Stories by WTTW News

We take a look at fun, funky and completely unexpected words with Jason Riggle, a University of Chicago linguist who cast his vote on a wide spectrum of words that range from the ridiculous to the sublime.

Carol Marin takes a look at the state of the race for Illinois governor with Dave McKinney, Springfield Bureau Chief for the Chicago Sun-Times, Amanda Vinicky, Illinois Public Radio and WUIS Statehouse Bureau Chief, and Mark Anderson, NBC-5 Chicago's Ward Room political blogger.

Gov. Pat Quinn asks for emergency action to protect Illinois residents from petcoke. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

We take a closer look at the international popularity of the PBS megahit Downton Abbey with Rules, Britannia author and BBC America blogger Toni Hargis and Chicago Tribune columnist Eric Zorn.

In tonight's Viewer Feedback, we share your comments on one disabled young man's triumphant story and your thoughts on the Affordable Care Act.

Judy Baar Topinka is running for re-election as Illinois Comptroller in 2014.

Sheila Simon is running against Judy Baar Topinka for Illinois Comptroller in 2014.

Mike Frerichs is throwing his hat in the ring for Illinois Treasurer in 2014.

Bob Grogan is throwing his hat in the ring for Illinois Treasurer in 2014.

Tom Cross is throwing his hat in the ring for Illinois Treasurer in 2014.

Jesse White is Illinois' current Secretary of State.

Paul Schimpf is running against Lisa Madigan for Illinois Attorney General in 2014.

Lisa Madigan is running for reelection as Illinois Attorney General in 2014.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists consider the plea from new U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon for more funding. Watch the web extra conversation.

We take a look at how the Affordable Care Act is doing after the first week enrollees are able to use their coverage.

Zachary Fardon, the successor to Patrick Fitzgerald as U.S. Attorney, speaks out at length for the first time. Watch a web extra video.

Robbie Fulks is a rare country singer based in Chicago. Find out why he’s been compared to everybody from Elvis Costello to Chet Atkins when we talk with Fulks, and hear performances of songs from his new record: “Gone Away Backward” on Chicago’s Bloodshot Records. Read an Artbeat blog and watch a web extra performance.

Chicago legend Frank Thomas was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame today. Watch a 2011 interview with Thomas from our archives.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Father Pfleger and others call for a new "War on Poverty" on the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson's declaration, as Illinois gubernatorial candidates battle each other over the minimum wage. Paris Schutz has the story.

Carol Marin and her guests discuss Chicago Public Schools' announcement of charter school expansion.

Chicago magazine and the Better Government Association break a special report on the rise and fall of Juan Rangel of the United Neighborhood Organization (UNO), and the future of the clout-heavy charter school network. Read an article and view a slideshow.

Misspelled signs are a common sight in Chi-RA-go. Geoffrey Baer shows us a few misspelled signs that have been around town for years in tonight’s Ask Geoffrey.

Deep freeze lifts a little as the Chicago area continues to cope with the cold weather. Elizabeth Brackett has the details. Send us your severe weather photos here.

Three protesters who were accused of terrorism during the Chicago NATO summit in 2012 are in court today for the first day of their trial. Paris Schutz has the latest. Read the criminal complaint.