Bill Kurtis signs off as scorekeeper and judge on NPR's "Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me!"
Former CBS Chicago anchorman Bill Kurtis has signed off from his role as the judge and scorekeeper on the NPR weekly news quiz show "Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me!"
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Former CBS Chicago anchorman Bill Kurtis has signed off from his role as the judge and scorekeeper on the NPR weekly news quiz show "Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me!"
A man who is best known to generations of Chicagoans as CBS Chicago's principal anchorman will soon be retiring from his latest act on the airwaves.
A man who is best known to generations of Chicagoans as CBS Chicago's principal anchorman will soon be retiring from his second act on the airwaves.
Gene Siskel was the movie critic for Channel 2 News from 1974 until his death in 1999. In these clips from 1978 and 1979, we see some of his lighter moments in the newsroom, and particularly his repartee with anchorman Walter Jacobson.
Thirty years ago this week, temperatures in Chicago hit an all-time record of 106 degrees in a heat wave that ended up being to blame for 739 deaths. This is Channel 2 News coverage of the chain of events from Monday, July 17, through Friday, July 21, documenting the death count rising by the hundred, the criticism levied against Mayor Richard M. Daley as officials were caught by surprise, and air conditioner repair scams that cropped up amid the heat.
On July 12, 1995, the ribbon was cut for Navy Pier as it reopened as a top tourist destination. Christine Doyle reports on the spectacle, and Bill Kurtis takes a ride on the newly opened first Navy Pier Ferris wheel.
These are highlight clips of live coverage from Bill Kurtis, Walter Jacobson, and the Channel 2 News team of Pope John Paul II's visit to Chicago in October 1979, including a prayer service at Holy Name Cathedral where Luciano Pavarotti sang "Ave Maria," and of course, the pope's open-air mass in Grant Park. Original airdates: Oct. 4-5, 1979.
On April 20, 1981, Spanish Catalan artist Joan Miró's famous Chicago sculpture was unveiled next to what is now called the Cook County Administration Building. Before the unveiling, renowned Channel 2 anchorman Bill Kurtis visited with the soon-to-be-88-year-old Miró at his home in Majorca, Spain. After presenting Miró with some gifts on behalf of the City of Chicago, Kurtis asked the artist through an interpreter about his inspiration, his impressions of Chicago, what he hoped people would take away from his sculpture, and other topics. Taping date: March 26, 1981.
If the first televised debate had not happened between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon in 1960, what might have been different? Bill Kurtis has final thoughts in the 1985 documentary "The Great Debate."
Vice President Richard Nixon struggled with the appearance of a five o'clock shadow, a pale appearance, and other problems during the first televised presidential debate on Sept. 26, 1960, while observers said Sen. John F. Kennedy looked confident in front of the cameras. Bill Kurtis reports in this second part of the 1985 special "The Great Debate."
Sen. John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard M. Nixon participated the first ever televised debate on Sept. 26, 1960 at the old CBS Chicago studios. Bill Kurtis reports on the history of politics and broadcasting, and what had happened in the Nixon and Kennedy campaigns leading up to that moment, in the first part of this 1985 documentary, "The Great Debate."
Richard Speck had no shame about killing eight young women in 1966, and his comments on a 1988 videotape may have shed light on what was going on his mind. Bill Kurtis reports in this fifth segment of "Richard Speck Speaks." This report first aired Thursday, May 9, 1996 on the Channel 2 News at 10 p.m.
In this fourth segment of the six-part series "Richard Speck Speaks," Bill Kurtis reports on a videotape obtained by CBS Chicago, showing killer Richard Speck and a cellmate at Stateville Prison in 1988. The tape showed sexual acts, drug use, and hedonism. Viewer discretion is advised. This report first aired Wednesday, May 8, 1996 on the Channel 2 News at 10 p.m.
In this third segment of the six-part series "Richard Speck Speaks," Bill Kurtis looks back at the manhunt for Speck after he murdered eight student nurses in Chicago in 1966, and examines Speck's comments on the case in a 1988 videotape recorded at Stateville Prison. This report first aired Tuesday, May 7, 1996 on the Channel 2 News at 10 p.m.
In this second segment of the six-part series "Richard Speck Speaks," Bill Kurtis reports on the Speck's cold-blooded confession as it appears a videocassette recorded at Stateville Prison in 1988. This report first aired Monday, May 6, 1996 on the Channel 2 News at 10 p.m.
In this first segment of the six-part series "Richard Speck Speaks," Bill Kurtis recounts how Speck heinously murdered of eight student nurses in Chicago in 1966. This report first aired Sunday, May 5, 1996 on the Channel 2 News at 10 p.m.
CBS 2's Bill Kurtis has final thoughts to the people who were there for the unrest during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
CBS 2's Bill Kurtis talks to the people who were there about the characterization of the unrest during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago as a 'police riot,' and about the Chicago 7 Trial in this 1988 documentary.
CBS 2's Bill Kurtis talks to the people who were there for the unrest during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
CBS 2's Bill Kurtis talks to the people who were there for the unrest during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
In Part 1 of this 1988 documentary, CBS 2's Bill Kurtis has a look back at the tension and unrest that boiled over during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, along with a montage of video from that time.
The Democratic National Convention was last held in Chicago in 1996, when President Bill Clinton was renominated. Lester Holt and Linda MacLennan anchor from the United Center, with live reports by Bill Kurtis, Mike Flannery, and Jay Levine.
This is CBS 2's coverage of the death of Mayor Harold Washington on Nov. 25, 1987. Bill Kurtis and Walter Jacobson anchor from our old newsroom at 630 N. McClurg Ct., and Jim Avila reports from Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
CBS 2 provided extended coverage of the 1992 Great Chicago Flood and its aftermath throughout the ensuing week.
The sense of the city being brought to its knees was so profound at the time of the Great Chicago Flood of 1992 that it drew comparisons to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. CBS 2's Bill Kurtis reports.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker held a ceremony for the signing of three bills to strengthen protections for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans on Sunday morning.
Chicago police this weekend were warning people about a string of robberies on the city's South Side.
A man was shot and wounded early Sunday in Chicago's West Ridge community.
A man was left in critical condition after being shot while walking in Chicago's River North district early Sunday morning.
A woman was killed and two men were injured in a head-on crash in Chicago's Jackson Park early Sunday morning.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker held a ceremony for the signing of three bills to strengthen protections for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans on Sunday morning.
Fourteen new laws will go into effect in Illinois on July 1, 2026.
Prediction market Kalshi sued Illinois on Tuesday, seeking to block new taxes and license requirements set to take effect July 1.
The U.S. military says it hit Iranian targets over Iran's drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first American strikes on Iran since the two countries formally agreed to extend a ceasefire last week.
Led by Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, a group of Senate Democrats suggested the Justice Department violated its internal policies with the creation of the "anti-weaponization" fund.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday signed several new consumer protections into law, including a ban on junk fees.
CBS News Chicago has learned that Illinois home insurance premiums are not only higher than the nation's average, but going up faster too.
As an alternative to legalizing video gambling terminals citywide, Bally's offered to open slot machine lounges at O'Hare and Midway, saying the move would replace the $6.8 million the city budgeted from VGTs.
An Illinois law banning "swipe fees" on taxes and tips — already delayed twice by lawmakers — appears to be on life support after a federal judge that once permitted it issued a permanent injunction against it this week.
A new study from the Cook County Treasurer's office underlines growing concerns about the impact the Illinois megaprojects bill could have on the county's property tax base and overall fiscal health.
The north Chicago suburb of Glenview became the latest Illinois municipality this week to confirm mosquitoes testing positive for the West Nile virus this year.
Environmental and community groups are suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to act on a petition challenging U.S. Steel Gary Works operating permit renewal.
In the four years since Roe v. Wade was overturned and Illinois became a destination for abortion care, Illinois providers and advocates have rebuilt the state's infrastructure to support the tens of thousands of people who travel to the state for abortion services every year.
