Stories by WTTW News

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.

Groupon Inc. has filed for an initial public offering of stock worth up to $750 million. Jim Kirk from Crain's Chicago Business joins us to discuss the local company's latest business move. Article on the filing Groupon website

Henrietta Lacks died of cervical cancer in 1951. But her cells kept living. They started a scientific revolution and a multi-billion dollar industry. When members of her family found out, they felt angry and exploited. We talk with the author of a best-selling book about the story. More on the Story: Read and hear an audio excerpt from the book Author Rebecca Skloot's website

A futuristic library lands on the University of Chicago campus. But where do they keep the books? Find out when we get a tour of the latest striking addition to Chicago architecture. More on the Story: See photos of the library and watch a video The Library website

From the outside, this Hyde Park bank looks more like a museum dedicated to the history of the automobile. We find out more about the building in tonight's Ask Geoffrey.

More than 30 same-sex couples convened at Millennium Park this morning to exchange vows and take part in one of Illinois' first civil union ceremonies. Ash-har Quraishi was there and reports on the historic celebration.

For two years, we wondered if Rod Blagojevich would take the stand. Now, we wonder if he'll ever leave it. Elizabeth Brackett recaps the former Illinois governor's fifth day on the hot seat. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

The Springfield bureau chief for the Chicago Sun-Times joins us to talk about the final hours of the spring legislative session and the bills that just squeezed in before its end. One of the biggest: the state House passed a redistricting bill. More on the Story: Maps of the new districts

A panel of state lawmakers joins us to talk about redistricting, casinos and thrown punches during the last day of the spring legislative session. Did lawmakers in Springfield create fair maps for redistricting?

Hundreds of couples lined up early this morning outside the Cook County Clerk's office to apply for a civil union license. Ash-har Quraishi reports on the new law that went into effect today. More on the Story: Web article and slideshow of licensing Cook County Clerk's website

Judge James Zagel criticized the ex-governor for testimony in which Blagojevich told the jury there were parts of the recorded telephone calls that were favorable to his case that the prosecution deleted. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Longtime White Sox great, Frank Thomas, joins us to discuss his life, career and new book with Joel Weisman. The book is Going Yard: The Everything Home Run Book. More on the Story: Book excerpt More on the book

As the clock winds down on the legislative session in Springfield, lawmakers continue to work on a budget, pass the controversial remap plan and deal with gambling expansion. We hear the latest from Springfield when Chicago Sun-Times Springfield bureau chief Dave McKinney joins us via Skype. How do you feel about the possibility of a casino in Chicago?

Former governor Rod Blagojevich took the stand for the third day today in his retrial, claiming that he made no attempt to shakedown the head of Children's Memorial Hospital. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

If you can't get to a grocery store, let it come to you. Paris Schutz has more on an innovative solution to the problem of food deserts in Chicago. More on the Story: More about the mobile market Fresh Moves

Chicago leads the nation in adapting to climate change. WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us with that and a look at the week's top business headlines. Article on the Com Ed rate hike Article on the drop in Chicago's unemployment rate

Imagine a world without fish. That's what author Mark Kurlansky did in his new book, and he didn't like what he saw. He tells us what it would mean if our oceans became nearly barren. Mark Kurlansky More on the book Marine Stewardship Council

Two giants of Chicago theater share the stage when John Mahoney and Rondi Reed team up in a new production. It's called "The Outgoing Tide," and it's one of three shows Chicago Sun-Times theater critic Hedy Weiss reviews for us. More on the Story: More about the plays