Stories by
Chicago Documentary Filmmaker Killed in Ugandan Bus Crash
| Matt Masterson
David J. Steiner died Monday while travelling through a small Ugandan village. He was there to screen his film “Saving Barbara Sizemore,” a documentary made with Englewood teens about their fight to keep their charter school open.
Study: Immediate Rewards Boost Success of Long-term Goals
| Kristen Thometz
Will 2017 be the year you start exercising regularly or eating healthy? If you’re planning on making such a New Year’s resolution, you might want to bake some immediate rewards into your plan of attack.
Critically Endangered Ape Born at Brookfield Zoo
| Evan Garcia
The newborn female Bornean orangutan joins five other orangutans living at the Brookfield Zoo.
December 27, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Dec. 27, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
City, ‘Secret Santa’ Save Uptown Homeless Shelter
| Paris Schutz
The city of Chicago and a generous “secret Santa” stepped in at the eleventh hour to keep a North Side homeless shelter open after months and months of public protest. What does it mean for the city's homeless population?
‘Getting Religion’ Reflects on 50 Years of Faith in America
| WTTW News
Longtime religion reporter Kenneth Woodward tells the story of how American religion, culture and politics influenced each other in his latest book.
Hedy Weiss Reviews: ‘The Hunter and the Bear,’ ‘The Other Cinderella,’ More
| Marc Vitali
With an abundance of theatrical magic on Chicago-area stages this season, Chicago Sun-Times theater critic Hedy Weiss gives her take on five plays.
How ‘Santa Claus’ Saved Christmas in Chicago
| Erica Gunderson
For Chicago’s municipal workers, the Christmas of 1904 was shaping up to be a sorry one indeed. The city was so broke it couldn’t pay municipal employees. But three days before Christmas, Santa Claus himself emerged from City Hall to save the workers’ Christmas. Well – kind of.
Why is Illinois Shrinking?
| Nick Blumberg
Illinois' population declined in 2016 for the third straight year, losing more people than any other state in the union. The drop of more than 37,000 people leaves Illinois with a population just north of 12.8 million.
‘Star Wars’ Actress Carrie Fisher Dies at 60
| Reuben Unrau
The actress, famous for her role as Princess Leia, died Tuesday morning at the age of 60.
From Elite Soldier to Anti-Poaching Crusader
| Paul Caine
Meet a former elite soldier from Australia who is now using his special set of skills to combat poaching in Africa.
Art Institute Takes Fresh Look at Pioneering Artist, Teacher
| Marc Vitali
Bold paintings from the 1920s, plus photographs and industrial design: A new show looks at an international artist who made a big impression in Chicago.
December 22, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Dec. 22, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
Lawsuit Forces Emanuel’s Hand on Emails
| Paris Schutz
What do billionaire Ken Griffin, Gov. Bruce Rauner and a select few Chicago aldermen have in common? They all had direct access to Mayor Rahm Emanuel's personal email account on which he conducted city business.
New U of C Website Compiles Best of 2016 Education Research
| Matt Masterson
The University of Chicago’s Urban Education Institute wants to show school and policy leaders how evidence-based research can help improve schools and student achievement.
Cardinal Blase Cupich on His Elevation
| Nick Blumberg
Cardinal Blase Cupich talks with us about his elevation to that position, the challenges facing Chicago, and how the church can better serve the community.
Grammy Nominee Robbie Fulks Through the Years on WTTW
| Marc Vitali
Singer-songwriter Robbie Fulks joins us in discussion and performance of two songs that could win Grammy Awards in February.
Chicago Journalist’s ‘Algren: A Life’ Reveals New Details About Writer
| Andrea Guthmann
He was a literary giant who chronicled the seedy side of the city. We talk with the author of a new biography about Chicago writer Nelson Algren.
Chicago Agricultural High School Teaches More Than Farming
| Jay Shefsky
You’re probably aware that Chicago has high schools specializing in math and science as well as the arts, but did you know that Chicago’s big urban school system has an agricultural high school?
Joffrey Ballet’s Reimagined ‘Nutcracker’ Inspired by Chicago History
| Marc Vitali
Backstage at the Joffrey Ballet before the recent launch of the all-new “Nutcracker” set in Chicago.
Judges Help Foster Children Find Independence
| Brandis Friedman
From the foster system to one of the hottest restaurants in town: How one young man is “mixing it up.”
December 21, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Dec. 21, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
Ask Geoffrey: Chicago’s Crusade Against Air Pollution
| Erica Gunderson
Not that long ago, air pollution from burning coal made the Windy City more like the Smoggy City. Geoffrey Baer tells us how Chicago cleaned up its act.
‘Tattoo’ Exhibit Aims to Create a Lasting Impression
| Marc Vitali
Tattoos are making a big impression at the Field Museum. We visit the exhibition about the history and culture of the tattoo.
Chicago Business Year in Review
| Alexandra Silets
The Dow flirts with the 20,000 mark. Twists and turns at the Chicago Tribune. A look at those stories and other business headlines of 2016 with Crain’s Chicago Business.
City Improvements: Transportation Head Talks Infrastructure Upgrades
| Eddie Arruza
The city of Chicago wants your feedback on new streetlights. That and other infrastructure projects with Rebekah Scheinfeld, the head of the city’s transportation department.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
2025 Chicago Festival Guide
Staff Shakeup at Fermilab and Argonne as Buyouts Follow Budgeted Funding Drop, Federal Research Shift
Potential ICE Raids, National Guard Intervention Poses Challenges for Chicago Police on the Ground
Charlie Kirk, Conservative Activist Raised in Chicago Suburbs, Shot and Killed at Event in Utah
Feds Tout New Immigration Operation in Illinois as Communities Await ICE Raids
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter