Ask Geoffrey

Ask Geoffrey

Our resident Chicago expert Geoffrey Baer answers your questions, including one about the painted forest in Lincoln Park.

• "Painted Forest"
• 22 E. Jackson

Arts & Entertainment

Billy Goat Tavern Turns 75

Elizabeth Brackett reports on the popular Chicago institution's 75 years of serving "cheezborgers" to Chicago.

• Billy Goat Tavern

Business

Walmart

What effect has Chicago's lone Walmart had on the local economy? As the debate for more Walmarts in the city heats up, we show you what a new study says.

• "The Impact of an Urban Walmart Store on Area Businesses: An Evaluation of One Chicago Neighborhood's Experience"

Politics

News Analysis: Lawmakers

What will it take to get Springfield's attention about the dire state of Illinois' budget? Eddie Arruza sits down with a panel of legislators, who give us their take on what can, and should, be done.

• Contact Your Legislators

Arts & Entertainment

Snowstorm

Jay Shefsky goes outside to look at the tribulations and joy brought by the snowstorm.

Live Music Wednesday

Live Music Wednesday: Coloratura Elizabeth Futral

Coloratura Elizabeth Futral is an internationally acclaimed soprano with Chicago roots. She's currently on stage at Lyric Opera and she performs live in our studio.

• The Merry Widow at Lyric Opera

Education

Twitterature

The Twitter generation meets literary classics and creates "Twitterature." We talk to some University of Chicago students who have written a book that will make you tweet for mercy.

Arts & Entertainment

Kerry James Marshall

Praised for his paintings, a renowned Chicago artist goes back to the drawing board to create a comic strip.

• Kerry James Marshall at the Smart Museum

Politics

Transportation Discrimination Lawsuit

Elizabeth Brackett has the latest on a lawsuit filed today that claims Illinois' way of funding mass transit is discriminating against blacks and Hispanics.

Politics

Lisa Madigan on Asian Carp

Can Michigan and other Midwest states actually sue Illinois to halt the spread of Asian carp to the Great Lakes? Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says they can't, and she tells us why.

• Asian carp lawsuit filed against Illinois
• Attorney General Madigan's response to Asian carp lawsuit