June is National Aphasia Awareness Month, raising awareness of a disorder that affects a person's ability to speak, write, and understand both spoken and written language.
The Chicago Department of Public Health issued a warning Tuesday about a possible measles exposure at O'Hare International Airport.
As an alternative to legalizing video gambling terminals citywide, Bally's offered to open slot machine lounges at O'Hare and Midway, saying the move would replace the $6.8 million the city budgeted from VGTs.
Daley's Restaurant, known as Chicago's oldest, has served Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood for more than 130 years.
Walgreens is set to close in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood on Thursday, and there's growing concern about where families will get their medications.
The owners of Gene & Georgetti steakhouse are suing a concessions operator over their expansion at Midway International Airport.
DraftKings announced Monday that it is closing its sportsbook operation at Wrigley Field after only about two years.
Lionel Richie's Chicago concert at the United Center has been postponed after the singer became sick at his tour opener in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Legendary musician Lionel Richie had to cut his performance short Wednesday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, leaving fans with many questions.
Clive Davis helped shape the careers of music stars including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen and Whitney Houston.
Claude Guillemot and a flight instructor were flying in a twin-motor Cessna 421 on Friday evening. An investigation into the crash is underway.
James Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of television, including every episode of the original "Will & Grace."
A new era for Northwestern football is set to begin this fall, when its new state-of-the-art stadium opens. Matt Zahn reports.
The Chicago Bulls on Friday introduced rookies Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, their two first-round picks from Tuesday’s draft.
The U.S. and Iran exchanged more strikes this weekend while issuing aggressive threats. Wendy Gillette reports.
Suzanne Le Mignot got to try some delectable food items at a James Beard Awards event, while Mary Kay Kleist shows us the Balloonfest in Howell, Michigan.
A man was shot and wounded early Sunday in Chicago's West Ridge community.
Hundreds of thousands will line Halsted Street, Belmont Avenue, Broadway, and Diversey Parkway on Sunday for the Chicago Pride Parade.
Chicago's 2026 Pride Parade steps off Sunday on the North Side. Before heading to the parade, here's what you need to know.
A woman was killed and two men were injured in a head-on crash in Chicago's Jackson Park early Sunday morning.
A man was left in critical condition after being shot while walking in Chicago's River North district early Sunday morning.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker held a ceremony for the signing of three bills to strengthen protections for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans on Sunday morning.
An Uber driver who was assaulted during a ride said he begged Chicago police officers not once but twice for help, but was left to fend for himself.
CBS News Chicago has learned that Illinois home insurance premiums are not only higher than the nation's average, but going up faster too.
The Cook County Sheriff's Office has been a part of Illinois' enhanced CTA security plan and state-led task force dedicated to making it safe since the end of March. Their officers have worked more than 4,000 hours a month.
A rideshare driver was shot in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood on Monday night.
After a violent holiday weekend, Chicago city leaders are expected to announce new support for a dedicated Department of Gun Violence Prevention.
Seiya Suzuki and Michael Conforto also homered for the Cubs, who moved 6 1/2 games behind the NL Central-leading Brewers, who had won the first four meetings between the teams this season.
A lot of the work to make the new stadium iconic has already been completed or is well in progress, from the giant video board to the loads of food and drink options.
The White Sox earned their 17th one-run victory this season.
The Sky also surpassed the franchise record for points in a game of 114, with Jacy Sheldon's fourth-quarter layup breaking the mark.
A Chicago teacher is hard at work on his quest to visit every NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision stadium in America, while also strengthening bonds between the sports world and the LGBTQ+ community.
Chicago police this weekend were warning people about a string of robberies on the city's South Side.
A man was shot and wounded early Sunday in Chicago's West Ridge community.
A man was left in critical condition after being shot while walking in Chicago's River North district early Sunday morning.
A 20-year-old Chicago man is accused of being the administrator of a Signal messaging group that was allegedly planning a terrorist attack on the UFC event at the White House.
Two people are dead after they were found shot behind a residential building in the Dunning community on Chicago's Northwest Side Thursday afternoon.
