Illinois companies are moving the markets this week because of their global presence.

Meet a master of Chicago boogie-woogie blues. Piano man Erwin Helfer pounds the keys and provides a lesson in local music history.

The city unveils a draft of its first cultural plan in 25 years. We talk with the woman behind this ambitious plan to boost Chicago's arts scene.

Chicago Public Schools will hire nearly 500 teachers to accommodate a longer day for students. What does this mean for students and teachers? Paris Schutz has the latest.

Chicago food trucks soon may be able to cook on board, but would still have to keep away from restaurants. We hear from both sides.

Northwestern University president Morty Schapiro defends his belief that college is “the best investment of your life.”

A new Zillow report says the housing market has hit bottom, but is it the bottom? We discuss with Deal Estate's Dennis Rodkin.

The Pop Art paintings of Roy Lichtenstein make a rare appearance at The Art Institute. We get a preview.

Take the locavore food movement a step further into your cocktail. Check Please! Host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh joins us with answers to your questions about wine, beer and spirits.

The city of Chicago settled two huge torture cases Monday connected to former police commander Jon Burge. Chicago's finance committee decided to pay a total of $7.1 million in the settlements. Carol Marin has the latest.

Are Charter Schools a shining example for the future-- or a budget busting waste of money?  As contract talks intensify between the Chicago Public Schools and its teachers, we take up that debate.

Jury selection begins today in the murder trial of Chicago suburb police officer Drew Peterson, charged with murdering his third wife in

The Colorado shootings spark a national debate about guns. Closer to home, local gun laws are undergoing major revision. Are they strong enough to prevent a similar tragedy? Paris Schutz reports.

He's the top ranked windsurfer in the country and the first Chicagoan ever to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team. Ash-har Quraishi catches up with first-time Olympian, Bob Willis.

The Eisenhower expressway narrows to three lanes in Oak Park, but why? Geoffrey Baer tells us more in this week's Ask Geoffrey.