Stories by WTTW News

We find out how a new opera company has tapped into the local bar scene. Opera on Tap Chicago

V.I. Warshawski, the detective created by author Sara Paretsky and once played on the big screen by Kathleen Turner, is back in a brand new adventure. We talk to the author about her new novel, Hardball.

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

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines; President Obama throws a rally at the White House for Chicago's Olympic bid; former Rod Blagojevich confidant Chris Kelly commits suicide; Governor Quinn lands key union support; American Airlines expanding operations at O'Hare; Chicago Sun-Times union members vote against proposed concessions; Bears great Brian Urlacher out for the rest of the season with a wrist injury; and debate rages over a proposed statue of Walter Payton at Soldier Field. Guests:

Granta, Britain's "magazine of new writing," is devoting an entire issue to Chicago. We'll talk with the editor to find out what's inside. Visit the Granta magazine website More information about the Granta 108 Release Party at Women & Children First bookstore

It's being called the newest gem on Chicago's lakefront. We'll talk with the architect of a building that caters to both boaters and bikers.

Legal scholar and University of Michigan law professor Catharine MacKinnon will be here to discuss a campaign to reform the state's prostitution and sex trafficking laws. End Demand organization

Former Chicago City Inspector General David Hoffman joins Carol Marin to talk about why he wants to be Illinois's new Senator. David Hoffman's website

Actor Michael Shannon, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the film Revolutionary Road, discusses his latest stage role here in Chicago. A Red Orchid Theatre

We have a performance from legendary folk performer Michael Smith in advance of this Sunday's 4th Annual WFMT Midnight Special Folk Festival at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts.

We meet the founder of an ultra-local website that relies on raw data to report the news. Guest: Adrian Holovaty, founder of Everyblock.com

The U.S. now gets more crude oil from Canada than any other country. The majority of that oil is processed here in Midwest refineries. Elizabeth Brackett tells us why some critics say the environmental costs of the heavier, dirtier Canadian crude are much too high. Community Media Workshop: Tar Sand Oil...Illinois Pipeline (02/19/09)

Many questions remain surrounding the death of former Blagojevich advisor Christopher Kelly. Was it suicide? Eddie Arruza brings us the latest.

Just when the Bears thought matters couldn't get any worse after a tough loss to the hated Green Bay Packers...they did. Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher is likely lost for the rest of the season after dislocating his wrist. We talk to former Bears great Chris Zorich about the devastating news. Guest:

A new documentary takes a look at what it means to be a successful principal at a struggling public school. Filmmaker Tod Lending joins us with a preview of The Principal Story, airing on WTTW at 9:30 tomorrow night. Guest:

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Chicago finds out its Olympic fate in just 3 weeks; President Obama takes his health care fight directly to the people; Cook County Board President Todd Stroger is plagued by poor poll numbers; the bidder for the Chicago Sun-Times is calling for major union concessions; Oprah Winfrey takes over Michigan Avenue; Bulls great Michael Jordan is enshrined in the Hall of Fame; and the Bears open the season against the Green Bay Packers. Guests:

Last night President Obama made his healthcare reform pitch before a joint session of Congress. We have local reaction to the address, plus analysis from political speechwriter Jason DeSanto. Watch President Obama's September 9 health care speech.

Getting a notice of foreclosure is every homeowner's nightmare, and homeowners are receiving them in record numbers. Eddie Arruza brings us one man's foreclosure story and explains why it doesn't automatically mean the loss of your home.

Dukes of Hazzard star Tom Wopat is here with a live performance from his critically-acclaimed new cabaret show.

One of Chicago's top real estate players, Koenig and Strey, has been bought by Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway. Was it a good deal? And what does it mean for Chicago's struggling real estate market? Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780's Noon Business Hour has those details, plus the rest of the week's business news.

A new book has some surprising conclusions about the experiences of Muslim-Americans and Arab-Americans since the September 11th attacks. Guests: Louise Cainkar - Social and cultural sciences professor at Marquette University Hesham Hassaballa - Chicago physician Additional Resources

The inventor of the Segway tells us about the latest big thing being discussed in scientific circles this week -- advancements in nanotechnology.

A Chicago-based investor group is trying to save the Sun-Times. We have the latest on the chances of survival for this longtime Chicago newspaper. Guest: Jeremy Halbreich - Chief executive officer of the Sun Times News Group.

Chicago's public school students were back in the classroom today. Eddie Arruza and his panel look at the opportunities and challenges presented by the new school year. Guests:

From actors to politicians, athletes to authors, John Callaway has interviewed a wide variety of thoughtful and interesting people over the years. With so many great interviews to choose from, we thought you would enjoy a sampling of John's most memorable conversations. Tonight we take a look back at some of the highlights of an unforgettable career.