Maps are more convenient than ever for finding the shortest route to your dinner reservation, but what do they tell us about the history of our city and state?
Stories by alexandra silets
In ‘Charged,’ Journalist Looks at Role of Prosecutors in Mass Incarceration
A conversation with Emily Bazelon, an investigative journalist at the New York Times Magazine whose new book takes a hard look at how prosecutors contribute to overcharging and mass incarceration.
Controversial Proposal Would Require Corporate Board Diversity
Should the state require corporate boards of publicly held companies like McDonald’s and Boeing to seat women and African Americans? We discuss the proposal and whether it passes legal muster.
The Hatchery Chicago Cooking Up Food and Jobs on the West Side
There’s a new business incubator in Chicago that's cooking up some innovative food products on the West Side. And it’s the home for a culinary wizard’s passion project.
New Documentary ‘Boss’ Explores Black Business in America
The PBS film features stories from a number of African-American entrepreneurs, including several Chicagoans who played key roles in various industries, from journalist Ida B. Wells to publisher John H. Johnson.
A Look at the Massive ‘One Central’ Development Proposed Near Soldier Field
A new study estimates that the proposed One Central development near Soldier Field would create 210,000 permanent jobs and generate $120 billion in taxes over 40 years.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Mueller Report’s Chicago Connections
Paris Schutz and guests discuss Chicago’s connections to the Mueller report, including the confirmation that the Illinois State Board of Elections was compromised in the 2016 election.
The Week in Review: Foxx Faces Heat in Smollett Case
Texts raise questions about Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s involvement in the Jussie Smollett case. The final aldermanic votes have been tallied. And a lawsuit seeks to stop the Lincoln Yards project.
Rebuilding Notre Dame a ‘National Project’ for France
A fire has devastated the 850-year-old cathedral in Paris. What will it take to rebuild the iconic structure? Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin joins us in discussion.
Best-Selling Author Shares Planner for Life’s Biggest Eventuality: Death
Author and journalist Katy Butler tells us about her new book, “The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life.”
Chicago School Board: Better to Elect or Appoint?
There’s a grassroots push for an elected school board in Chicago, but how would a move away from an appointed board impact students? We discuss the pros and cons with Jesse Sharkey and Rufus Williams.
Loyola Basketball: A History of Remarkable Ramblers Teams
Longtime Chicago sportswriter Fred Mitchell tells us about his new book as we look back at the Loyola Ramblers’ magical season – just one year ago – when they went all the way to the Final Four.
New Biography of Ernie Banks Goes Beyond Legend of Mr. Cub
Behind the good cheer, Ernie Banks hid a melancholy and lonely man. We talk with Ron Rapoport, the author of “Let’s Play Two,” a new biography about Mr. Cub.
Hometown Architect Jeanne Gang Lands O’Hare Project
A new global terminal at O’Hare will be filled with light, wood and trees. We take a closer look at the winning design and discuss the future of airport travel.
Mayoral Candidate Forum: Lightfoot vs. Preckwinkle
Mayoral candidates Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle join us for a special edition of “Chicago Tonight” moderated by Phil Ponce and featuring a live studio audience. Watch the full video online.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: College Admissions Scandal
Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the college admissions scandal that has ensnared some of the nation’s top schools and dozens of parents.
The Week in Review: Mayoral Candidates Rack Up Endorsements
Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle battle for votes ahead of the runoff election. Mayor Rahm Emanuel gets his way on two controversial projects. CSO musicians trade instruments for picket signs. And Boeing’s very bit 737 problem.
16th Ward Candidate Forum: Incumbent Ald. Toni Foulkes
We launch our aldermanic runoff forums with a reprise of the 2015 matchup in the 16th Ward between Stephanie Coleman and incumbent Ald. Toni Foulkes.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Pritzker’s ‘Fair Tax’ Plan
Brandis Friedman and guests discuss the details of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s graduated income tax plan, as businesses and Republicans cry foul at higher taxes for millionaires.
The Week in Review: Mayoral Runoff Election Heats Up
Sparks fly in the first mayoral runoff forum. Courts deliver bad news for politicians and R. Kelly. Former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock beats his charges. And the Lincoln Yards development nears a full City Council vote.
Chicago Planning Commissioner David Reifman on Making Big Plans
Affordable housing, neighborhood overcrowding and transparency over TIF funds are dogging the massive Lincoln Yards proposal. The latest on that and other big development projects.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Impact of Mayoral Forums, Media Coverage
Eddie Arruza and guests discuss whether the dozens of mayoral forums hurt or helped voters make decisions.
The Week in Review: Lightfoot, Preckwinkle Head into Historic Runoff
Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle will face off in a historic mayoral runoff. Surprises in several aldermanic races. And what role will identity politics play in the election?
Illinois Joins Lawsuit Against Trump’s Emergency Wall Declaration
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined his counterparts in 15 other states in a lawsuit against the Trump administration for declaring a national emergency to build a wall on the southern U.S. border.
Mayoral Candidate Forum: Daley, Mendoza, Preckwinkle, Vallas, Wilson
Join us Monday at 7 p.m. for the second of three mayoral candidate forums, moderated by Phil Ponce. Watch on WTTW11 or live on our website, Facebook and YouTube.
FDA Assessing Risks of Vaginal Mesh Amid Thousands of Lawsuits
More than 100,000 women are suing manufacturers over painful complications from surgical mesh, which is implanted in the vaginal wall to treat urinary incontinence and other health issues.
