Stories by WTTW News

Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced today that she would be seeking re-election to her current post, dispelling rumors that she would run for U.S. Senate or the office of Governor. She sits down with Carol Marin to discuss her decision and the state of Illinois politics. Full text of Lisa Madigan's announcement Office of the Illinois Attorney General

Caucasian women speak about the constant barrage of images depicted on television, movies, and in advertisements and the effects of those images. The ladies also share their thoughts on women altering their physical appearance to compete in the corporate world (recorded August 2008).

A report card for Chicago public schools came out today. The number of students meeting or exceeding state expectations has risen by two percentage points. Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman tells us exactly what that means for the city. Commercial Club Civic Committee's Full Report Video from July 2 Chicago Tonight segment discussing study

Muslim women talk about the importance of modesty in Muslim culture, the decision to wear or not wear head coverings, and the influence of American culture on young Muslim girls. They also discuss how their faith affects their self-esteem (recorded August 2008).

The Chicago Tribune's Dawn Trice joins us to discuss our joint five-part online series that explores women's body image issues and race. Watch video discussions among series participants and learn more about the issue as they discuss what race and body image means to them. Then, share your thoughts on the Chicago Tonight Message Board. Race and Body Image

Asian women share personal stories about the effects of not seeing many Asian role models in popular culture and why they believe the stereotypical images still persist and are partly accepted in society. They also discuss the increasing popularity of cosmetic surgery among Asians (recorded August 2008).

Last year's box office hit The Dark Knight filmed some scenes inside Chicago's famed post office. We take a peek inside the landmark building as the post office prepares to auction it off to the highest bidder.

Hispanic women discuss the importance of curves in the Hispanic community and the increasing popularity of cosmetic surgery. The women also talk about how Hispanic and American standards of beauty are merging for younger generations (recorded August 2008).

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Sen. Roland Burris not running for another term; Lisa Madigan decides not to run for governor or the U.S. Senate; the never-ending state budget battle rages on; a cemetery scandal is unearthed by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart; Michael Jackson's memorial seen around the world; Is Sam Zell finally ready to unload the Cubs?; Chicago's downtown condo market tanking; and the Cubs and Sox ready for the All-Star break. Guests:

Today, Governor Quinn laid out more than a billion dollars in spending cuts to close the state's budget gap. Christian Farr tells us what state programs could be slashed. (PDF) State of Illinois Fiscal Year 2010 Budget

Elizabeth Brackett sits down with a panel of lawmakers to get their reaction to Quinn's proposed cuts.

What's the region doing to prepare for its future water needs? Rich Samuels tells us as we continue this year's Chicago Matters series, Beyond Burnham. (Audio Slideshow) Conserving water in your garden

President Obama is hoping to boost Chicago's bid to get the 2016 Olympics, but will his support be enough to put the bid over the top? Chicago Sun-Times columnist Lynn Sweet joins us with that story, and all the latest news from Washington, D.C.

How the inevitable rise in gas prices will change our lives for the better -- that's the tagline of the new book $20 Per Gallon. The book's author, Christopher Steiner, tells us how he thinks higher gas prices could improve society. Read excerpts from $20 Per Gallon

We take a look at some of the tributes from today's memorial service for pop icon Michael Jackson.

The Tribune Company has reportedly reached an agreement to sell the Cubs to investor Tom Ricketts for approximately $900 million. Carol Marin and her panel examine what this means for the team this year, and beyond.

Another historic piece of Chicago is on the market. The Ambassador East and the Pump Room have caught the eye of a flashy developer. Kris Kridel has that story and the other business news of the day.

We look back at the life and legacy of Norman Pellegrini, the longtime program director of our sister classical radio station, WFMT. WFMT.com Remembering Norman Pellegrini Message Board

Wondering what Stephanie Izard, winner of season four of Bravo's Top Chef, would choose for her "last supper?" She dishes on that and more when she joins us tonight. Stephanie Izard

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

The chancellor of the University of Illinois testified before the state's Admissions Review Committee, which is investigating claims that well-connected students received special preference in the school's admissions process. Elizabeth Brackett was at that meeting, and has the latest on the controversy. Download the PDFs of the university email correspondences which were received in response to a Freedom of Information request from the Admission Review Committee:

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Lawmakers ignore Wednesday's deadline and fail to pass a balanced budget; Mayor Daley gets an earful from aldermen about the Olympics; the Chicago Public Schools skewered in a new report; Gary-native Michael Jackson remembered; Bulls scoring star Ben Gordon signed by the rival Pistons; and the Blackhawks make a big splash in the free-agent market. 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 1984 conversation with media giant Oprah Winfrey.

As far as student achievement goes, the majority of Chicago Public Schools get an "F." This is according to a harsh new report that claims the school system has not improved much over the last five years even though student test scores are up. Eddie Arruza and his panel take a closer look. The Civic Committee's report

ComEd has a new president who has already made history. She discusses her new position, the future of ComEd, and much more. Tips for saving on your electric bill

Jazz great Ramsey Lewis tells us about the creative process behind his new composition inspired by Abraham Lincoln. Ramsey Lewis