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Spotlight Politics: More Madigan #MeToo Fallout

The fallout from an explosive story involving a top ally of House Speaker Michael Madigan. Our politics team digs into that story and more in our weekly roundtable.

Illinois Lawmakers Spar over Property Tax Relief

A bipartisan task force was established last spring to tackle the issue of the state’s high property taxes. But that task force is now being attacked by Republicans, who say their ideas and contributions have been ignored. Is that the case?

US, Iran Step Back from the Brink; Region Still on Edge

The U.S. and Iran stepped back from the brink of possible war on Wednesday as President Donald Trump signaled he would not retaliate militarily for Iran’s missile strikes on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. 

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Jan. 9-12

Winter beers, bucking bulls, a pants-free CTA ride, vegan fare and comedy sketches usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Police Oversight is Widespread in the US. But is it Effective?

Sharon Fairley, the former head of Chicago’s civilian police oversight agency, talks about the findings of a new survey and breaking the cycle of scandal, reform, repeat.

Crain’s Headlines: Grubhub Shares Rise 15% Amid Talk of a Sale

Grubhub’s stock rose Wednesday following unconfirmed reports that the Chicago-based restaurant delivery company is considering a sale.

New WTTW Partnership with Free Spirit Media Promotes Media Literacy

How an After School Matters program is helping Chicago students discover their passion for storytelling.

Lawsuit: Doctor Fired After Blowing Whistle on Medicare Fraud, Other Violations

A Chicago doctor is suing her former employer, claiming she faced retaliation and was ultimately fired after blowing the whistle on alleged cost-cutting practices that she says put patients at risk.

Man Who Claimed to be Missing Aurora Boy Gets 2 Years in Prison

An Ohio man who claimed to be a child who disappeared at age 6 pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated identity theft and will serve two years in prison, minus time served.

January 8, 2020 - Full Show

Watch the Jan. 8, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Cancer Group Finds Biggest One-Year Drop in US Death Rate

Researchers on Wednesday reported the largest-ever one-year decline in the U.S. cancer death rate, a drop they credited to advances in lung-tumor treatments.

Iran Strikes Back at US With Missile Attack at Bases in Iraq

Iran struck back at the United States early on Wednesday for killing its most powerful military commander, firing a barrage of ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases that house American troops.

How Safe are Legal Marijuana Vaping Products in Illinois?

A deadly outbreak of vaping illnesses has been linked to black market products containing THC. But similar products are now sold legally at cannabis dispensaries across Illinois. Are they safe?

High School Course Offers New Approach to Financial Literacy

Illinois is one of 22 states that does not require high school students to take a financial literacy course, but a new high school curriculum is now being used in Illinois and nine other states. We learn about finEDge.

Impeachment Battle Resumes as Bolton Says He’s Willing to Testify

After a two-week recess, the battle over President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial has resumed, but former national security adviser John Bolton’s announcement that he would be willing to testify before a Senate trial may have changed the dynamics of the fight.

Trump Pressed to Detail What Prompted Strike on Iran General

President Donald Trump and his top advisers are under pressure to disclose more details about the intelligence that led to an American airstrike that killed top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

McConnell: GOP Will Start Impeachment Trial, Delay Witnesses

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday he has secured the Republican votes needed to start President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial and postpone a decision on witnesses or documents that Democrats want. 

Crain’s Headlines: Chicago Among Best-Paying Cities in US

Chicago is among the top 10 best-paying metro areas in the nation. That’s according to new research just published by U.S. News & World Report.

State Legislators Search for Answers After Bombshell Isolation Room Report

Advocates and educators spoke in Chicago on Tuesday, hoping to give state leaders a better sense of what must be done to address student isolation and seclusion in Illinois schools.

Commercial Photographer’s Archive Shows Passion for People

When he died in 2011, Chicago photographer Dorrell Creightney left behind half a million photos. His work is not well known, but his daughters are on a mission to change that.

‘American Medina’ Shares Personal Stories of Muslim Chicagoans

An exhibit at the Chicago History Museum highlights the experiences of Muslims in Chicago through audio interviews, photographs, videos, artwork, maps and everyday objects. We go for a look.

January 7, 2020 - Full Show

Watch the Jan. 7, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Lightfoot’s Transportation Commissioner Nominee Headed for Council Approval

A key City Council committee on Tuesday approved the nomination of Gia Biagi, Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s pick to lead the Chicago Department of Transportation.

In a 24/7 Food Culture, Periodic Fasting Gains Followers

A diet that forbids eating for hours on end might seem doomed in a culture where food is constantly available, but apps and Facebook groups are popping up for people practicing “intermittent fasting.”

Boeing’s Checklist of 737 Max Fixes Grows with Wiring Issue

The list of items Boeing could be forced to fix before federal safety officials let the grounded 737 Max airliner fly again has grown to include a problem with electrical wiring used for the plane’s controls.

How Climate Change, Other Factors Stoke Australia Fires

Australia’s unprecedented wildfires are supercharged thanks to climate change, the type of trees catching fire and weather, experts say. Here are a few questions and answers about the science behind them.
 

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