Stories by
Chicago’s Cardinal and the Future of the Catholic Church
| Alexandra Silets
Pope Francis elevated Blase Cupich, along with 16 other archbishops, to the College of Cardinals on Saturday. But that’s not the only news the pope made.
Fact vs. Fiction: The Increasingly Real Problem of Fake News
| Andrea Guthmann
The pope endorses Donald Trump. Michelle Obama unfollows Hillary Clinton on Twitter. These days fake news is making real news. Could you be spreading lies on your Facebook feed?
Illinois Superintendent Tony Smith Elected to National School Council
| Matt Masterson
The head of the Illinois State Board of Education will soon have a say in policy issues at the national level.
In Chicago, ‘Hamilton’ Actor Addresses Political Firestorm
Was Duel in New York Just a Distraction?
| Marc Vitali
The culture wars are heating up again, one duel at a time.
Tensions Flare Between Protesters and Residents in Mount Greenwood
| Evan Garcia
What's being done to quell friction in one South Side community following the fatal police-involved shooting of a 25-year-old African-American man.
Lion-Size Toothache: Behind the Scenes at Brookfield Zoo’s Animal Hospital
| Paul Caine
What happens when a lion gets a toothache? Meet the large and dedicated team that cares for more than 3,000 animals at Brookfield Zoo.
Elderly with Superior Memory Found to Have ‘Hallmarks’ of Alzheimer’s
| Kristen Thometz
Several 90-year-olds with superior memory were found to have the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease yet never developed dementia in their lifetimes. Scientists are now researching what protected these individuals from acquiring the disease.
O’Hare Airport Workers to Strike After Thanksgiving
| Kristen Thometz
Heading to O’Hare International Airport this week? You can breathe a sigh of relief: Airport workers announced Monday they won't walk off the job until Nov. 29.
Study: Selective Enrollment Schools No Better at Closing Achievement Gap
| Matt Masterson
Admission into Chicago’s selective enrollment high schools does not help close the achievement gap between students from high- and low-poverty neighborhoods, according to a new study.
Bryan Bickell, Former Blackhawk, Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis
| Kristen Thometz
Late last week it was announced that former Chicago Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. A local neurologist talks about the disease.
The Week in Review: Trump Denies Transition Turmoil
| Nick Blumberg
Donald Trump’s transition in turmoil as Mayor Emanuel defies the president-elect on immigration. Rauner and Madigan meet. Budget sails through City Council, and the Bears bad season gets worse. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.
November 17, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Nov. 17, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
Exelon Pushes for Rate Hike to Aid Ailing Nuclear Plants
| Paul Caine
A new bill in Springfield could see Illinois consumers paying higher electricity rates. But with the state already producing more energy than it needs, why are consumers being asked to pay more?
Tips for Getting Along with Family, Friends Post-Election
| Andrea Guthmann
Worried that politics might spoil your Thanksgiving meal? Two local psychologists serve up recipes for a peaceful post-election family gathering.
Authors Debate Charles Darwin’s Theories, Work in New Book
| Paul Caine
More than 150 years after Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species," the man and his theories continue to generate controversy and debate. That academic battle plays out in a new book titled "Debating Darwin."
DACA Recipients Fear the Future Under Trump
| Brandis Friedman
As inauguration day grows closer, so does the fear for some young immigrants that their status in the U.S. will be revoked.
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?
Hedy Weiss Reviews: ‘End of the Rainbow,’ ‘King Charles III,’ More
| Marc Vitali
Judy Garland was one of the most distinctive American entertainers of the 20th Century. A new play looks at the extreme highs and lows of a legendary life in showbiz that ended at age 47. Hedy Weiss reviews that show, plus four other productions in and around Chicago.
CPS Says Employee Provided Noble Charter Schools With Unauthorized Student Information
| Matt Masterson
Chicago Public Schools is investigating an employee who allegedly turned over confidential student information to the Noble Network of Charter Schools earlier this fall, according to a letter sent to district parents this week.
Chicago Poet, Professor Daniel Borzutzky Wins 2016 National Book Award
| Kristen Thometz
Poet Daniel Borzutzky has won the 2016 National Book Award for his collection, “The Performance of Becoming Human.” The awards were announced Wednesday night in New York City.
City Council Unanimously Approves Chicago’s 2017 Budget
| Eddie Arruza
The $8.2 billion spending plan doesn’t contain nearly as much pain for city taxpayers as last year’s budget, but grocery shopping could get a bit more expensive.
November 16, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Nov. 16, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
Illinois Senate Votes to Override 2 Rauner Vetoes
| Alexandra Silets
Legislative leaders meet on the budget while the Illinois Senate overrides the governor’s veto of the motor voter registration bill. Amanda Vinicky has details from Springfield.
Illinois Trump Supporters on the President-Elect’s Transition
| Evan Garcia
Donald Trump was elected barely a week ago and there are already reports of shake-ups and signs of disarray within his transition team.
Ask Geoffrey: Was That Really 5 Million People?
| Erica Gunderson
The Cubs rally brought throngs of fans to Grant Park. But was it really the biggest gathering ever in Chicago? Geoffrey Baer counts heads in this week’s Ask Geoffrey.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Nov. 17-20
| Rebecca Palmore
Holiday lights, a giant mouse, punk rock and a comedy legend usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
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
American Politicians Who Have Directly Experienced Violence React to Charlie Kirk Shooting
Potential ICE Raids, National Guard Intervention Poses Challenges for Chicago Police on the Ground
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter