Stories by
December 13, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Dec. 13, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
Chicago Architecture: Year in Review with Blair Kamin
| Alexandra Silets
Will Union Station’s modernization keep moving forward at full speed? Blair Kamin weighs in on that and the top architecture stories of the year.
Northwestern Researchers Rewire Cells to Attack Cancer
Method Could be Used to Treat Other Diseases
| Kristen Thometz
A new study offers a possible look at the future of fighting cancer and other diseases that suppress the immune system.
City Wants Your Feedback on New Streetlights, Ahead of Installation
| Kristen Thometz
Early next year around 270,000 streetlights in Chicago will be replaced with energy-efficient LED lights. Before the massive project begins, residents are being asked to give feedback on samples installed in seven neighborhoods.
Counting Birds a Christmas Tradition 100-Plus Years Strong
| WTTW News
There are many Christmas traditions, but one that is especially beloved by people who love birds is the annual Christmas Bird Count. Learn more.
State Lawmakers Sue for Paychecks
| Nick Blumberg
Gov. Bruce Rauner has called it a frivolous lawsuit, but six state lawmakers who are fighting to get their paychecks say it’s about defending the state constitution.
Joffrey Ballet’s Reimagined ‘Nutcracker’ Inspired by Chicago History
| Marc Vitali
We go backstage at the Joffrey Ballet as the company prepares to launch an all-new “Nutcracker” set in Chicago.
December 12, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Dec. 12, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
Trump Denies Russian Hacking, But Some Electors Rally Ahead of Vote
| Alexandra Silets
Donald Trump denies Russian hacking during the presidential election but some Electoral College members are now demanding a security briefing before casting their electoral votes on Dec. 19.
Major Concerns at Columbia? College Addresses Declining Enrollment
| Andrea Guthmann
The president of Columbia College Chicago on why there’s been a big drop in enrollment at the school and challenges to its identity in the world of creativity.
IHSA to Limit Baseball Pitchers to 105 Throws per Game
| Kristen Thometz
Starting this spring, high school baseball pitchers will be limited to throwing 105 pitches in a game, according to guidelines adopted by the Illinois High School Association.
Are Americans Dying Younger? A Closer Look at Report on Life Expectancy
| Erica Gunderson
For the first time in more than two decades, American life expectancy is dropping. Is this cause for alarm?
Illinois Lawmakers Look to Expand, Protect Abortion Rights
| Paris Schutz
In light of anti-abortion comments made by President-elect Donald Trump, a pair of proposed state bills would protect and expand abortion rights in Illinois.
Room to Grow: Chicago’s Eleanor Clubs
| Erica Gunderson
Chicago’s rapid growth in the late 19th century meant opportunities for the throngs of young, unmarried women who came to make their way in the big city. How one woman’s practical move impacted thousands for more than 100 years.
Chi-Town Rising Announces Lineup, Hosts for 2016
| Reuben Unrau
Bronzeville rapper Sir the Baptist and L.A. indie pop band Saint Motel will headline this year's Chi-Town Rising celebration on New Year's Eve.
Experimental Alzheimer’s Drug Fails in Large Study, But Hope Persists
| Kristen Thometz
Disappointing results from a clinical trial released late last month by Eli Lilly, but the drug is still being studied as a potential therapy for those who are at risk for memory loss.
The Week in Review: Trump Tussles with Boeing, Meets with Mayor
| WTTW News
Donald Trump tussles with Boeing then meets with Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Illinois universities say no to sanctuary campuses. And the Cubs and Sox are making deals. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.
CPS Passes ‘Welcoming District’ Resolution to Shield Students From Discrimination
| Matt Masterson
The Chicago Board of Education this week unanimously approved a resolution affirming Chicago Public Schools’ status as a “welcoming district” for all students, no matter their race, gender or religion.
Cullerton: Rauner Holding Up Budget, Pension Reform
| Paris Schutz
Legislative leaders and the governor are in a high-stakes game of chicken. A one-on-one with Senate President John Cullerton to see how he proposes ending the Springfield stalemate.
Stitches in Time: Historic Quilts at DuSable Museum
| Marc Vitali
A modest but eye-opening new exhibition features practical works of art from the collection of a scholar on American quilts.
Watchdog Says CPS Board Blocking Ethics Investigation
| Brandis Friedman
An investigation into whether or not the Chicago Board of Education’s top attorney violated a Chicago Public Schools ethics policy has been stalled, according to the district’s Inspector General Nick Schuler.
Unpacking the President’s Cabinet, Past and Present
| Evan Garcia
Looking back on U.S. history in addition to contemporary politics, what does the president-elect’s choices for Cabinet positions so far say about how he might lead as president?
Study: Treating Malnutrition Shortens Hospital Stays, Decreases Readmissions
| Kristen Thometz
Addressing hospital patients’ malnutrition can reduce patient stays by nearly two days and decrease hospital readmissions by nearly 30 percent, according to a new study.
Chicago Indie Bookstores Launch Campaign Ahead of Amazon’s Arrival
| Reuben Unrau
“We know Amazon is going to open and we’re not thinking that we can stop it,” said Lynn Mooney, who co-owns a Chicago bookstore. Find out how local shops are uniting to promote literary events.
Mayor Emanuel Meets with President-Elect Trump
| Paris Schutz
The mayor delivers a letter to Donald Trump, urging the president-elect to protect the status of Dreamers.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
2025 Chicago Festival Guide
Charlie Kirk, Conservative Activist Raised in Chicago Suburbs, Shot and Killed at Event in Utah
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
American Politicians Who Have Directly Experienced Violence React to Charlie Kirk Shooting
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter