Stories by WTTW News

Jazz vocalist Tammy McCann just joined the ranks of the Music Institute of Chicago as an artist-in-residence. She joins us.

On day four of the tax evasion trial of Cook County Commissioner William Beavers, the tide may have turned in favor of the defendant. We have the latest.

Inaugurated today, Pope Francis called on Catholics to serve “the poorest, the weakest, the least important” in the world. We discuss his potential to lead the church in a new direction.

The water level in Lake Michigan rises after recent rains. But the long-term outlook still has lake levels far below normal. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

We dig into a deeply rooted exhibition that showcases artists who found inspiration in the common experience of migration.

Chef and author Rick Bayless shows us how to make an American classic with a twist.

The Chicago Water Department is hiring; 160 jobs have opened to install 75 miles of new water main and 57 miles of new sewers in 2013. 

The former prosecutor in Gov. George Ryan's corruption trial will likely be the next U.S. Attorney in Illinois. Sources say Zachary Fardon, now in private practice, is the top candidate to replace former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest.

The Chicago Public Schools denies it banned the award-winning graphic novel Persepolis from classrooms and libraries for its depiction of torture. We have the latest on the controversy.

As tax day looms, the numbers show that filings are down 13 percent from where they were this time last year. This means late filers will be aplenty — but sequester will slow their lines down even more. Tax officer Mark Steber joins us to talk all things unique about filing in 2013.

Should religious nonprofits get free water from the city of Chicago? We have your thoughts in tonight's Viewer Feedback.

Dyeing the Chicago River green for St. Patrick’s Day has been a city tradition since 1962. And it’s been a family tradition since its inception. Meet the men who turn the river bright green each year as we revisit our March 17, 2004 story. 

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

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists delve further into the papal conclave, Pope Francis’ reputation as a man of the people who serves the poor, and America’s reputation within the Catholic Church.

Ruth Ann Steinhagen, the Chicago woman who shot and nearly killed former Chicago Cub Eddie Waitkus in 1949, has died.

Now is the time to snag great home deals in Chicago -- but where are the best places to look? We give you the inside scoop.

We have your thoughts about school closures and our interview with Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis when we read some of your viewer feedback.

Pope Francis, formerly Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, was revealed today as the newly elected pope. We have the latest news and analysis on the first Jesuit and South American pope in the history of the church.

For the second day in a row, a group of Chicago aldermen have formed a so-called reform caucus. We hear from members of the “Paul Douglas Alliance” and the “Progressive Reform Coalition.”

As the conclave begins, what’s at stake for the Catholic Church? We break down the process of electing a new pope.

Australian pop star Helen Reddy is back on the road after a 10-year hiatus. She joins us to talk about her storied career and her latest projects.

The trial of Cook County Commissioner William Beavers is underway. Paris Schutz has more on what to expect as the trial goes forward.

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis joins us to talk about impending school closures, and whether race is a factor.

Sen. Dick Durbin says sequestration is having an impact on everything, from Head Start programs to the loss of air traffic controllers. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

We have your thoughts about Gov. Pat Quinn's budget address, and about Bill Kurtis and Walter Jacobson's appearance on our show, in tonight's viewer feedback.

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