Stories by WTTW News

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

The 101st Annual Race to Mackinac Island is underway, with some boats already crossing the finish line in Michigan. 260 boats are racing and our own Geoffrey Baer is on one of them. We take a look back at his documentary chronicling the world's largest annual freshwater distance race.

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

We honor the life of journalist Walter Cronkite, who died Friday at the age of 92.

Congressman Mark Kirk Running for Senate Congressman Mark Kirk launched his bid for President Obama's old Senate seat today. He will join us to discuss his campaign and much more.

Governor Quinn appointed a commission to come up with cemetery reforms after the gruesome revelations at the Burr Oak Cemetery. But is the commission necessary? And was what happened there actually illegal? Carol Marin sits down with the head of the commission.

Supporters of the Falun Gong movement held a protest today, which marks the 10th anniversary of the banning of the movement in China. Rich Samuels tells us more about the movement, and goes inside today's demonstration.

Tonight's panel discusses the week's top headlines: Governor Quinn passes a stop-gap budget; Mayor Daley lays off 431 workers after their unions refused to take furlough days off; families are in mourning all over again during the Burr Oak Cemetery scandal; Chicago on a Denver booting-blitz; the CTA cracking down on sexual harassment; the Cubs and Sox well-rested after the All-Star break; and the Blackhawks fire general manager Dale Tallon. 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 1998 conversation with legendary movie reviewers Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert who launched their show right here at Channel 11 in 1975.

Brandon Johnson works with the Washington Park Consortium to improve the quality of life of those in his community.  The plan was developed during eighteen months by residents of the neighborhood.  He says food deserts are important because it "helps the community find the value of food."

In an extended interview, Seneca Kern of WeFarm America explains how he is working to bring farms to people's backyards to help localize the food economy.  Focusing on the benefits for kids, he says it's both nutritious for their bodies and teaches them positive values.

Ladonna Redmond has been working for years to bring healthy food to communities with low access to that food.  In an extended interview, she tells Christian Farr why she thinks bringing nutritious food to these areas is essential, and elaborates on how she and others are working to help.

What are the challenges of making sure healthy food is properly distributed in food deserts? In an extended interview, David Thompson of the Chicago Center for Urban Ecology explains how his project is trying to help grow nutritious options and get them into grocery stores.