Stories by WTTW News

Watch the April 12, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Chicago schools chief Forrest Claypool slams the governor's education plan that sees CPS losing $74 million. We speak with our Springfield correspondent Amanda Vincky.

Best known for his 1993 novel "Trainspotting," author Irvine Welsh has been called the best storyteller in Britain. But for about 10 years now, he's lived in Chicago. We hear about his latest book, “A Decent Ride.”

The museum's "chief curiosity correspondent" is one of five online personalities nominated for the 20th annual award, a kind of people's choice of the internet. 

Meet the Dutch artist and engineer who makes giant beach animals out of plastic tubing as we revisit his exhibition at the Chicago Cultural Center – a harmonious union of art and engineering, imagination and reality that's open through May 1.

Their annual migration from North America to Mexico has been called “one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world,” but the monarch butterfly is not only in decline – it’s closer to extinction than previously thought, research shows.

The second installment of WTTW's "10 That Changed America" premiers Tuesday. This time, host Geoffrey Baer looks at 10 American parks that changed how we live and play in our cities.

The Cubs have a new clubhouse, and it's one of the biggest and fanciest in all of baseball. Jay Shefsky takes us inside the the state-of-the-art facility.

Crain’s Chicago Business managing editor Ann Dwyer takes a closer look at McDonald’s success with its new CEO, the auctioning of the remaining Caputo & Sons grocery stores and the latest Wrigley rooftop bought by the Ricketts family. 

Recent court documents claim former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert sexually abused five students. We talk with a Chicago Tribune reporter covering the case.

Aldermen on Tuesday are widely expected to approve a one-time change to city law to name Eddie Johnson the permanent Chicago Police Department superintendent. The move comes on the heels of a committee vote Monday to approve another $6.5 million in payouts to victims of police misconduct.

Watch the April 11, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A Tony-award winning team will craft a new $4 million “Nutcracker” which dramatically switches gears from Robert Joffrey’s vision, one which has been performed for nearly three decades.

The sexual abuse allegations against Dennis Hastert could send him to prison, even though he has not been charged or convicted of the crime. WBEZ senior news editor Robert Wildeboer explains.

Sandy Weisz returns with a new video puzzle and photo puzzles. Submit your answer by 10 a.m. Monday, April 18 for a chance to win our puzzle prize package!

The disaster in Flint has spotlighted the dangers and adverse health outcomes of lead seeping into communities’ drinking water. Elizabeth Brackett reports on the lead pipes carrying water into Chicago and suburban homes. 

A movement is underway to have the Illinois legislature expand what's called "home rule authority." Bob Reed of the Better Government Association explains what that could mean for towns and villages throughout the state.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Monday unveiled a new plan to build 50 miles of "better bike lanes" in the city over the next three years. 

Acclaimed Midwestern photographer Kenneth Josephson has created innovative pictures of Chicago from the 1950s until the 21st century. We take a look at the man behind the lens and his conceptual photography.

Hear what viewers had to say about our interview with Hershey Felder, our story on outsider artist Lee Godie and our showcase of creatures from ReptileFest when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Writer and curator José Esparza Chong Cuy, who was previously associate curator at the Museo Jumex in Mexico City, replaces Julie Rodrigues Widholm.

Eddie Arruza and and guests discuss the mayor's support for Eddie Johnson as police superintendent, Dennis Hastert's apology and other top stories of the week.

We get perspective on the business of interviewing from Mark Bazer, host of "The Interview Show," which airs Friday nights on WTTW starting this week.

Could reports of an exam-cheating probe related to Eddie Johnson's fiancée derail his confirmation as top cop? Should IPRA be abolished? A panel of aldermen tackle these questions and more.

Watch the April 7, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

State Republican leaders unveiled a $1.3 billion spending plan Thursday that they say will be a “lifeline” for social services and other programs that have struggled financially in the ongoing budget impasse.