Stories by WTTW News
Crain’s Headlines: Bolingbrook Mayor Won’t Support Amazon Plan
| WTTW News
Amazon’s push to build a massive network of warehouses to store and distribute goods may be moving into Bolingbrook, but the town’s mayor isn’t thrilled about it.
Brunch-Loving Chicagoans, Rejoice: City Council Could Loosen Sunday Liquor Sales at Restaurants
| Nick Blumberg
If you’ve ever tried to order a bloody mary with your eggs benedict on a Sunday morning, you might have run into one of the many quirks of Chicago’s liquor laws. But that could soon change.
Widow of Slain Chicago Police Commander Paul Bauer Suing Online Arms Marketplace
| Matt Masterson
“If the Armslist Defendants had acted with reasonable care – instead of callous and willful disregard of human life – Commander Bauer would still be alive,” a federal complaint states.
February 12, 2020 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Feb. 12, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”
CTA Weekend Closures at Three Red Line Stations in Edgewater
| Nick Blumberg
For the fourth weekend in a row, three CTA Red Line stations in Edgewater will be closed from Friday night through Monday morning.
Musical Version of ‘Emma’ Taps Into Enduring Allure of Jane Austen
| Hedy Weiss
The flaws and fancies, and triumphs and comeuppances of Jane Austen’s characters continue to ring true two centuries after the publication of her books. The latest proof can be found in this utterly charming production at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
If Pangolins Are Linked to Coronavirus, Conservationists Fear for Animal’s Safety
| Patty Wetli
Preliminary findings point to the endangered pangolin as a possible host of the novel coronavirus, sparking concerns that a panic could lead to killings of the animal.
Mother of Teen Killed Inside Cook County Jail Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit
| Matt Masterson
Leticia Ruiz says the Cook County sheriff failed to protect her son from a reputed gang member who allegedly beat him to death inside the jail earlier this month, and that the “vicious and violent” beating was avoidable.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. Feb. 13-16
| Kristen Thometz
Hot cars, folk music, dance lessons and scaly creatures usher in the Valentine’s Day weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.
Lyric Opera Announces 2020-2021 Season of Classics, New Works and ‘Singin’ in the Rain’
| Hedy Weiss
The formidable full schedule will feature 10 major productions, eight of which will be “new to Chicago.” The season also will mark the grand finale of Sir Andrew Davis’ tenure as music director of the Lyric Opera.
A Victory, A Caution: Takeaways from New Hampshire’s Primary
| Associated Press
New Hampshire Democrats gave Bernie Sanders a win, but also a warning.
Folded Map Project Highlights Chicago Segregation, Gentrification
| Angel Idowu
Chicagoan Tonika Johnson is using photography to educate people on the disparities she’s noticed within neighborhoods throughout the city.
It’s Illegal to Pump Your Own Gas in New Jersey. Could Illinois Follow Suit?
| Amanda Vinicky
A bill proposed in early February by Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, would ban Illinois drivers from pumping their own gas.
Local Researchers Reveal Secrets of Lunar Dust, Atom by Atom
| Paul Caine
Local scientists use a powerful new tool to make fresh discoveries from moon dust first collected nearly 50 years ago.
Unofficial Name Change Reignites Debate Over Douglas(s) Park
| Quinn Myers
Signs for Douglas Park on Chicago’s West Side have received an unofficial update in recent weeks: a second “s.” The change comes after years of activisim in North Lawndale to rename the park.
Grand Jury Indicts Jussie Smollett in Alleged Hoax Attack
Six-count indictment accuses actor of making four separate false reports
| Matt Masterson
Nearly a year after he was charged with lying to police about orchestrating an attack on himself, the former “Empire” actor is again facing charges in Cook County court.
Project Delays Cause More Backups, Frustration on Jane Byrne Interchange
| Andrea Guthmann
Consistently listed one of the worst bottlenecks in the country, a massive project to improve the Jane Byrne Interchange is behind schedule and costing more than originally expected. We discuss the latest on the project.
Crain’s Headlines: Suit Claims Google Violated Illinois Privacy Law
| WTTW News
The same Illinois privacy law that recently led Facebook to settle a class-action lawsuit for $550 million could trip up Google as well.
Report: Pilsen Post Office Clerk Told Customers to ‘Speak English’
| Alexandra Silets
Community leaders are pushing the postal service for answers – and changes – after a customer reported a clerk who refused to help Spanish-speaking customers.
The Board Game Biz is Booming, and Chicago’s Ready to Play
| Patty Wetli
Board games are a multibillion-dollar analog unicorn in a digital world. How Chicago is catching up on the trend with hyperlocal games, a meetup group and a trio of board game bars/cafes.
Smash Away Your Stress at Chicago’s Only Rage Room
| Evan Garcia
Joe Lupa, the owner of Chicago’s first and only rage room, boils his business down to a simple consumer demand: people like smashing stuff. We visit Escapades Rage Room on the city’s Near North Side.
February 11, 2020 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Feb. 11, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”
12 Men Have Convictions Tossed in Latest Mass Exoneration Tied to Ex-Chicago Sergeant
| Matt Masterson
Nearly 100 felony drug convictions tied to disgraced former Chicago police Sgt. Ronald Watts have been tossed out since 2017.
New Name for Disease Caused by Virus Outbreak: COVID-19
| Associated Press
The disease caused by a new virus that emerged late last year in China and has since sickened tens of thousands of people now has an official name: COVID-19.
Chicago Opera Theater’s World Premiere of ‘Freedom Ride’ a Triumph of Art and History
| Hedy Weiss
In its airtight, fervent, emotionally riveting 90 minutes, “Freedom Ride” vividly captures a pivotal moment in American history and the civil rights movement of the early 1960s in the most sophisticated yet accessible way.
Inside the ‘Bug’ Infestation at Steppenwolf Theatre
| Marc Vitali
The revival of Tracy Letts’ 1996 play “Bug” stars his wife, Steppenwolf ensemble member Carrie Coon. We spoke to the creative team right before opening night.
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