Stories by WTTW News

July 13, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the July 13, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Giant Iceberg the Size of Delaware Breaks off Antarctica

The trillion-ton iceberg is now drifting. While experts say it poses no immediate threat, is the event itself the precursor of more change to come as the global environment warms?

Brian Culbertson: Performing All About ‘Entertaining, Fun’

Award-winning musician, writer and producer Brian Culbertson joins us in conversation.  

Summer Reading List 2017: Mysteries, Histories and ... Ice Cream

Summer means sprinklers, ice cream trucks, and reading outside on park benches, lawns and beaches. If you’re looking for a good book to take to the pool, we’ve got you covered. 

Sheriff Tom Dart: Budget-Related Layoffs Would ‘Devastate’ Office

Big cuts are coming to the Cook County Sheriff's Office, including nearly 400 jail guards. “We had no way to plan for this,” said Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.

10 Things to Do This Weekend: July 13-16

Music festivals, secret gardens, dancing lions and—oh la la!—French flair usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Labor Group Buys Chicago Sun-Times

A group of investors led by former Chicago Ald. Edwin Eisendrath has completed its purchase of the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Reader.

July 12, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the July 12, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Lake Shore Drive Transformation Plan Ambitious, But Realistic?

It is one of the city’s crown jewels, but parts of Lake Shore Drive have not been upgraded since before World War II. A new plan gives parts of the drive a real “wow” factor.

Comptroller Susana Mendoza on State Budget

While Illinois residents should expect to see a smaller paycheck in short order, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza says it will takes months for the increased revenue to truly buttress state coffers.

Illinois’ Public University Problem: NEIU, GSU Presidents Weigh In

Illinois legislators have finally passed a budget, but the impasse did not leave the state’s public universities unscathed: faculty and staff were laid off, student enrollment dwindled and bond ratings were downgraded.

City Seeking Input on Ways to Improve Youth Health, Well-Being

The public is invited to weigh in on public health policy ideas at a series of upcoming town hall meetings. Get dates, locations and more details.

AT&T Looks Forward to End of Landlines In Illinois, Opponents Cry Foul

After intense lobbying in Springfield, lawmakers this month passed legislation that could ultimately disconnect 1.2 million landline users in Illinois. 

Restoration of Unity Temple Revives Glory of Wright’s ‘Little Jewel Box’

One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest public buildings is ready for the public again. We take a look inside the restoration of Unity Temple.

Report: Illinois Has Room to Improve Education Accountability Plan

The Illinois State Board of Education is still waiting to hear back from Washington on its proposed education accountability plan, but an independent review found the state likely has room for improvement.

Study: Antibiotic Use by Mothers Tied to Higher Risk of Disease in Newborns

Up to 40 percent of women take antibiotics late in their pregnancies or while nursing. A new study rethinks the common practice of prescribing such drugs when they aren’t warranted.

Adler Planetarium Offering Free Admission for Aug. 21 Solar Eclipse

Are you ready to party like it’s 1925? That’s the last year Chicago experienced a solar eclipse like it will next month. To celebrate, the Adler Planetarium is hosting a daylong block party, and you’re invited.

Chicago Astronomer to Create Plan for Human Exploration of Mars

Adler Planetarium astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz will spend the next year figuring out how humans can get along while exploring one of the more curious planets in our solar system: Mars. 

Preckwinkle: Cook County Layoffs Coming After Soda Tax Stalled

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced that thousands of layoffs will start next week as an appeals court Monday dealt a blow to the new tax.

July 11, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the July 11, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Blair Kamin Deconstructs Potential Chicago Pedway Upgrades

Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin analyzes a new report that envisions new uses and upgrades for Chicago’s Pedway.

Gov. Bruce Rauner Shakes Up Staff

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s staff shake-up is still going on after legislators voted last week to override the governor's veto of a tax hike and budget.

Investigation Questions Whether District Meets Needs of Bilingual Students

Chicago Public Schools students who are still learning the English language are overwhelmingly not getting the support they need, according to an investigation by the Chicago Reporter.

WBEZ Examines the Cost of Reducing Violence Through Jobs

How to reduce shootings in Chicago? One possible answer: jobs. But how much would that cost? WBEZ reporter Chip Mitchell crunched the numbers.

A Common Language: Chicago Charter Sharing its Bilingual Program

An Archer Heights charter school is partnering with a traditional Little Village elementary school to share its unique bilingual and dual-language classes.

‘Chicago Monumental’ Shines Light on City’s Public Art

You’ve heard Chicago described as the City of Big Shoulders and the City of Neighborhoods. Writer and photographer Larry Broutman offers yet another nickname: the City of Monuments. Learn why.
 

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