Stories by WTTW News

No matter how well you think you know this city, there are always a few surprises around the corner. Geoffrey Baer finds some Chicago neighborhoods that are so hidden, they even take him by surprise.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: President Obama sends in key cabinet members to meet with city officials about Chicago's surging youth violence; a bankruptcy judge approves the sale of the Chicago Sun-Times to financier Jim Tyree; the CTA is in yet another budget crunch; video poker is banned in Cook County; Chicago is still stunned by its first-round Olympic elimination; the Cubs sale is approved by Major League Baseball owners; and the Bears are riding the hot arm of Jay Cutler. Guests:

We take another look at Carol Marin's revealing interview with former George Ryan confidant Scott Fawell and his fiancé Andrea Coutretsis.

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 flying high.

Madeline Nusser of Time Out Chicago joins us with bone-chilling pre-Halloween recommendations sure to kick-start your adrenaline. "Fear" -- The Neo-Futurists Music Box Massacre 5 The Fear Haunted House at Navy Pier Scarecrow Festival

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

The man attempting to buy the Chicago Sun-Times, Jim Tyree, sits down with Eddie Arruza to talk about the future of the newspaper.

The giant heart is back at the Museum of Science and Industry, and it's all dressed up for the 21st century. It's part of a new $21 million exhibit that is all about..."You!" You! The Experience

It's not just about Sundays. In his new book Soldier Field: A Stadium and its City, author Liam Ford calls the story of Soldier Field the story of Chicago. He join us to talk about the book. Read an excerpt from the book

What distinguished businessman transformed a frog pond into a castle? We find out in tonight's edition of Ask Geoffrey. "Illinois: The Castle" -- Time Magazine Patterson McCormick Mansion Peshtigo Wisconsin Fire

Attorney General Eric Holder, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Mayor Daley held a summit on youth violence today in response to the beating death of Fenger High School student Derrion Albert. Rich Samuels tells us what they had to say, and has reaction from some local high school students.

The University of Illinois named an interim president over the weekend. Carol Marin talks with Stanley Ikenberry about what he can do to restore confidence in the state institution.

The first shipments of swine flu vaccine are arriving this week. Dr. Julie Morita of the Chicago Department of Public Health tells us where it's going and how to get one.

Groucho, Chico and Harpo are back in town. We take a look at Goodman Theatre's new staging of the Marx Brothers classic Animal Crackers.

The author of a new book that chronicles Chicago's rich history joins us to discuss our ever-evolving city. Chicago: A Biography

Conductor Kirk Muspratt tells us about the New Philharmonic's upcoming Slavic Strings performances, and nationally acclaimed cellist Joshua Roman performs in the studio.

Rich Samuels has the latest on the continuing debate over the ban of video gambling in unincorporated areas of Cook County.

Back from Copenhagen, Mayor Daley's first order of business was addressing the videotaped beating death of Derrion Albert. Daley met with city and school officials yesterday at a violence summit. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have the latest developments.

ESPN reporter Erin Andrews's alleged stalker is now under house arrest for using his cell phone to tape her in her hotel room without her knowledge. The case raises serious questions about hotel security for travelers. What should you know -- and do -- next time you're staying in a hotel? A hospitality industry insider joins us with some suggestions. Tips for travelers from the American Hotel and Lodging Association

Twelve years ago he earned a “genius” grant for his creative vision. Since then, Kerry James Marshall has produced waves of art for an international audience, all from his cluttered studio in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood.

We meet the man filling a 9-year vacancy as the Chicago Tribune's new editorial cartoonist. Scott Stantis cartoons

Egyptian gods, superheroes, wild animals, and more. Geoffrey Baer shows us some amazing -- and easily overlooked -- ornamentation hiding in plain sight on the walls of Chicago's old buildings. Watch the extended video & slideshow

Does a squabble between the Quinn administration and the city of Springfield threaten Illinois' bid for a high-speed rail line? Rich Samuels has the latest.

What's the economic impact of Chicago's Olympic washout? Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780's Noon Business Hour joins us with the fallout, plus the rest of the week's business news.

We meet a Northwest suburban couple and find out how they're coping with mid-life unemployment during the recession.

The Bears exploded for 48 points and trounced division rival Detroit. We recap all the action with former Bear great Tom Thayer.