Stories by WTTW News

A new program launching in Chicago sends working artists into communities that don't ordinarily see such luxuries. We meet one musician whose job description goes way beyond just teaching music.

There's a myth that new cars can come with a three-day "cooling off" contract for buyers. We talk to Chicago Sun-Times "Fixer" Stephanie Zimmermann about what is driving those rumors. Better Business Bureau Annual Credit Report Read The Fixer's column

His voice was synonymous with Chicago area motor sports. Jan Gabriel died yesterday. We revisit our 2004 profile of this master showman.

Tonight's panel discusses the week's top headlines: the Chicago Sun-Times endorses Governor Quinn in the upcoming primary election; the University of Illinois is in a major cash crunch; a lawsuit claims that the CTA's funding formula is racist; many McPier employees are making six-figure salaries as conventions flock from pricey McCormick Place; the Bears stand by beleaguered head coach Lovie Smith; and Cubs legend Andre Dawson is heading to the Hall of Fame. Guests:

Eddie Arruza sits down with Carl Kasell, the official judge and scorekeeper on National Public Radio's hit news trivia show, "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!"

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

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

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"

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

Our resident Chicago expert Geoffrey Baer answers your questions, including one about the painted forest in Lincoln Park. "Painted Forest" 22 E. Jackson

We preview Eddie Arruza's "Friday Night Show" interview with Carl Kasell, official judge and scorekeeper for National Public Radio's hit news trivia show "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!"

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

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

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

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

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.

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

We learn about how people in need are getting help quickly with fast-track food stamps. "Hunger in America 2010" -- Feeding America study Food Stamp/SNAP Outreach -- Greater Chicago Food Depository

Elizabeth Brackett and her panel examine how health care reform could affect you, and what's likely to be included in a final bill. Compare the Senate and House health Reform Bills -- PBS NewsHour

We find out how an old abandoned Chicago industrial field is being transformed into the nation's largest urban solar power plant.

Bears coach Lovie Smith survived a disastrous season despite resounding calls for his firing. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner wasn't as lucky. We take a look at the Bears future.

95 years ago, a primitive submarine was raised from the bottom of the Chicago River. We explore this little-known Chicago mystery. Watch the Foolkiller Slideshow

You make so many changes for the New Year, why not also update what's in your glass? Master Sommelier and Check, Please! host Alpana Singh joins us with wine recommendations for 2010.

We meet the master photographer who has captured her hometown for half a century. Barbara Crane Barbara Crane exhibit

If you go bowling in Illinois, there's a new state law that could affect you. Eddie Arruza reviews some of the new laws that went into effect on January 1st.

The failed terrorist attack aboard a plane on Christmas Day has sparked plenty of questions about airport security and why it has taken so long to implement some of the key recommendations by the 9/11 Commission. Carol Marin sits down with former governor Jim Thompson, one of its members. Read the 9/11 Commission Report 9/11 Commission Report Recommendations