Stories by Marissa Nelson

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Celebrates 27 Years on Supreme Court

She is known as the “Notorious RBG.” Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is celebrating a work anniversary this week. We reflect on her career with her son, James Ginsburg, and local attorneys.

The Future of Retail: Where Do Stores Stand After Pandemic, Looting?

There’s a very real anxiety that Chicago’s main shopping districts are on the precipice of falling apart. And without the revenue generated from those areas, the city faces a potentially disastrous fiscal future.

City Hopes 2nd Scooter Pilot Can Boost Transportation Equity

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, electric scooters are back on Chicago streets. What you need to know about this year’s program. 

Park District Board Moves to Change Rules Surrounding How Park Names Are Changed

In a move prompted by the controversy surrounding Douglas(s) Park, the Park District Board of Commissioners voted to begin the process of amending its code in order to establish a clearer two-step policy for renaming parks.

Lightfoot to Keep Downtown Blocked Off Through Weekend; Restrictions Set to End Monday

City officials will restrict access to downtown Chicago through the weekend, even though the city has not seen widespread looting in two days.

$46M in Grants Awarded to Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Grants of $10,000 to $20,000 have been awarded to more than 2,600 small businesses throughout the state that have experienced financial loss or disruptions as a result of coronavirus-related closures.

As CPD Officials Vow to Catch Up on Missed Consent Decree Deadlines, Aldermen Are Losing Patience

The Chicago Police Department is struggling to reform the way it trains, supervises and disciplines officers. What’s being done to address the slow pace of reforms.

August 12, 2020 - Full Show

Watch the Aug. 12, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Map: Which CPS Schools Have Voted to Keep or Remove Police Officers?

Chicago Public Schools leaders have left it up to local school councils to decide whether they want to continue or eliminate resource officer programs at their respective schools. Here’s where things stand as voting wraps up.

Study: Electric Cooker Sanitizes N95 Masks

With limited supplies of critical protective equipment, University of Illinois researchers have found a new way to decontaminate N95 masks using a common kitchen appliance. 

$2M Bond for Chicago Man Accused of Intentionally Running Over Pedestrian

After striking two women with his car Monday night in downtown Chicago, Edgar Roman allegedly circled back, targeted them and ran over one of the women a second time, dragging her body down the street and killing her.

Prosecutors Charge 3 With Threatening Women in R. Kelly Case

Federal prosecutors announced charges Wednesday against three men accused of threatening and intimidating women who have accused R&B singer R. Kelly of abuse, including one man suspected of setting fire to a vehicle in Florida.

Lightfoot Launches Review of Chicago Monuments After Controversy Over Columbus Statues

After protests forced Mayor Lori Lightfoot to remove the city’s statues of Christopher Columbus, the city will launch an effort to “provide a vehicle to address the hard truths of Chicago’s racial history,” the mayor’s office announced Wednesday. 

Big Ten, Pac-12 Pull Plug on Fall Football Amid Pandemic

A crumbling college football season took a massive hit Tuesday when the Big Ten and Pac-12, two historic and powerful conferences, succumbed to the pandemic and canceled their fall football seasons.

Tens of Thousands Still Without Power, Possibly Until Saturday, ComEd Says

The physical destruction caused by Monday’s powerful storm, which saw a tornado touch down in Rogers Park, was as devastating as a hurricane, according to ComEd. Now some neighbors are leading the charge on helping out.

Looting, Unrest Give Way to Another Phase of Recovery in Chicago

Businesses and residents are bracing for the possibility of future upheaval following widespread theft and property damage on Sunday night. How police are responding — and what else is being done to address systemic issues.

Illinois Universities, Colleges Prepare for Fall Classes Amid COVID-19

Colleges and universities are preparing for a semester unlike any other. For many, the welcome back won’t be to campus — but to computers.

Art Deco Inspires Ambitious New Mural on Chicago Riverwalk

Summer is the season for public art, and it seems like every week a colorful new mural blooms. We get up close to a massive new work of public art taking flight along the Chicago Riverwalk. 

Lawmakers Approve Pritzker’s Rules Targeting Businesses That Flout COVID-19 Regulations

Lawmakers on Tuesday approved new rules crafted by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to reduce the spread of the coronavirus despite opposition from Illinois Republicans and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.

Share of City Property Tax Revenues Claimed by TIF Funds Grew 5% in 2 Years: Report

The growing share of city property taxes sent to tax increment finance districts is sure to fuel the argument over whether the districts actually spur redevelopment and eradicate blight or exacerbate growing inequality in Chicago.

Chicago Youth Organize Open Mic in South Side Garden

A community garden and farmers market in Auburn Gresham is now the venue of an open mic hosted for young Chicago artists. We go for a look to learn more.

Despite ‘Comparatively’ Quiet Night, Lightfoot to Keep Downtown Blocked Off

Access to downtown Chicago will be restricted “for the foreseeable future,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know.

Lightfoot: It Was ‘Highly Problematic’ That Officers Who Shot Man in Englewood Did Not Have Body Cameras

“We can't have people out on the street interfacing with the public without body cameras,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Tuesday, just days after officers responded to a call about a man with a gun that led to a shooting and touched off unrest across the city.

Q&A: What’s Up With Trump’s Orders on TikTok and WeChat?

President Donald Trump has ordered sweeping but vague ban on dealings with the Chinese owners of popular apps TikTok and WeChat, saying they are a threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy and the economy.

Biden Selects California Sen. Kamala Harris as Running Mate

Joe Biden named California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate on Tuesday, making history by selecting the first Black woman to compete on a major party’s presidential ticket.

August 11, 2020 - Full Show

Watch the Aug. 11, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”
 

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