Stories by WTTW News

Elizabeth Brackett sits down with award-winning sports columnist and best-selling author Mitch Albom.

A tragic personal loss leads to an unusual scholarship program that's more about mentoring than money. Bardwell Scholarships

We asked if you'd like to hear from House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton about the budget process. The answers might surprise you.

We talk to the runners-up in the gubernatorial primary, State Comptroller Dan Hynes and Republican State Sen. Kirk Dillard, about the state's budget mess and whether the current candidates for governor really have all the answers.

Sam Adam, Jr. is one of Rod Blagojevich's defense attorneys and in a revealing interview with Chicago Magazine, the spirited lawyer has some choice words about his celebrity client. The author of that article tells us about his exclusive interview. Read an excerpt from the article

Elizabeth Brackett reports on the visit to Chicago of General David Petraeus. Watch web exclusive of General Petraeus' presentation

We meet one Chicago woman who became the domino that allowed eight people to get a life-saving kidney. We find out about altruistic living kidney donations, and why they are on the rise.

As the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico worsens, environmental groups around the country are standing by to help. We talk with Ken Ramirez from the Shedd Aquarium about what it will take to save and rehabilitate threatened wildlife.

A number of students are learning the cha-cha and a lot more, thanks to an innovative public school program.

The Roberto Clemente Wildcat Robotics Team, The Robocats, finished with a Silver Medal in an international competition. We meet the team...and their robot. Find out what events and teams are in your area

We meet a family that truly plays together....stringed instruments, that is. Live music from up-and-coming young stars -- and cousins --SugarStrings.

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger lashed out at the media after a decisive victory in the Board chambers. Eddie Arruza reports on what sparked the ire of the lame duck President.

Elizabeth Brackett and her panel, including Metra Chair Carole Doris, take a look at the investigation surrounding the apparent suicide of Metra Executive Director Phil Pagano and the future of the organization. Read a summary of Metra's investigation

Local actor Michael Fosberg talks about his one-man show, Incognito, which chronicles his journey to find his birth father, and the new life that came with that discovery.

We meet an architect who's putting up his own money to transform a rundown Frank Lloyd Wright house in Glencoe into a green home for the 21st century. For more on the story...

Barbecuing season is almost here. Check, Please! host and master sommelier Alpana Singh joins us with the best drinks to serve grillside. Alpana's Memorial Day Drink Recommendations Places to purchase Dandelion Wine: Ackerman Winery, Amana Iowa and Village Winery, Amana Iowa Alpana's Memorial Day Drink Recommendations:

What ever happened to all that private money raised for Chicago's Olympic bid? Elizabeth Brackett has the answer. Read the final tax return of Chicago 2016

Bestselling author Jonathan Eig discusses his new book about the plot to capture Al Capone. Get Capone: The True Story of Al Capone

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

Illinois is billions in debt and lawmakers can't come to an agreement on the next state budget. Carol Marin discusses the state's budget crisis and more with Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno.

We discuss a Chicago News Cooperative investigation into why salaries at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District have soared even during tough economic times. "Salaries Rise Even As Economy Sags At Water District"--Chicago News Cooperative Search Water District Salary Information and Overtime Payments--Chicago News Cooperative

Another area bank has been seized, while yet another holds on for dear life. WBBM Newsradio's Kris Kridel tells us which banks are struggling, and much more when she joins us with the week's top business stories.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7:00 pm

Lynn Sweet has the latest news from Washington, from the subpoena of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid by Rod Blagojevich's defense team to the selection of Elena Kagan for the U.S. Supreme Court.

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger hired new staffers and gave raises to others, despite a proposed hiring freeze and a pay freeze. Eddie Arruza and his panel take up the controversy.

It's no secret by now that the news industry is struggling to stay afloat, but what exactly is going on with the news? What does the future hold for the industry? Former Chicago Tribune publisher Jack Fuller, author of the new book What is Happening to News: The Information Explosion and the Crisis in Journalism, gives us his take.