Stories by WTTW News

John Harris, the one-time chief of staff to ex-governor Rod Blagojevich took the stand in his second day of testimony. Elizabeth Brackett fills us in on what he had to say.

UIC professor Bill Ayers, a former leader of the radical Weather Underground group, talks about the presidential election controversy he was at the center of -- and whether or not he'd like to host a talk show with Sarah Palin. To Teach: The Journey in Comics -- Facebook page

We meet an Olympic swimming champion who holds the American record in the 50-meter freestyle. But before he was a celebrated swimmer, he nearly drowned as a child. He tells us why he's working to make sure more children know how to swim, especially in urban communities. Cullen Jones official website Make a Splash

We show you what's making a splash at Chicago beaches this year. Great Lakes Board Company Chicago Park District rules on non-motorized water sports

The author of Historic Bars of Chicago takes us inside some of the city's oldest and most unique bars and nightclubs. Chicago Bar Project

He painted Hollywood royalty and Native American chiefs. We meet an artistic Chicago native with a knack for storytelling. Howard Terpning's gallery in Tucson A gallery of Terpning's movie posters

Maestro Carlos Kalmar and members of the Grant Park Orchestra join us live in our studio to talk about the upcoming season and to perform. Grant Park Music Festival

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

Carol Marin and her political roundtable discuss the race for governor and other Illinois political stories.

Boycotting BP over the massive ongoing oil eruption in the Gulf of Mexico? Kris Kridel is here to talk about whose bottom line you may really be hurting.

We see how the economy is forcing some workers to leave long-time jobs and get training in completely new fields.

On tonight's show: a big week in testimony in the Burge and Blagojevich trials; big teacher cuts and class size increases are looming for Chicago Public Schools unless a budget solution is found; BP gas stations in Chicago are feeling a boycott backlash; what it means for taxpayers that the state's bond rating was lowered yet again; and as Stanley Cup euphoria dies down, the Blackhawks ponder how to meet next year's salary cap. Guests:

Decades after the alleged torture of suspects began, today former police commander Jon Burge took the stand in his perjury trial. Elizabeth Brackett was there for the emotional testimony.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman discusses the education funding crisis and more.

As the school year draws to a close, we go back to Fenger High School to find out how things have changed since the brutal murder of Derrion Albert.

Music from India heard around the world -- we meet the composer of the Oscar-winning music for Slumdog Millionaire.

Naperville native Bob Odenkirk is town for the TBS Just For Laughs comedy festival. We talk to him about his ties to Chicago and his amusing career.

Stuart Levine, Lon Monk and Chris Kelly all got some name play in the latest testimony heard in the Blagojevich corruption trial. But fundraiser Tony Rezko's ears should be ringing the most. Elizabeth Brackett gives us her take on today's proceedings. Will a sandwich at the federal building be named for Rod Blagojevich? Read our Blagojevich blog to find out

Former Chicago business journalist Tom Hudson joins us to talk about his move to Nightly Business Report, along with the latest business news.

Cricket -- the international sport known as the "gentlemen's game" -- has been played in the Chicago area for decades. Ash-har Quraishi shows us how the largest cricket league in the country is batting for wider audience appeal. More on the story...including how to play cricket and information about local leagues

The Chicago News Cooperative's Daniel Libit has the latest from the Blagojevich trial.

We bring you President Obama's first address from the Oval Office, where he'll be speaking about the BP oil spill. We also get reaction from a former political speechwriter. What you can do to help with the oil spill--whitehouse.gov

The Chicago School Board approved a plan to lay off up to 2,700 teachers and borrow $800 million to help close a sizable budget gap. We talk to the newly-elected President of the Chicago Teachers Union, Karen Lewis, about the challenges facing students and teachers.

Rod Blagojevich's onetime friend and former Chief of Staff Lon Monk completed his testimony today after four days on the stand. Elizabeth Brackett had a front row seat for all of the day's action and gives us the rundown. Read our Blagojevich blog

The 2010 World Cup is in play. Check, Please! Host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh suggests some South African wines for toasting your favorite team. 2010 World Cup South African wine recommendations

A former police officer gave some hostile testimony today in the perjury case of ex-police commander Jon Burge. Carol Marin joins us with the latest.