Facebook icon Twitter icon Instagram icon YouTube icon

Stories by

Report: Jason Van Dyke Distraught After Killing Laquan McDonald

Jason Van Dyke told a psychologist that “time froze” when he shot Laquan McDonald 16 times, according to a newly released report. 

New Study Says Universe Expanding Faster and Is Younger

In research released on Friday, Nobel winning astronomer Adam Riess calculates the cosmos is between 12.5 and 13.0 billion years old - about 1 billion years younger than previous estimates.

New Timeline Details Years of Abuse Allegations Before AJ Freund’s Death

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services had multiple contacts with Freund's family over reports of neglect and abuse in the months and years before the 5-year-old was found dead.

CSO, Union Accept Emanuel’s Offer to Help End Strike

Both striking musicians and management of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra have welcomed an offer by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to help end a nearly two-month work stoppage over pensions and wages.

Police: Slain Illinois Boy Was Beaten, Put in Cold Shower

Police believe the Illinois couple killed 5-year-old Andrew “AJ” Freund by beating him and forcing him to stand in a cold shower for an extended period of time.

37 Hurt, Including 7 Critical After Chicago-Area Gas Leak

A chemical leak that caused a toxic plume to hang for hours over a northern Chicago suburb Thursday sickened dozens of people, including seven who are in critical condition, officials said.

April 25, 2019 - Full Show

Watch the April 25, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Viewer Feedback: ‘We Must Reduce Dependency on Cars’

Viewers weigh in on a report that says Chicago is one of the most polluted cities in America. And you left some thoughtful sentiments about Chicago Tonight's 35th birthday.

DEA Taking Back Prescription Drugs Saturday

Clean out your medicine cabinet and safely dispose of unused prescriptions during a biannual event that’s collected more than 9 million pounds of pills since its 2010 launch.

Proposal to Wipe Out Student Loan Debt Ignites Conversation

What began as a proposal by a presidential candidate has since turned into a heated debate over managing the nation's trillion dollar student debt burden. 

George Freeman Tells Us How to Lead a Life in Jazz

At age 92, the jazz guitarist is a living legend from Chicago’s first family of music. We pay him a visit.

The Hatchery Chicago Cooking Up Food and Jobs on the West Side

There’s a new business incubator in Chicago that's cooking up some innovative food products on the West Side. And it’s the home for a culinary wizard’s passion project.

‘Hesburgh’ Studies Life, Work of Notre Dame’s Iconic ‘Father Ted’

A new documentary examines the legacy of legendary Notre Dame President Father Ted Hesburgh. We speak with the film’s director and producer.

Former Illinois Legislative Inspector General Says Office is ‘Broken’

Former Illinois Legislative Inspector General Julie Porter called the office she used to run “broken” and said without changes the legislative inspector general is “a powerless role.”

Is Ageism the Last Socially Acceptable ‘Ism?’ A New Book Argues Yes

What does ageism look like in the workplace, and how much of a problem is it in the U.S.? A new book uncovers that and more.

1,000-Pound Brookfield Polar Bear Gets 1st CT Scan

Pair of Brookfield Polar Bears Involved in Artificial Insemination

Hudson, a 1,000-pound male polar bear at Brookfield Zoo, underwent a historic checkup this week when he received a CT scan and had semen collected, which was used to inseminate two female polar bears. 

Federal Prosecutors Seek Second Delay to File Ed Burke Indictment

Federal prosecutors say this extra time is necessary due to the “complex nature” of the ongoing investigation of the 14th Ward alderman.

April 24, 2019 - Full Show

Watch the April 24, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

‘Chicago Tonight’ Turns 35

On this date, 35 years ago, “Chicago Tonight” was born. Watch the premiere episode, featuring an interview with John Callaway and Mayor Harold Washington.

Pritzker: ‘No Concerns’ About Investigation of Property Tax Appeal

A novel approach to receiving a property tax break didn’t flush Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s chances at winning the 2018 election down the toilet. But he now faces a federal investigation into his property taxes.

Report: NATO, at 70, Is ‘An Alliance in Crisis’

Earlier this month the North Atlantic Treaty Organization turned 70. A recent report says the alliance is in “crisis,” and a former U.S. ambassador to NATO says the biggest threat to the alliance may be the U.S. itself.

Supreme Court Hears Arguments Over Census Citizenship Question

The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on whether the 2020 census should ask about citizenship. Observers say the justices appear divided along ideological lines, giving an edge to the proposed change.

Is It Time to Cut The Cord and Leave Cable TV?

With more and more alternatives to cable television, is it time for you to cut the cord?

Joffrey Ballet Reaches ‘Across the Pond’ for Latest Program

The venerable Chicago dance company got a creative boost from across the pond for the closing show of its season. Meet the Brit who made his own Britney Spears video and is now working with the Joffrey Ballet.

Missing Crystal Lake Boy’s Buried Body Found, Parents Charged

Crystal Lake police Chief James Black said at a news conference Wednesday that police dug up what they believe is Andrew “AJ” Freund’s body in a field and that it was wrapped in plastic.

Ask Geoffrey: What Happened to Immel State Bank?

Geoffrey Baer deposits some knowledge about buildings left behind by the banking panics of the Great Depression.
 

Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors