Stories by Josclynn Brandon
All About the Benjamins
| Josclynn Brandon
A newly redesigned $100 bill went into circulation on Tuesday. With a new paper blend, modernized security features and an updated portrait of Benjamin Franklin, the new bill will be more difficult to counterfeit. See photos and security features of the new bill.
Ask Geoffrey: 10/9
| WTTW News
A Chicago landmark is undergoing a renaissance as a luxurious hotel on Michigan Avenue. We take a peek under the dust in tonight's Ask Geoffrey.
Honeybee Rescuer
| Jay Shefsky
Dan Parizek is a “Honeybee Rescuer." If you’ve got a beehive in the walls of your home, Dan will relocate it so it won’t be destroyed by an exterminator. With Colony Collapse Disorder destroying some 10 million beehives since 2007, Dan and others say we can’t afford to lose any more hives. We revisit Jay Shefsky's profile. Read an article, watch a web extra video, and learn more about Colony Collapse Disorder from local scientists.
Web Extra: Chicago to Host 2015 World Triathlon Grand Final
| WTTW News
Chicago was recently named as the host city for the 27th edition of the 2015 World Triathlon Grand Final. Elizabeth Brackett has won four World Championship titles and placed second in this year’s London World Championships. Watch a web extra video about what Chicago can expect when it hosts the World Championships in 2015.
Rauner Selects Running Mate for IL Governor Run
| WTTW News
GOP governor candidates have now all selected running mates. But are they qualified to be governor in an emergency? Paris Schutz has the latest. View a graphic of Illinois gubernatorial candidates and their running mates.
Supreme Court’s New Session
| Alexandra Silets
The Supreme Court’s new term started the first Monday in October. The court docket includes hot-button cases on political campaign contributions, abortion rights, free speech, affirmative action, public prayer and presidential power. We hear from three former Supreme Court clerks about the issues before the court and how cases are chosen.
The NFL’s "League of Denial"
| Crystin Immel
FRONTLINE’s much-anticipated documentary, League of Denial: Inside the NFL’s Concussion Crisis, explores whether the NFL put players at risk by denying the relation between concussions and long-term health issues. Our panel tackles the question of football safety at all levels.
Two Paintings Bookend the Civil War
A Rising Sun and a Setting Sun Illuminated the War
| Marc Vitali
An exhibition explores the visual culture of the Northern home front during the Civil War.
“Home Front: Daily Life in the Civil War North”
| WTTW News
The Civil War is remembered through art and literature that capture the American spirit on the Northern home front.
Joan Allen
| Hope Holmberg
We talk with Academy Award nominee Joan Allen about her latest performance in The Wheel at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, a play about what happens to hope and human nature in times of war. Read an interview and watch web extra videos.
Haunting "Lover" Seduces On Stage
Memory Play Recalls a Taboo Love Affair
| Marc Vitali
Lookingglass Theater opened their 26th season on Saturday with the deeply sensual drama, The North China Lover.
Fall Legislative Veto Session
| WTTW News
The Illinois General Assembly will tackle pension reform, marriage equality and tax credits for businesses during its fall legislative session. Carol Marin takes a look at the issues with members of the General Assembly.
Overhauling Medication Instructions
| WTTW News
Do you find medication instructions confusing? We talk with a Northwestern professor on a quest to make prescription labels clearer and more consistent so patients will get the most out of their medication.
The Fuss Over Fracking
| Paris Schutz
The controversial oil and natural gas drilling method known as fracking is set to begin in Illinois. Will it bring jobs or will it wreak havoc on the environment? Read an article.
"Big Cat" Williams on Bears vs. Saints
| WTTW News
Despite a record-setting day from wideout Alshon Jeffery, the Bears lose their second straight game. James “Big Cat” Williams breaks down what went wrong against Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. Watch a web extra video.
Mary Schmich
| WTTW News
Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich talks about her new book, a collection of columns called Even The Terrible Things Seem Beautiful to Me Now. Read some of her favorite columns.
Viewer Feedback: 10/7
Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
| WTTW News
On Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review last Friday, Joel Weisman and his guests discussed the Affordable Care Act. Some viewers took issue with the viewpoint of the panelists. We share what some of you had to say in tonight's Viewer Feedback.
Janis Joplin Rocks Ravinia, Part 2 - Buried Alive
"She was pouring out her soul"
| Marc Vitali
Part 2 of our story about Janis Joplin's final show in the Chicago area -- at Ravinia, two months to the day before she died.
Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 10/4
| WTTW News
Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.
Web Extra: The Week in Review: 10/4
| WTTW News
Joel Weisman and his guests continue their review of the week’s news with a look at GOP candidate for Illinois governor: Bruce Rauner. He’s raised more than a million dollars in each of the last three quarters. And yet he hasn’t made himself available to the press, at least in the Chicago area. The business community appears to be behind him. Might Mayor Rahm Emanuel even support him over Gov. Pat Quinn? Watch the web extra video.
Weekend Events Around Town: 10/4 -10/6
| Hope Holmberg
Model cars, a Fall Bulb Festival, and treasures created by artist Louis Comfort Tiffany at the Driehaus Museum. Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.
Web Series Episode 3: Chicago Tonight’s “Field Trip”
Bugs in Illinois
| Christine Hurley
On this edition of Chicago Tonight's Field Trip, Jim Louderman, a researcher from The Field Museum, takes us to Northerly Island to collect a sample of bugs. Watch episode 3 of our web series.
Janis Joplin's Ravinia Jam, Part 1
The Queen of Cosmic Blues Visits Highland Park
| Marc Vitali
Forty three years ago, the blues-rock star rocked Ravinia festival. Eight weeks later, Janis Joplin was gone forever.
Illinois Pension Fix?
| WTTW News
Senate President John Cullerton hints a deal has been reached to reform the state's pension system. But are Republicans on board? Paris Schutz has the details.
Day 3 of Government Shutdown
| WTTW News
We are now in day three of a federal government shutdown. We take a look at what it will take to get things up and running again.
New Book Explores ‘Homophobia in the Black Church’
| Eddie Arruza
African-American churches are among the fervent opponents of same-sex marriage. The topic is the subject of a new book called "Homophobia in the Black Church: How Faith, Politics and Fear Divide the Black Community."
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