Stories by WTTW News

How did the village of Winnetka solve a dangerous and tedious transportation problem 70 years ago? Geoffrey Baer tells us about the "big dig" in Ask Geoffrey.

In case you haven't heard, Oprah Winfrey is winding up her Chicago-based talk show next week. We go to the WTTW vault to look at John Callaway's 1984 conversation with the Queen of Talk at the beginning of her Chicago career. Oprah'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

Mayor Rahm Emanuel presided over his first City Council meeting today. It was a largely ceremonial event that included an embrace between the new mayor and a presumed political foe. Eddie Arruza reports on the new faces and new direction at Chicago's City Hall. Chicago Tonight's Mayor Rahm Emanuel page More on Mayor Emanuel's first City Council meeting

Mayor Emanuel's controversial pick for Chicago Public Schools CEO, Jean-Claude Brizard, sits down with Carol Marin to talk about his experience and vision for students and teachers here. More on the Story: CPS leadership team More on the Story: Brizard's history

Rod Blagojevich's one-time best friend Lon Monk is back on the stand today. And there are fireworks between Judge Zagel and defense attorneys. Elizabeth Brackett has the story from the former governor's corruption retrial. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Thousands of immigrants today live in the Chicago area. We talk with a 19-year-old who shares her life story about living in Chicago -- undocumented. Nick Shields reports.

A new exhibit showcases the efforts of 10 internationally known designers to offer eco-friendly solutions that meld sustainable materials with aesthetic design. Ash-har Quraishi has the story.

Former Blagojevich chief of staff, Alonzo "Lon" Monk, took the stand today to testify against his one-time boss. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest from the former governor's corruption retrial. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Tomorrow marks the first meeting of the new Chicago City Council. One already-influential alderman is getting even more power: 40th ward Alderman Patrick O'Connor. We talk with O'Connor about the new Council -- and the new mayor. Ald. Patrick O'Connor's website

From Rod Blagojevich to former vice presidential chief of staff Scooter Libby, why are so many high profile officials lying? We talk to the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Tangled Webs, who believes it's an epidemic. More on the book

They're back... and that's not exactly fine and dandy with some Chicago residents. Chicago Tonight has the story of why there are more dandelions than ever, and why the Chicago Park District says that's a good thing. Chicago Park District press release

We have the latest on Father Michael Pfleger and other top headlines in religion news when the Chicago Tribune's religion reporter joins us. Catholic Charities, a major adoption provider for Illinois, is saying they will continue to turn away same-sex couples after the June 1 start of the Civil Unions law.

A new political era in Chicago has begun. Rahm Emanuel was sworn in today in as the city's 46th mayor, as the 45th mayor looked on. Eddie Arruza reports on what the new mayor had to say in his first public speech.

The baton passing between Mayor Daley to Mayor Emanuel is complete. There was plenty of pomp and circumstance today, but there's work to be done, including tackling the city's near $600 million deficit. Carol Marin and her panel take a look at the challenges Mayor Emanuel faces as he takes office.

What effect will the new mayor have on local business? WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us with that discussion and a look at the week's top business headlines.

Afternoon testimony in the Blagojevich retrial took a turn away from the Senate seat down Lincoln Avenue to Children's Memorial Hospital, as Children's CEO Patrick Magoon took the stand. Elizabeth Brackett takes us through the testimony. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, we look back at Richard M. Daley's biggest accomplishments and multiple scandals over 22 years as Chicago mayor. Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel releases a transition report, long on ambition and short on details. Sears threatens to leave Illinois, unless the state ponies up to keep thousands of jobs here. And in sports, Carlos Boozer and Derrick Rose dominate Thursday's game to win the series against Atlanta. Now the Bulls will feel the heat of Miami and LeBron James in the Eastern Conference Final on Sunday.

As the current mayor completes his long run in office, we take stock of two Mayor Daleys with our own Carol Marin. More on the Story: Timeline of Mayor Richard M. Daley's biggest moments

Dangerous hallucinogens and stimulants are being sold in area stores -- legally. Paris Schutz has more on the controversy over so-called "designer drugs."

Tonight, we hear about the heroic and historic journey of the "Freedom Riders." We hear from the filmmaker who documented the experiences of the diverse group of people who challenged the "Jim Crow" laws of the Deep South. "Freedom Riders" website

From Civil War manuscripts to baseball cards of the world champion Chicago Cubs, we look at some rare artifacts from The Newberry Library's priceless collection that are up for "adoption." Newberry Library 2011 Adoption Program More Cultural Connections online

Eliza Fournier is here from the Chicago Botanic Garden with tips on how to spice up your garden beds and keep the beauty blooming throughout the year. More on the Story: Gardening tips and how-to videos Chicago Botanic Garden website A Bloomin' Festival

Defense attorneys for Rod Blagojevich filed a motion for a mistrial this morning, saying that the numerous objections from prosecutors during cross-examination is preventing them from doing their job. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Do fewer City Council committees mean big savings for taxpayers? Carol Marin and her panel of veteran and incoming aldermen take up the issue, days before the beginning of the new term. More on the Story: Chicago City Council Reorganized Are you optimistic about the new political era coming to City Hall?

Whether you're a biking novice or a cycling pro, this new bike book is sure to give you some places to explore on two wheels. We sit down with the author of Where to Bike Chicago: Best Biking in City and Suburbs.