Stories by WTTW News

We explore the art of politics when we go inside a new exhibit that offers a visual history of the Obama Presidential campaign. Officially Unofficial: Inspired Art for Obama

Did you know you could barbecue your dessert? PBS grill guru Steven Raichlen is here with his tips for some unusual and tasty dishes to cook over an open flame. Barbecue Bible

Students at one local university are getting a kind of "free ride," one that could also help the environment. Christian Farr tells us more about bike sharing. OYBike St. Xavier University City of Chicago Department of Transportation JCDecaux

We hear what you had to say about some of our recent stories when we read our viewer mail.

Tonight's panel discusses the week's top headlines: The swine flu strikes Illinois; President Obama marks 100 days in office; Chris Kennedy reportedly ponders a Senate race; the local real estate market shows some signs of life; the Bulls force Game 7 against the Celtics after a thrilling triple-overtime victory; and the Blackhawks go deep into the playoffs against the Vancouver Canucks. Guests:

John sits down with our very own Elizabeth Brackett to talk about her new book, "Pay to Play: How Rod Blagojevich Turned Political Corruption Into a National Sideshow."

More than 100 cases of swine flu have been reported in the United States, now including 17 probable cases in Illinois. Eddie Arruza and his panel discuss whether or not Chicagoans should fear the worst, or if the threat posed by the spread of swine flu is over-hyped and over-reported by the media. Swine Flu: Lessons from a Familiar Enemy

One Chicagoan's desire to feed the homeless turned into a giant food and job training institution. It also landed her a commercial that was seen in front of an estimated 36 million people nationwide. We take you inside a Chicago restaurant that feeds paying and non-paying customers alike. Inspiration Corporation

Did the St. Mary of the Lake Church in Uptown at one time sit on the lakefront? We find out when Chicago architecture expert Geoffrey Baer answers this question and more in tonight's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

From parades to festivals, this weekend is stocked with things to do. Laura Baginski of Time Out Chicago joins us with the details. Art Chicago 2009 Big Swap Bonanza Polish Constitution Day Parade Cinco de Mayo Parade Arlington Park

Dorothy from the touring company of "The Wizard of Oz" performs live in our studio...with Toto, too!

We hear what you had to say about some of our recent stories when we read our viewer mail.

Leaders and health officials, including Gov. Quinn, Mayor Daley, and CPS Chief Ron Huberman, held a press conference today to address the H1N1 virus outbreak.

On his 100th day in office, President Obama addresses the nation tonight in his third primetime news conference. Economic issues are sure to be front and center as he looks back on the accomplishments of his time in office. The president is also expected to discuss his administration's plan to combat the swine flu outbreak. We carry his remarks live.

President Obama's first 100 days in office have been filled with plenty of challenges. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel grade the commander-in-chief.

Governor Quinn's government reform commission issued its recommendations today. Rich Samuels tells us why transforming them into law could be a struggle. Illinois Reform Commission 100 Day Report

We meet a doctor whose innovative methods to train surgeons are changing the game at Northwestern University, and at more than a hundred other schools.

What is a young adult to do with his or her finances during these tough economic times? New York Times bestselling author Beth Kobliner offers her thoughts.

28-year-old music sensation Josh Groban is in the studio to talk about his upcoming appearance on WTTW's Soundstage.

The Grapes of Wrath is now on stage at Chicago's Infamous Commonwealth Theatre, and Hedy Weiss is here with her "highly recommended" review of this profoundly painful and particularly timely play.

Vice President Joe Biden visited Chicago today, plugging the Obama administration's economic stimulus package as he toured the former Republic Windows and Doors plant and spoke at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Rich Samuels was with the vice president and has more on his visit.

Carol Marin will sit down with city health officials to find out more about this new lethal strain of swine flu and what we can do to protect ourselves.

Local real estate agents have been in a better mood lately as March home sales in Illinois posted their second consecutive month-over-month gain. Is the frigid real estate market finally thawing out? Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 joins us with the very latest business news.

A Chicago professor serves up some tasty observations in a new book about one of the world's favorite convenience foods. Hot Dog: A Global History Bruce Kraig will read and lecture from "Hot Dog: A Global History" at Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd Floor Congress Lounge on Wed. April 29 from 4:30-6:00 pm. The public is invited to attend.

The economic downturn has forced several non-profit organizations to make some tough decisions when it comes to serving the public. We take a look at how some groups in Chicago are surviving and making plans to stay afloat should the economy worsen.

The Goodman Theatre's production of "Desire Under the Elms" opens tonight on Broadway in New York. We take a look at Hedy Weiss's interview with star Brian Dennehy and director Robert Falls.