Stories by WTTW News

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.

A University of Illinois dance professor created an app which encourages audience members to get interactive during performances by using their smartphones. 

Hear what viewers had to say about proposed residential reuse of the Cook County Hospital building and the latest proposal for funding Illinois' schools when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Recent news coverage has suggested a spike in pileated woodpecker sightings in the western suburbs may be linked to the emerald ash borer. But according to at least two wildlife experts, it probably has more to do with the restoration of local habitat.

Reptiles, amphibians and the people who love them, or at least like them, come together this weekend for ReptileFest 2016. We get a preview of the event and meet some of the animals on display.

Celebrate the season at the White Sox home opener, or freshen up your collection of vinyl, take in a few Latino films, get inspired by Shakespeare and rub elbows with robots. 

Winter’s (mostly) behind us and we’re ready to grow! It might not quite feel like it yet, but spring is here and it’s time to head back to the garden. The Organic Gardener Jeanne Nolan joins us to prepare WTTW’s organic garden for a fruitful growing season.

What's it like to work with Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland? We speak with one of his former law clerks about what it's like to work with the judge.

Watch the April 6, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A major citywide exhibition of local Latino artists coincides with a biennial conference of international art scholars held for the first time in Chicago.

Ambitious plans to redevelop the vacant old Cook County Hospital building. Why County Board President Toni Preckwinkle thinks it might actually happen this time.

Self-portraits by the late outsider artist, taken in photo booths which used to accompany Chicago's bus stations, are at the center of a new exhibition opening Friday at the Intuit Art Center in Noble Square.

A recent report from the Obama administration warned that changes to the climate could lead to thousands more Americans dying prematurely every year from a variety of causes. Local scientist and professor Seth Darling discusses the challenges of climate disruption and shares his thoughts on creating a path to a sustainable future.

“Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin” returns to Chicago’s Royal George Theatre this week. Pianist and actor Hershey Felder joins us in conversation and performance to demonstrate the timeless appeal of the great American songwriter. 

Some schools are changing the structure of the classroom and how students are learning. Brandis Friedman visits one West Side charter school that's taking a personal approach to learning.

More scrutiny on the Chicago Police Department. On Tuesday, a City Council member called for the abolishment of the Independent Police Review Authority, and a new report cites allegations that the fiancée of new police superintendent Eddie Johnson is part of a probe into cheating on a lieutenant’s exam.

Presidential candidates are competing for a win in Tuesday's primary in Wisconsin. James Warren of the Poynter Institute joins us to talk delegate math and what that means for the contenders on both the Democrat and Republican side.

Watch the April 5, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Could a spice help rebuild Afghanistan? Could it decrease the production of poppy for opium? Meet three Chicago war veterans who have started a business with these goals in mind.

Field Museum curators break down the taxonomy of candy in a new "Brain Scoop" video. 

A controversial casting notice for the mega-hit Broadway show "Hamilton" has ignited a firestorm in the theater world. Has the show's nontraditional casting become reverse discrimination?

State Sen. Andy Manar plans to introduce a new school funding formula bill on the floor of the Illinois Senate on Wednesday. The bill, if passed, would shift money from wealthier districts to poorer districts—with cuts to wealthier districts being phased in over four years.

You don't have to be an expert birder or ecologist to enjoy songs and calls from native and foreign birds in Chicago this time of year. Here's what to listen for.

A groundbreaking study partially conducted at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago found that a marijuana extract greatly reduced severe seizures in some children.

Chicago's own Marina City is featured as one of 10 American homes in a new PBS series hosted by Geoffrey Baer that premieres tonight.