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The Race for Illinois Governor 2018: J.B. Pritzker

From a childhood marked by privilege and tragedy to a life of business success and philanthropy, we bring you an original, in-depth look at the life of Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker.

Jason Van Dyke Makes First Court Appearance Since Murder Conviction

Defense attorneys for the Chicago cop convicted of second-decree murder in the fatal shooting of black teen Laquan McDonald are asking a judge to toss out the convictions or grant a new trial.

Son Says He Killed Parents, Bodies Found in Illinois River

The bodies of a college professor and her husband have been recovered from a river in central Illinois and their 21-year-old son has been charged with first-degree murder.

Oct. 30, 2018 - Full Show

Watch the Oct. 30, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Judge Delays Ruling on Request to Toss Charges in McDonald Conspiracy Case

A Cook County judge will decide next week whether she’ll grant a request to dismiss charges against three Chicago police officers accused of working to cover up the shooting death of black teen Laquan McDonald, less than a month before they are set to face trial.

Charter School Teachers Vote to Authorize Strike

Several hundred Chicago charter school teachers say they’re willing to walk off the job if they can’t reach a contract agreement with their charter operator, Acero.

Illinois Races Heat Up One Week Ahead of Elections

Lisa Desjardins of the “PBS NewsHour” joins us to discuss how things are looking for candidates in Illinois and other key states, and whether some districts are still expecting a so-called blue wave on Nov. 6.

In ‘Lady in Denmark,’ One Woman’s Life in Copenhagen and Chicago, Set to Echoes of Billie Holiday

As it happens, there are two “ladies” in Dael Orlandersmith’s play, “Lady in Denmark,” now in its world premiere at the Goodman Theatre. But only one is fully seen or heard on stage.

Chicago Plans to Expand Bike Sharing to ‘100 Percent of City’

A $2.5 million award to address climate change will help Chicago expand bike-share programs to all parts of the city, according to the mayor’s office.

‘This Book is Not for Everyone’: Camille Paglia Talks ‘Provocations’

Sex, politics and religion are widely considered taboo topics for polite conversation. Yet that's exactly what Camille Paglia tackles in her latest book, “Provocations: Collected Essays.”

The Race for Illinois Governor 2018: Bruce Rauner

Those who know Gov. Bruce Rauner best describe him as stubborn – and smart. An intimate look at what shaped Rauner, and what that’s meant for Illinois as he tries for a second term.

Winfrey, Witherspoon Among Guests On Michelle Obama Tour

Michelle Obama’s memoir “Becoming” comes out Nov. 13 and her tour begins that night at Chicago’s United Center, with Oprah Winfrey serving as moderator.

UIC Medical Students Seek to ‘Fill a Void’ in Health Care

Caring for patients is a vital part of the medical school experience. Armed with knowledge and backpacks full of supplies, a group of students is taking its skills to the streets of Chicago.

Oct. 29, 2018 - Full Show

Watch the Oct. 29, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Illinois Attorney General Forum: Kwame Raoul, Erika Harold

In their final meeting before next week’s midterm elections, the Democrat and Republican each pitched themselves as the candidate most capable of putting the priorities of Illinois voters into action.

In ‘Fight Night,’ Clever Voting Game Suggests What Our Elections Are Really About

Audience members engage in a process similar to a television “elimination” contest to choose one of five contenders for an unspecified office. It is great fun, but also offers food for thought – and a healthy dose of cynicism.

Aldermen Consider $2 Billion Plan to Get Lead Out of City Water

City Council members tackle a $2 billion problem they say they can no longer avoid. But how will it be paid for?

Study: Surge in Blood Donations Wasn’t Needed After Las Vegas Shooting

Las Vegas residents donated nearly 800 units of blood after last year’s mass shooting, but new research shows that many of those donations weren’t needed – and some even went to waste.

Wrongfully Convicted Man Claims Chicago Police Framed Him for 2000 Murder

The lawsuit claims nine Chicago cops “withheld exculpatory evidence, manipulated witnesses, and misdirected the investigation” in order to frame an innocent man for the murder of a Cook County Sheriff’s deputy.

Shoppers May Face Hard Choices Again on Health Marketplaces

Insurance shoppers likely will have several choices for individual health coverage this fall. The bad news? There's no guarantee they will cover certain doctors or prescriptions.

Trump Calls Pittsburgh Synagogue Attack ‘Evil’ Anti-Semitism

President Donald Trump mourned the dead and forcefully condemned anti-Semitism after a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue that left 11 dead. But faced with another national tragedy, he did not long turn his focus away from the midterm elections or himself.

Advocates Propose Tax on High-End Real Estate to Address Homelessness

The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless says its newly announced proposal could generate $150 million per year for homeless services and decrease the city’s homeless population by 36,000 in just 10 years.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Debating Police Reform

The public weighs in on the police reform consent decree, but will it impact the final agreement?

The Week in Review: Rauner Drops Controversial Ad

While the country debates civility and decency in political rhetoric, a new commercial causes a stir in the race for Illinois governor. Grammy-winning rappers stump for a mayoral unknown. And can the Bears bounce back Sunday against the Jets?

16,000 Chicagoans Had Water Cut Off in Single Year, Study Finds

An estimated 15 million people in the U.S. – including thousands of Chicago residents – experienced water shutoffs in 2016, in many cases because they failed to pay their water bills. 

CPS Enrollment Drops to 360,000 Students

New data shows enrollment at Chicago Public Schools dropped by just over 10,000 students since last year. The district is now in danger of losing its title as the third-largest school district in the country.
 

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