plans to transform a three-mile long abandoned railway. Paris Schutz takes us for a journey down the Bloomingdale Trail. More on the Story: Web article & photo gallery Bloomingdale Trail website

It's now a waiting game as jurors in the retrial of Rod Blagojevich finish their second day of deliberations. Two of the former governor's defense attorneys join us to discuss everything that went on and how they're feeling now that it's almost over. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Gov. Pat Quinn signs a landmark education bill. We talk to the bill's sponsor about the changes that pave the way for longer school days and why it's harder for teachers to strike. More on the Story: Breakdown of school reforms & teacher reaction Do you think the bill will improve education in Illinois?

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, new top cop Garry McCarthy is beefing up police presence in the wake of mobs of thugs, who are quickly converging and dispersing, robbing shoppers and tourists in the Near North and downtown areas. Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's case goes to the jury after a tough cross-examination and closing arguments. Gov. Pat Quinn threatens to shut down the summer road construction season to get legislators back to the bargaining table in Springfield.

The fate of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich is now in the hands of the jury. The prosecution and defense teams finished their closing arguments Thursday afternoon. Elizabeth Brackett was in court and has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page Do you think Rod Blagojevich is guilty?

One of our viewers was curious about a unique bridge in Hoffman Estates. Geoffrey Baer is here with some answers in this week's Ask Geoffrey.

It's hammer-time when a master of the hammered dulcimer joins us for an in-studio performance. More on the Story: Watch videos of Max ZT's performances Max ZT's website More Cultural Connections online

It's nearly a wrap. The prosecution and defense in the corruption retrial of Rod Blagojevich both rested their cases today, and the prosecution began its closing argument. Elizabeth Brackett was in court for it all and reports back with the details. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Garry McCarthy is now officially Chicago's Police Superintendent. Eddie Arruza goes one-on-one with him to talk about flash mobs, crime and redistributing cops.

Prosecutors finished cross-examining Rod Blagojevich today. Closing arguments are expected tomorrow and the case should be in the hands of the jury by Thursday. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Do cell phones cause cancer? And what exactly does the World Health Organization have to say about it? A Chicago scientist who contributed to the latest report joins us to clarify the findings.

With temperatures creeping toward the 100-degree mark, how does a beer shake sound? Check Please! Host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh tells us about a trending summer drink. Ask Alpana your own question and watch previous segments As Seen On Chicago Tonight: Wine Alpana’s Picks for Starter Wines for New Wine Drinkers

Much of the back and forth between Rod Blagojevich and Prosecutor Reid Schar during today's cross-examination has to do with the intention behind the former governor's words. Elizabeth Brackett breaks down Day 25 of the Blagojevich retrial. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

It's been almost 40 years since the Watergate burglaries and subsequent cover up. We have former Nixon White House counsel John Dean here to discuss the impact the scandal has had on politics, the law and more. More on the Story: Videos of Dean's 1973 testimony and Nixon's statements to public

We hear what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer mail. Send Chicago Tonight your comments

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Gov. Pat Quinn is considering vetoing a number of major bills the Illinois lawmakers passed at the end of the legislative session this week. Examining casino expansion, ComEd rate hikes and the new state budget are on his summer to-do list. Rahm Emanuel flexes his political clout just two weeks into mayoral tenure, convincing legislators to pass the perennial gambling expansion and a once-dead workers' compensation overhaul. Former Governor Rod Blagojevich's cross-examination starts testily.