Stories by WTTW News

It's the speech that rattled the TV industry. Former FCC Chairman Newton Minow's famous "vast wasteland" speech was given 50 years ago today. We listen to a portion of it, and what Minow had to say about it decades later.

Ernie Banks is one of a scant few who have hit more than 500 home runs. We sit down with Phil Rogers, the author of Ernie Banks: Mr. Cub and the Summer of '69. More on the Story: An excerpt from the book and a slideshow

It looks and feels like a normal bike - with one big exception. We meet the Chicagoan who has given kids with special needs an opportunity to experience what they previously could not. More on the Story: A slideshow of the bikes JoRide's website

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

After 22 years, Mayor Daley lays down his gavel at an emotional City Council meeting. Meanwhile, Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel fills out his cabinet by naming an outsider from Newark, Garry McCarthy, as Chicago Police Superintendent. The Illinois House defeats a concealed carry bill after Governor Quinn promises to veto it. Rod Blagojevich's retrial is underway as he continues to make his case to the public. And the Bulls' Derrick Rose is crowned the youngest MVP ever -- as his team battles the Atlanta Hawks in round two of the playoffs. Guests:

In tapes played on Thursday during the Blagojevich retrial, the ex-Governor could be heard swearing after learning that Obama's staff wouldn't reward him for appointing their choice to the Senate seat. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Arts-and-crafts retailer Michael's is the latest company to be struck by hackers. The company says customer bank and credit information was stolen in a cyber attack. Eddie Arruza and his panel look at the increasing problem of cyber thieves stealing personal information.

Vacuum designer and philanthropist, Sir James Dyson, is bringing engineering training to Chicago Public Schools beginning this fall. More on James Dyson

The world comes to Chicago. We have a preview of the Chicago Humanities Festival. Plus, we hear about the Architecture and Design Film Fest and two more events in an Arts Roundup with Geoffrey Baer.

This sport is all about moving from point A to point B over any obstacle. We show you how a group of Chicagoans are training in the harrowing discipline of Parkour. More on the Story: The history of Parkour, including video clips Chicago Parkour

After 22 years and hundreds of City Council meetings, Mayor Daley presided over his final one today. Eddie Arruza reports on the many tributes he received from aldermen and the Mayor's parting words to them. More on the Story: Dick Simpson on Daley's history with City Council What are your thoughts on Mayor Daley's tenure?

Former chief of staff John Harris continued his testimony today, answering questions about Rod Blagojevich's efforts to put his wife Patti on the state payroll. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest on the prosecution's case. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

The U.S. Senator joins us via Skype to discuss, among other things, the White House's decision not to release the photos of Osama bin Laden's death. More on Sen. Mark Kirk CBS article on the decision not to release the photos

We discuss the impact of climate change on polar bears with two prominent conservationists.

A current play tells the story of the English monarch who lost the colonies and his mind. Hedy Weiss reviews and recommends "The Madness of King George III" and two other plays.

The White House releases new information and clarifications on what went on during the operation that killed Osama bin Laden. Ash-har Quraishi is here to discuss those new details, and what this could mean for threat levels around the world and here in Chicago. Should the White House release photos of Osama bin Laden?

A former Chicago police officer and now college administrator will be advising Rahm Emanuel on public safety issues. Eddie Arruza will talk with Felicia Davis about her background and her new job as a deputy chief of staff in the incoming administration. Article on Davis' appointment

The voice of Rod Blagojevich once again rang out in a federal courtroom as the first tapes in his retrial were played. Blagojevich can be heard asking his chief of staff John Harris what he can get in return for appointing a U.S. Senator to fill then president-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat. Elizabeth Brackett reports. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

How does Chicago rank as a city of opportunity? WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us with the answer and to look at the week's business headlines.

A collection of ethereal jellyfish make up the Shedd Aquarium's latest exhibit. We have some live in our studio! More on the Story: A slideshow of the jellyfish in the exhibit Shedd Aquarium jellyfish exhibit

Chicago Tonight takes a look at one of the pivotal moments in U.S. labor history and the controversy it sparked that endures to this day. The Dramas of Haymarket Chicago Historical Society: The Haymarket Collection

The president's top counter-terrorism adviser called the decision to launch the military operation against Osama bin Laden one of the "gutsiest calls" in recent history. But what does it say about Pakistan's cooperation in the efforts to root out terrorism? Ash-har Quraishi has the story. More on the Story: Osama bin Laden's Death: How News Traveled Sohaib Athar's Twitter feed

What does it mean for the war on terror now that Osama bin Laden is dead? Our panel will discuss this and the impact his death will have on U.S. and foreign relations moving forward. More on the Story: President Obama's announcement

Is America safer now that the mastermind behind the September 11th attacks is no longer at large? Carol Marin and her panel delve into the future of Al Qaeda and more. Will bin Laden's death make America safer? Join the discussion

Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel names his choice for Chicago's next top cop. It is Garry McCarthy, who is currently the Newark, New Jersey police chief. Eddie Arruza has more on the superintendent-designate. More on the Story: Profile of Garry McCarthy

A jury is seated and opening statements are heard at the retrial of Rod Blagojevich. Elizabeth Brackett was in the courtroom and brings us the latest. Profiles of The Jury Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page