Stories by WTTW News

Have you noticed the Aqua Tower, the latest 82-story addition to the Chicago skyline? Its chief designer Jeanne Gang discusses that building and her other structures that are reshaping not only the skyline, but the way many think about architecture.

As the recession forces many to cut back on everything -- including meat -- Illinois livestock farmers are feeling the effects of the tough economy. We hear from some local farmers about their plight.

Transgender Chicago actress Alexandra Billings is the subject of a new documentary on WTTW. We learn about her remarkable life in a clip from "Schoolboy to Showgirl: The Alexandra Billings Story."

Last week Mayor Daley pledged full financial support for the 2016 Olympic Games should private funding fall short. Rich Samuels caught up with Olympic Bid Chairman Pat Ryan today, who discussed the likelihood of whether or not taxpayers will bear the burden.

Governor Quinn wants a budget passed this week. Carol Marin sits down with lawmakers who will give us their take on what needs to be done to pass the state budget.

The Tribune Company's Sam Zell is apparently talking to more bidders interested in buying the Chicago Cubs. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio's Noon Business Hour joins us with those details, plus the rest of the week's business stories.

There were some unusual laws in the Christian utopia that was once Zion, Illinois. Geoffrey Baer has the surprising story of Zion, and some of Chicago's other hidden utopias. Tours of the historic Pullman neighborhood

According to a new study by Chicago's Community Media Workshop, there is a whole new media landscape in Chicago. What does that mean for the future of how we get our news? Kristian Hammond of Northwestern University shares his insights. The Community Media Workshop study

On Tuesday nights, men and women who come for a free meal can also get a lesson in photography and a chance to offer a unique view of Chicago. We show you where. "After Supper: Visions of my Life"

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

Tonight's panel discusses the week's top headlines: Lawmakers still bickering over the stalled state budget; Mayor Daley promises a controversial financial guarantee to Olympic officials; Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool decides not to run for County Board president; President Obama pushes for healthcare reforms at the American Medical Association meeting here in Chicago; a sports radio website backer charged in a Ponzi scheme; the Cubs and Sox clash at the Crosstown Classic; and former Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa allegedly used steroids. Guests:

We take another look at John's interview with Cubs Hall of Famer Billy Williams.

What exactly happened to Chicago Tonight on Tuesday? We find out when we read some of your viewer mail.

Did Mayor Daley write a taxpayer-supported blank check to convince the International Olympic Committee to give the 2016 games to Chicago? Eddie Arruza and his panel of Chicago aldermen take a look at what the mayor proposed yesterday in Switzerland. Contact your alderman

Cook County Public Defender Abishi Cunningham says he is nearly out of cash for defense of capital punishment cases. He joins us to talk about the challenges his office faces.

A new miniature model of Chicago is one of the largest of its kind in the world, and it's now on view at the Santa Fe Building downtown. The story of how it was made is as amazing as the model itself.

He is best known for his controversial, off-the-wall comic style, and for his role as "Matthew" on the TV series NewsRadio. We talk to Joliet native Andy Dick, who is back in Chicago for a comedy festival.

Banned in Chicago, racing pigeons have flown the coop and landed in the suburbs. We meet some of the bird lovers who keep the sport alive and flapping. American Racing Pigeon Union Weekend events at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle  

Do you want to sweeten your palate with a new wine, but are unfamiliar with the varieties on the market? Alpana Singh joins us with her list of unique wine grapes. It's anything but chardonnay in tonight's edition of Ask Alpana.

Governor Quinn has coaxed legislators back to Springfield next week, even though Republicans and Democrats still cannot agree on how to fix the state's budget shortfall. Rich Samuels has the latest on Illinois' fiscal crisis.

Was it really a surprise? Carol Marin and her panel have the latest details on the reports that Sammy Sosa used steroids, and whether or not he lied under oath to Congress.

The author of a new book explains why you should never put ketchup on a hot dog.

We have the dramatic conclusion to our Chicago Stories series about former Chicago Cubs first baseman Eddie Waitkus and the female fan whose obsession with him turned violent.

Cathy Richardson performs live in the studio and tells us about her new gig with Jefferson Starship.

Governor Quinn says 10,000 state employees could lose their jobs unless a new budget is passed. Rich Samuels has the latest from the Governor today. Programs funded by the Department of Human Services, Division of Community Health & Prevention that will have funding cut under the General Assembly's Budget.

Elizabeth Brackett and her panel discuss the impact of lawmakers' failure to enact real reform in Springfield.