Stories by WTTW News

South suburban Ford Heights is one of the poorest communities in the Chicago area. As the village struggles to pay its bills, it is now threatened with losing its portion of the state income tax. Eddie Arruza takes a look at how the state's fiscal crisis could further jeopardize a community that's just barely hanging on.

We talk to a woman who has been chronicling the graffiti at the Regenstein Library at the University of Chicago since 2007. Crescat Graffiti, Vita Excolatur Crescat Graffiti, Vita Excolatur Facebook Graffiti of the Regenstein Library--Flickr

There's another casualty in Chicago's high-end fashion scene. Kris Kridel brings us another familiar story in this recession.

Is your identity safe from people who might steal it? We speak with an expert on fraud and corruption. St. Xavier University Center for the Study of Fraud and Corruption

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

Sheila Simon, the newly-named Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor, has kicked off a statewide tour. Eddie Arruza has reaction to her nomination from both sides of the political spectrum.

Health care reform is now law, but is the public behind it? We talk to Senator Dick Durbin about what lies ahead.

It's a buyer's market, but can you qualify for a home loan? Depending on your tax filing status, you might face some unforeseen obstacles, as Ash-Har Quraishi reports. For more on the story...

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines; Governor Quinn is backing Paul Simon's daughter, Sheila, for his running mate; Illinois lawmakers finally pass pension reforms; U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan allegedly kept a clout list of requests to get into coveted Chicago magnet schools; President Obama signs historic health care legislation; an alleged beating by off-duty Chicago police officers was caught on tape; and the Cubs and Sox Opening Day lineups are taking shape. Guests:

Joel Weisman sits down with Republican strategist Karl Rove to talk about his new book, "Courage and Consequence: My Life as a Conservative in the Fight."

In a fast and surprising move, state legislators approved radical changes to Illinois' pension laws. Elizabeth Brackett reports on Governor Quinn's reaction.

Eddie Arruza and his panel look at how far the new pension rules will go in slowing down the state's river of red ink.

A world-class architectural historian calls architect Mies Van Der Rohe "a parasite." Geoffrey Baer introduces us to historian Vincent Scully, and we'll hear what other surprising things he has to say about Chicago architects and architecture.

A preview of Joel Weisman's Friday Night Show interview with conservative icon Karl Rove.

If you miss curling now that the Olympics are over, you're in luck. Chicago is playing host to the USA Mixed National Championship this week. We'll teach you the lingo and show you some curling pointers. USA Mixed National Championship schedule For more information about curling in Chicago

She's the cultural icon behind the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and has served as its Artistic Director for 20 years, but Judith Jamison is now retiring. She'll join us to talk about what's next for her and her company. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater website

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The Street Stops Here A new documentary profiles legendary New Jersey High School Basketball coach Bob Hurley. He joins us to talk about the new film and more. The Street Stops Here

Live Music Wednesday We have a performance from the cast of the Writers' Theatre production of Oh, Coward!, which celebrates the songs of the legendary playwright and composer Noel Coward.

School Funding A lawsuit has been filed against the state of Illinois because of the way it funds education. Elizabeth Brackett brings us the details of the case, which argues that funding schools mostly with property tax revenue is unfair and unequal.

News Analysis: Exercise Study Does exercising for an hour a day sound overwhelming to you? If it does, you're not alone. A new study says it's crucial for women in order to maintain a healthy weight. Carol Marin and her panel take look at what it all means for your health.

Pandora's Locks The Asian carp is not the first foreign species to invade the Great Lakes. Environmental journalist Jeff Alexander tells us about the history and repercussions of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Read excerpts from Pandora's Locks

CTA Art We find out how riding the CTA can lead you to some of the city's most colorful pieces of public art. Map of CTA Art

Teachers Union President Marilyn Stewart sits down with Elizabeth Brackett to talk about the Chicago Public Schools budget.

An Illinois Supreme Court ruling could mean state hospitals have to treat more patients for free, or else give up their tax-exempt status. We take up the issue.

We meet a pair of photographers who taught a generation of students how to capture the city.