Stories by Marc Vitali
Obama Library in Chicago to be Designed by New York Team
| Marc Vitali
President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama announced Thursday that the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago will be designed by renowned architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien.
Race to be VP Pick Heats Up As Conventions Approach
| Paul Caine
With both the Republican and Democratic conventions around the corner, there’s lots of speculation around vice presidential picks for Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Who’s likely to get the nod from Trump or Clinton?
‘Gates of Harvard Yard’ Reveals Chicago Connection
| Alexandra Silets
Blair Kamin, Pulitzer prize-winning architecture critic for the Chicago Tribune, talks about the architectural artistry of Harvard Yard and his new book on the subject.
Best Bets: Fourth of July Weekend
| Rebecca Palmore
Go out with a bang this weekend as fireworks, parades and festivals offer plenty of ways to celebrate across the city and suburbs.
Social Media, Videos Fuel Gang Violence, Notoriety
| WTTW News
As Chicago struggles to understand and control rising gun violence, there may be insight to be found in social media.
Karen Lewis Shares Her Take on CPS Financial Crisis
| Hunter Clauss
Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis talks about what may be happening in Springfield to help CPS and what it could mean for contract negotiations.
Waiting on Springfield to Make a Move
| Dan Andries
A day of special session for the Illinois House and Senate ended with no significant action on a budget agreement. Amanda Vinicky shares details of what’s been happening behind the scenes.
Ask Geoffrey: What Exactly is the Skokie Ditch?
| Erica Gunderson
Geoffrey Baer answers viewer questions about Chicago's North suburban neighbors in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.
Crain’s Roundup: Book a Hotel to Get ‘Hamilton’ Tickets
| Alexandra Silets
Crain’s Chicago Business managing editor Ann Dwyer reports on a less conventional way to get those hot “Hamilton” tickets, the newest bank acquisitions in town and changes to the clothing startup Trunk Club.
Study: Program for At-Risk Youth Cuts Arrests by 35 Percent
| Nick Blumberg
A new study finds a program that works with at-risk young men in Chicago reduced overall arrests in the group by 35 percent, violent crime arrests by 50 percent and boosted on-time high school graduation for participants by 19 percent.
1st Summer Harvest Finds Organic Garden Thriving
| Dan Andries
We get a tasty sampling of the first harvest of our garden with organic gardener Jeanne Nolan.
Rauner, Madigan, Cullerton Spar on CPS Funding
| Paris Schutz
The governor and legislative leaders meet on the eve of Wednesday's special session. Was anything resolved on a budget and how much money Chicago Public Schools will receive?
What Can Consumers Expect for 2017 Health Care Premiums?
| Beni Enas
With Obamacare premiums expected to rise, what options do consumers have now?
Mel Brooks Celebrates 90th Birthday
| Marc Vitali
The great Mel Brooks turns 90 on Tuesday. A WTTW11 crew met him in February 2001 when this genuine genius of entertainment was just a babe at 74 years old.
Starting July 1 You Must Be 21 to Buy Tobacco Products in Chicago
| Kristen Thometz
Increasing the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21, the city of Chicago says, will decrease smoking among youth, boost health and save lives.
Bobcat Trapping Ban Still on the Table, Says Lawmaker
| Evan Garcia
An Illinois senator is renewing his call for a proposed ban on bobcat trapping and the sale of the animals' pelts after a reported deal with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fell through.
For Marcia Clark, No Mystery Behind Renewed Interest in OJ Simpson Trial
| Hunter Clauss
It's been more than 20 years since O.J. Simpson was arrested and charged with murder, but there is renewed fascination with his trial–a fact that holds no mystery for Marcia Clark, the former L.A. prosecutor tasked with laying out the case against Simpson in 1995.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Abortion Access Law, Deadlocks on Immigration
| Alexandra Silets
The Supreme Court strikes down Texas abortion restrictions. Former Supreme Court clerks highlight the term's other blockbuster cases.
Witness Cooperation in Murder Cases a Chronic Problem in Chicago
| Brandis Friedman
It's a chronic problem in Chicago: unsolved murder cases. A look at one case, gone three-years cold.
Will Special Session Yield Stopgap Budget, Education Deal?
| Paris Schutz
The state of Illinois is a mere days away from passing the one-year mark without a state budget in place. Could there be a deal reached during a special session scheduled for Wednesday?
CPD: Fear of Retaliation Drives Community Code of Silence
| Brandis Friedman
Unsolved murder cases like that of Marissa Boyd-Stingley are a chronic problem in Chicago. Why are some witnesses unwilling to share information with police? We asked CPD's Chief of Detectives Gene Roy to weigh in.
What Stunning Brexit Vote Means for US
| Dan Andries
The Leave votes have carried the day in what has been called the single most important vote in Europe in the past 50 years. A look at the impact of the referendum which is expected to mark the end of Britain's membership in the European Union.
Viewer Feedback: ‘The People’s Lakefront is Not for Sale’
| Erica Gunderson
We got strong reaction from viewers about George Lucas’ decision to build the Lucas Museum in California. Hear what viewers had to say when read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.
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