Stories by WTTW News

For the first time in 10 years—and only the second time ever—Lyric Opera of Chicago is opening up its closets and putting more than 3,000 costumes used in dozens of operas up for sale. Get a preview on Chicago Tonight.

The Organic Gardener Jeanne Nolan is back with an update on the WTTW Garden.

It was 35 years ago that Jane Byrne pulled off the most stunning political upset in Chicago history.

Did a Chicago police officer unjustifiably kill an unarmed man? Surveillance video and phone transcripts raise new questions as police-involved shootings come under fire.

With Home Depot just the latest high profile company to fall victim to hackers, just how safe is it to use your credit card? 

The BGA assesses how many promises Mayor Rahm Emanuel kept during his first term.

A movement to get more people with criminal convictions back to work comes to Illinois.

We discuss the highs and lows of the speed limit debate with our panel.

Geoffrey Baer discovers mobbed-up macaroni makers, a boat launch that's gone to the dogs, and a beautiful reminder.

Chicago Tonight invited Jim Oberweis, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, to appear on tonight’s show, but he declined our invitation.

The first day of school is complete for Chicago Public Schools students. CPS and the mayor's office say they plan to build on what they see as last year's successes. Brandis Friedman breaks down the city's plans.

As the latest polls show the race between Sen.  Dick Durbin and his challenger Jim Oberweis tightening, the long-serving Illinois senator joins us to discuss the Senate race, congressional dysfunction, and other hot-button issues.

As Labor Day passes, the campaigns for governor are accelerating into full gear. Paris Schutz has the latest.

According to the real estate rumor mill, pharma giant Baxter International may be moving out of Illinois. What does this mean for the state and its workforce?

The photographer Wallace Kirkland was a late bloomer who started his career as a social worker at the Hull House settlement in Chicago. He took a winding path in an artistic career that led him from Jamaica to India and around the world – all the while photographing Chicago people and places. 

We explore Chicago as a terminal town from 1939 until present day, with author Joseph P. Schwieterman.

For nearly 100 years, the Chicago Urban League has been creating opportunities within the African American community.

A jazz festival, the North Coast Music Festival, and a fair for all things reused and recycled; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

Joel Weisman and his panel continue their conversation about Jackie Robinson West little league championship. 

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss this week’s headlines.

Chicago’s predominantly-white River North neighborhood was the scene of a candlelight protest to promote racial diversity.

On the day Police Cmdr. Glenn Evans is charged with official misconduct and aggravated battery for allegedly putting the barrel of a gun in a suspect’s mouth, we talk to WBEZ editor Derek John about how they broke the story of the alleged misconduct.

Millions of passengers travel through O'Hare every year, but dozens of burros, goats, and llamas call the airport home. Why? Paris Schutz explains.

To kick off the college football season, we talk with an author about the sport's past and connection to its present.

Rick Bayless takes Eddie Arruza on a tour of his Bucktown garden. Bayless uses many of the crops he grows in his backyard in his restaurants and at home. With fall around the corner, Bayless prepares a seasonal dish using vegetables from his garden. 

We explore one of the city's largest and oldest neighborhood festivals.