Stories by WTTW News

A shocking report from the Chicago Public Schools' inspector general: more than $800,000 of CPS funds spent on everything from parties to a search for eavesdropping devices. Eddie Arruza talks to Inspector General James Sullivan about his findings.

Chicago Sun-Times Bureau Chief Dave McKinney recaps what happened in the legislature today as the veto session winds down.

How did Oak Park influence the life and career of Ernest Hemingway? We visit the legendary scribe's west suburban hometown to unearth rare artifacts that tell the story of his youth. Learn about the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park

What did Chicago look like more than a century ago? We view some recently discovered lost panoramas showcasing the city's rural and industrial past. See the lost panoramas at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Saving the world - one bike at a time. We talk with F.K. Day, the Chicago bicycle entrepreneur who was recently named "one of the top givers" of the year. Find out more about World Bicycle Relief

Tired of feeling foolish when trying to describe your favorite wine? No more! Master sommelier and Check, Please! host Alpana Singh joins us with some simple tips for articulating what you're tasting. Get Alpana's recipe for Hot Toddys, her tips for describing wine and more Inexpensive Wine Recommendation: Three Wishes Hot Toddy Recipe:

Carol Moseley Braun says she will not release her income tax returns until after the February 22 primary. She also says she would try to regain control of the city's privatized parking meters if she is elected mayor. Elizabeth Brackett was with the candidate today and has the latest.

Carol Moseley Braun received a nice holiday gift when James Meeks and Danny Davis both dropped out of the race-- leaving Braun as the only major African American candidate. Danny Davis joins us tonight, as well as Rev. Jesse Jackson, who helped make it happen.

Jay Cutler took a beating with six sacks as the Bears lose to the Packers in their last regular season game. On our Bears Alumni Club, we break down the game with former running back Ronnie Bull from the Bears 1963 NFL Championship team.

By his own count, Bob Edwards has conducted more than 30,000 interviews. Eddie Arruza talks to the radio host about his long career and his abrupt and controversial departure from NPR. Listen to Bob Edwards's favorite interview with Fr. Greg Boyle

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

The Chicago Teachers Union and other community organizations would like to end appointments to the Chicago Board of Education -- they want the superintendent and board members to be elected. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest on their proposal and the response to their plan.

Governor Quinn reportedly wants to borrow $15 billion to bridge the state's biggest-ever budget gap. Will that only worsen Illinois' finances, and will anyone even loan the state that amount of money? Eddie Arruza and his guests weigh the options.

'Tis the Season for anxiety. We speak with an expert on behavioral science who offers suggestions on how to keep calm during the holidays. Little Ways to Keep Calm and Carry On: Twenty Lessons for Managing Worry, Anxiety, and Fear

We talk with provocative sex columnist and Chicago native Dan Savage about his life and his latest project. Listen to his talk at the Chicago Humanities Festival

Mayor Richard M. Daley has passed his father and is now Chicago's longest-serving mayor. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel discuss the Daley Dynasty, its legacy, and what it has meant to the city of Chicago.

Eddie Arruza takes a look at some new laws going into effect on January 1, 2011, including one concerning child safety seats

President Obama may be the most admired man in the country according to a new Gallup poll, but how's his presidency doing? We hear from journalist Richard Wolffe, who received exclusive access inside the Obama White House and has written a new book about the President's time in office. Find out more about the book

The Bears beat the Jets in a close one on Sunday. We look at the game and the playoff picture with Bears broadcaster and Super Bowl Bear Tom Thayer.

Feathers are flying at Chicago Animal Care and Control. We meet some of the unusual animals workers there encounter every day.

Two firefighters died and seventeen others were injured after an abandoned South Side building went up in flames this morning. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest.

Gourmet food trucks have taken to Chicago streets in the last year and the public has responded favorably, but some restaurant owners have a beef with them. Eddie Arruza and his panel look at a proposal that's not to everyone's taste.

We learn the amazing story of Vivian Maier, a Chicago nanny who took more than 100,000 photos during her lifetime but never showed them to anyone. Now that she's gone and her photos have been discovered, some say she may rank among the top street photographers of the 20th century. More Vivian Maier photos and information

We revisit our recent conversation with Sir Gilbert Levine about his relationship with Pope John Paul II.

Comedian Paula Poundstone was recently in Chicago, and she talked with Eddie Arruza about her life, career and her appearances on the Chicago-based radio quiz Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!

What does it mean when wine has legs? (No, it doesn't mean it's planning to run away.) Check, Please! host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh has the real answer in tonight's edition of Ask Alpana. Bernardus Chardonnay, Monterey $20 Joseph Drouhin Meursault, France $30 General Wine and Cheese Pairing Tips: