Stories by WTTW News

February 19, 2020 - Full Show

Watch the Feb. 19, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Lawsuit: Female Prisoner Says She Was Raped by Transgender Inmate

An inmate at Illinois’ largest women’s prison says she was raped by a transgender inmate and claims Illinois Department of Corrections officials conducted a “sham investigation” to help cover up the incident.

Early Voting is Underway for the 2020 March Primary

Early voting is underway at 50 neighborhood sites and the city’s downtown “super site.” Here’s everything you need to know.

Now Free, Blagojevich Thanks Trump, Blasts ‘Broken’ Justice System

Speaking to a throng of reporters from his North Side home, the impeached former governor expressed his appreciation for President Trump and his efforts to fix “a broken criminal justice system.”

Pritzker Offers 2 Budgets Amid Uncertainty Over Income Tax Changes

With the acknowledgement that “our choices remain hard, our fiscal situation challenging,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday delivered his proposal for a $42 billion state spending plan for the coming fiscal year.

Ex-Gov. Blagojevich Returns to Chicago, Maintains Innocence

Rod Blagojevich returned home to Chicago early Wednesday, shaking hands and signing autographs after President Donald Trump cut short his 14-year prison sentence.

Mayor Lightfoot Takes Chicago Casino Push to Springfield

Even as cities like Rockford and Waukegan move forward with their fresh authority to host casinos, Chicago is at a standstill.

Draft Executive Order Would Make ‘Federal Buildings Beautiful Again’

Details on how a proposed Trump administration order could limit the design of future federal buildings.

What’s Behind Chicago’s Black Exodus

Hundreds of thousands of black Chicagoans have fled the city since 1980, according to a recent report. What’s driving that exodus, and what can be done to reverse the trend?

Humans and ‘The Sixth Extinction’: One Book, One Chicago Looks at Altered Planet

The latest selection for the citywide reading program is a Pulitzer Prize-winning book from New Yorker staff writer Elizabeth Kolbert, who joins us in discussion.

President Trump Goes on Clemency Spree, and the List is Long

President Donald Trump has gone on a clemency blitz, commuting what he called a “ridiculous” 14-year prison sentence for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and pardoning former New York Police Department commissioner, among a long list of others.

Trump Says Blagojevich Sentence Was ‘Ridiculous.’ What Do Locals Say?

President Donald Trump’s commutation of Rod Blagojevich’s 14-year sentence ends a corruption saga that has been both notorious and bizarre.

Crain’s Headlines: 1871 Parent Acquires Illinois Technology Association

Two Chicago nonprofits that offer training and support to local tech firms have struck a deal to create a one-stop shop for them.

Study: Coronavirus Can’t be Spread from Mom to Baby in Late Pregnancy

In a small study, pregnant women diagnosed with the novel coronavirus during their third trimester didn’t spread the virus to their newborns. While a local researcher called those results exciting, he said they can’t be generalized to all pregnant women. 

Joffrey Announces Big Plans for 2020-21 Season in New Home at Lyric Opera

A coming change of venue for the Joffrey Ballet is a major shift, and its initial opening season will be of great importance, especially since it also will mark the 25th anniversary of the Joffrey as a formidable Chicago cultural institution. 

Chicago-Area Curlers Slide and Sweep Stones in Former Government Office

Beijing’s Winter Games – and that singular sport, curling – won’t awe and inspire spectators for another two years. But there’s plenty of curling happening now in Chicago’s western suburbs.

Illinois Lawmakers Take on Plastic: Bills Would Ban Styrofoam, Create Bag Tax and Bottle Deposit

In the war against plastic pollution, Illinois legislators just announced a new battle plan that would tackle the problem from multiple angles.

February 18, 2020 - Full Show

Watch the Feb. 18, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Trump Commutes Prison Sentence of Ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich

President Donald Trump, who had previously floated the idea of using his powers to help the disgraced former governor, commuted the 14-year sentence Tuesday. In making that move, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Trump “abused” his pardon power.

Embattled Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx Speaks Out

Embattled Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx is speaking out nearly a week after a special prosecutor reindicted actor Jussie Smollett.

Gov. Pritzker’s Plans for Plagued Child Welfare Agency

On Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker will lay out his vision for the state budget. His office has already made public his plan to send more money to the Department of Children and Family Services.

The Changing Role of the American President

Much has been said about the ways President Donald Trump is changing the presidency. On this Presidents Day, we look back at the ways the presidency evolved before Trump moved into the White House. 

Jeff Bezos Commits $10 Billion to Fight Climate Change

The world’s richest man, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, said in an Instagram post that he’ll start giving grants this summer to scientists, activists and nonprofits working to protect Earth.

Lightfoot Says Chicago Won’t Be ‘Bullied’ as ICE Ramps Up Immigration Enforcement

New York Times reports specialized ICE Agents being sent to Chicago, sanctuary cities

President Donald Trump will deploy specialized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactical units to nearly a dozen so-called sanctuary cities, including Chicago, according to The New York Times.  

Study: ‘No Clear Rationale’ for 45% of Medicaid Antibiotic Prescriptions

A new report from Northwestern Medicine suggests Medicaid patients are being prescribed too many antibiotics. What that could mean for public health.

Meet 2 New Members of Teatro ZinZanni, Where Vegas Meets Vaudeville

Circus arts, comedy and cabaret come together at Teatro ZinZanni. Six months into its run, the show has completely juggled its cast. New performers include two people with Chicago ties but very different backstories.
 

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