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 take even him by surprise.

Want to lead a band like Sheryl Crow? We'll talk with the local author of the book The Girls' Guide to Rocking. Girls' Guide to Rocking

A unique type of conference is coming to Chicago, and it is all about women and the Internet. Christian Farr takes us inside the BlogHer conference, and lets us know why these women bloggers are coming together.

Governor Quinn was one of eight Governors who formed an alliance today to seek billions of federal dollars for a Midwest high-speed rail network. Rich Samuels tells us what it could cost to make Chicago its hub. Midwest High Speed Rail Association Map of the association's plan

Alderman Howard Brookins is pushing hard for a Walmart in his ward, but not everyone thinks it's a good idea. Carol Marin sits down with people on both sides of the debate, including Alderman Brookins.

The nation's largest Hispanic civil rights group has been called "racist" by some conservatives. We talk to the Vice President of the National Council of La Raza, which is holding its annual convention this week in Chicago. National Council of La Raza

ComEd, for the first time in its history, is losing customers. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio's Noon Business Hour tells us why when she joins us with the latest business headlines.

Have you ever wondered what happens to embryos left over after a successful round of in vitro fertilization? We explore the answer to this question and the many controversies it has spurred.

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

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7 PM Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Politicians lining up to replace Governor Quinn; President Obama pushing for major health care reform; Cook County commissioners slash president Stroger's controversial tax hike in half; Will the cash-strapped Chicago Sun-Times survive bankruptcy?; White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle throws a perfect game; and did the Blackhawks get damaged goods when they signed All-Star Marian Hossa? Guests:

For the rest of the summer we'll be replaying the best of John Callaway's interviews over the years. Tonight we take a look back at a 1995 conversation with Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell.

Would the 2016 Olympics be good or bad for Chicago? Carol Marin and her panel, which includes a member of the 2016 bid committee, debate the prospect of bringing the Games to the city. Calendar of public forums on 2016 Olympics

We take a look at the controversy surrounding the Cambridge arrest of Henry Louis Gates, Jr, a prominent black intellectual and Harvard professor. WEB EXCLUSIVE: Obama's response to the controversy Obama's complete press conference from July 22

Part of the federal government's stimulus package includes funding for the arts. What Chicago arts organizations received money, and how much? Eddie Arruza takes a look.

As the nation celebrates this week's 40th anniversary of the moon landing, we thought it would be the perfect time to look back at John Callaway's 1995 interview with astronaut Jim Lovell. We give you a preview of tomorrow's Friday Night program. JimLovell.org

We meet the founder of an organization that's using bicycles to improve the health, education and economic outcomes for overseas children. World Bicycle Relief

Sin in the South Loop? Geoffrey Baer has the details on the sordid side of Chicago history and more in tonight's edition of Ask Geoffrey. Chicago's Vice Districts

Tonight's edition of Chicago Tonight will be pre-empted to bring you live coverage of President Obama's primetime news conference from the White House.

The Cook County Board took up the issue of a sales tax rollback today. Rich Samuels tells us if any tax relief is in sight.

The fight for health care reform is raging in Washington, and President Obama wants big changes by the end of the year. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel weigh in on this hot button issue.

In our Chicago Matters series, we are profiling some of the area's most interesting innovators. We meet the man known as the father of "carbon trading," Richard Sandor. Chicago Climate Exchange

Is there, literally, a cover-up at Miller Meadow in west suburban Maywood? That's what some activists are alleging: that the Cook County Forest Preserve has allowed the once-pristine area to become a dumping ground. Eddie Arruza went looking for answers, and will tell us what county officials have to say.

What is "freecycling?" The creator of freecycle.org says it helps keep more than 400 tons of waste out of the world's landfills every day, but could the concept also help people navigate the current recession? Christian Farr tells us more about freecycle.org, and talks with one of its Chicago-based volunteers. Chicago Freecycle

We meet a local craftsman who is a real-life guitar hero and is making music the old-fashioned way. Danche Guitars Eastern Blok

Midway Games, maker of the popular video game Mortal Kombat, is nearing the end of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and has laid off all of its Chicago corporate employees. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio's Noon Business Hour has the details on that story, plus the rest of the week's business headlines.

Forty years after the Apollo 11 launch, we look at the inspiring legacy of the lunar missions and talk to an astronomer about the potential for the next giant leap -- a mission to Mars. Northwestern University Astronomy & Astrophysics Adler Planetarium