Stories by crystin immel

NFL Draft Goes Virtual: What Are the Bears Biggest Needs?

The coronavirus pandemic has brought much of the world to a screeching halt, but it hasn’t been able to stop the NFL’s draft clock. We get a preview with former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams.

Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Dec. 30, 2019. (WTTW News)

As Bears Season Ends, Team Looks Ahead to Future

The Chicago Bears (8-8) wrapped up their season Sunday with a 21-19 win over the Minnesota Vikings. We review the season’s highs and lows with former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams.

Bears Face NFC North Rival Vikings in Season Finale

The Bears look to end a disappointing season on a high note with a win over the Vikings. Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams gives us his take.

Bears Face the Chiefs in Lackluster Soldier Field Finale

With the Bears’ playoff hopes dashed, can they at least end their final home game on a high note? Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams gives us his take.

Bears, Packers Meet for 200th Time as Both Teams Eye the Playoffs

It may be the best rivalry in all of sports. Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams joins us to preview the 200th meeting of the Bears and Packers.

Bears vs. Cowboys Preview: Chicago Hopes to Gain Ground in Playoff Picture

Can the Bears actually make a playoff push? Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams joins us to preview their matchup with the Cowboys.

Bears vs. Lions Preview: Thanksgiving Day Matchup for Divisional Rivals

Will it be feast or famine for the Bears when they play the Lions on Thursday? Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams gives us three key takes on what the Bears need to do to win.

Bears Hope to Rebound Against 2-Win Giants

Is there still hope for the Chicago Bears? Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams joins us to preview their matchup with the New York Giants on Sunday.

Bears vs. Rams Preview: 2 Teams with Unfinished Business

The Chicago Bears (4-5) look to get back on track when they face the Los Angeles Rams (5-4) on Sunday Night Football. Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams gives us a preview.

Bears, Lions Hope to Salvage Seasons in Divisional Showdown

The Chicago Bears (3-5) look to snap a four-game losing streak when they face the Detroit Lions (3-4-1) on Sunday. Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams gives us a preview.

Bears Face Eagles in Rematch of Playoff Loss

The Chicago Bears (3-4) take on the Philadelphia Eagles (4-4) on Sunday in a rematch of last season’s playoff game. Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams gives us a preview.

Bears Look to Jump-Start Offense Against Chargers

Is there a spark of life yet in the Bears? Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams previews the team’s matchup with the Chargers on Sunday. 

Bears vs. Saints: Trubisky May Return, But Injuries Mount

The Chicago Bears host the New Orleans Saints. Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams has a preview.

Bears vs. Raiders: Mack Faces Former Team in London

The Chicago Bears head across the pond for their matchup with the Oakland Raiders. Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams has a preview.

Banged-Up Bears Look to Keep Things Rolling Against Vikings

Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams gives us three key takes on what the Chicago Bears need to do to beat the Minnesota Vikings in week four.

Bears vs. Redskins: Chicago’s Offense Looks to Improve After Slow Start

Can the Bears build on last week’s photo finish? Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams breaks down the Bears chances against the Redskins.

Bears Face Fangio, Broncos in Week 2 Matchup

The Bears head to Denver in search of their first win after a lackluster season opener. Former Bears player James “Big Cat” Williams has this preview.

Bears, Packers Kick Off NFL’s 100th Season Thursday Night

Are the Bears’ kicking woes a thing of the past? Former Bears offensive lineman and WTTW News football analyst James “Big Cat” Williams kicks off the season with a preview of the Bears-Packers showdown.

Studio Gang’s Eleanor Boathouse at Park 571 (Tom Harris Photography / Studio Gang)

10 of the Most Interesting Polling Places in Chicago

If you’re voting on Election Day, odds are you’ll cast your ballot at a church, school, library, or police station. But with more than 2,000 polling precincts across the city, there are a few unexpected polling places in the mix. Here are 10.

Gillian Flynn appears on “Chicago Tonight” on July 12, 2018.

Author Gillian Flynn Talks ‘Sharp Objects,’ #MeToo Movement and More

The Chicago-based, bestselling author of “Gone Girl” talks about her newly adapted HBO miniseries and more.

Loyola Ramblers fans cheer on the team at in Rogers Park bar Bruno’s on Thursday, March 15, 2018.

Loyola Ramblers: Where to Watch Saturday’s Final Four Game

The underdog Ramblers take on the 3rd-seeded Michigan Wolverines on Saturday evening. Where to watch the game in and around Chicago.

‘Making a Murderer’ Defense Attorney on Broken Justice System

One of Steven Avery’s defense attorneys from Netflix’s “Making a Murderer” discusses his new book “Illusion of Justice.”

Brendan Dassey (Tracy Symonds-Keogh / Wikimedia Commons)

State Appeals Brendan Dassey’s Overturned Conviction

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel announced Friday he has filed a notice to appeal a federal judge’s decision to overturn Brendan Dassey’s murder conviction, a case documented in the Netflix series “Making a Murderer.”

Footage from the interrogation of Brendan Dassey, as seen in the Netflix documentary “Making a Murderer.” (Courtesy Netflix)

Attorney for Brendan Dassey of ‘Making a Murderer’ on Overturned Conviction

Brendan Dassey, whose confession to involvement in the murder of Teresa Halbach was depicted in the wildly popular Netflix documentary series “Making a Murderer,” may be released from prison by Thanksgiving. We hear from his post-trial attorney on the judge's ruling.

Steven Avery in the Netflix original documentary series "Making A Murderer." (Courtesy of Netflix, Inc.)

‘Making a Murderer’ Shines Light on False Youth Confessions

Chicago-Based Lawyers for Brendan Dassey Await Judge’s Decision

The two men at the center of the Netflix documentary series, Steven Avery and his nephew Brendan Dassey, are serving lengthy sentences, but one of Dassey's Chicago-based attorneys is questioning the interrogation methods used by the police. He joins us to discuss the series and what’s next for his client.

Illinois Senate Passes Temporary Budget

The Democratic-led Illinois Senate on Wednesday passed the temporary one-month budget by a vote of 39-0 (with 15 voting present) that the House passed last week, but can they override Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto? Amanda Vinicky joins us tonight with the latest updates from Springfield.