Stories by WTTW News

Three viewers wrote in to ask Geoffrey Baer about some apparent rail lines recently exposed on North Lincoln Avenue. He digs into the subject in tonight's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Senator Bill Brady continues to pound Governor Quinn on the deal forged with AFSCME to cut health care costs and defer pay raises in exchange for freezing layoffs until 2012. Elizabeth Brackett has more on the debate.

A bipartisan reform group says education in Illinois just isn't making the grade. We talk with the group's co-chair Bill Daley and the group's executive director to discuss this and more. Advance Illinois

Should the state's budget problems be solved with tax hikes, or budget cuts and pension reforms? It depends on which civic organizations you ask. Elizabeth Brackett sorts out the debate.

Carol Marin sits down with famed feminist and political activist Gloria Steinem. Women's Media Center

Jazz is a quintessential and sometimes hidden part of Chicago history. We talk to Chicago Tribune critic Howard Reich, who chronicles the genre in his new book, Let Freedom Swing: Collected Writings on Jazz, Blues and Gospel. Hyde Park Jazz Festival

When mandolin superstar Chris Thile needed a banjo player for his latest band, Punch Brothers, he chose Skokie native Noam Pikelny. We go behind the scenes at a Punch Brothers rehearsal.

Proper use of the English language matters--that was the contention of longtime NBC news correspondent and anchor Edwin Newman, who died last month. We revisit John Callaway's 1976 conversation with Newman about the importance of grammar.

With more than a dozen African-Americans reportedly considering a run for mayor, we look at how that community--and others--may try to whittle down the field.

For two years a state website provided physicians' records, but earlier this year the law mandating this database was struck down. Should the state resurrect the database? We hear from both sides of this healthcare issue. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation House Bill 6409

A hungry insect is devastating Illinois' ash trees. Jay Shefsky introduces us to some researchers who are trying to understand the emerald ash borer--and find an ash tree that can co-exist with the pervasive pest. Comprehensive website about the Emerald Ash Borer Emerald Ash Borer in Illinois Morton Arboretum

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest! What makes a good Oktoberfest beer, and which ones should we choose for this celebration? Check, Please! host and master sommelier Alpana Singh shares some of her favorites. Alternatives to Kozel Dark Beer:

The Bears pull off an unexpected win over the Dallas Cowboys. Ed O'Bradovich joins us on the Bears Alumni Club to break down the game.

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger's chief spokesman addresses recent news reports that he received more than $13,000 worth of new furniture for his office.

WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel tells us about the week's top business news, including Gatorade's new social media initiative, which some people are finding a bit too invasive.

How a local organization is turning an abandoned truck depot into an urban farm just minutes away from U.S. Cellular Field. Iron Street Farm Growing Power

On tonight's edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week In Review -- Frustrated cops complained to Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis about a manpower shortage; the field of possible mayoral contenders grew more crowded with State Senator Rickey Hendon officially jumping into the race, while former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley Braun, Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., and State Senator Rev. James Meeks are all mulling bids; and the CTA cut more than 70 jobs in an effort to balance the 2011 budget.

The mid-term elections are less than two months away. We examine how some of the Illinois races are stacking up when it comes to social media campaigning.

What could Mayor Daley's retirement announcement mean for the future of the business community in Chicago, and what concerns does organized labor have? Phil Ponce and his guests take a look.

Bed bugs are back! We find out why they are making a return and what you can do to protect yourself from them.

We find out about a now-empty building that was once a lively center for the arts in Chicago as well as a safe haven for young women in the big city. 3Arts Three Arts Club of Chicago Friends Blog Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority

Love prevails in Leonard Bernstein's Candide at the Goodman Theatre. We talk to key members of the creative team behind this highly anticipated musical revival. Find out about more about the production and ticket information

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

Hundreds of people came out today calling for the resignation of Police Superintendent Jody Weis. Ash-har Quraishi was there and has the details.

A new poll shows Republican Bill Brady opening up a large lead over incumbent Pat Quinn in the race for Illinois governor. Is the outcome all but decided, or is Governor Quinn poised for a turnaround in the final months? Carol Marin and her panel take a look.

He was hired to thwart corruption about 10 months ago. What has the city's new inspector general Joseph Ferguson been up to? We find out.