Stories by WTTW News

8,500 Chicagoans lost their lives to the so-called "Spanish Flu" in 1918. Rich Samuels tells us how the city tried to prevent the spread of the disease as he concludes our look at the deadliest pandemic of the 20th century.

The death of a newborn can devastate a family. We meet a couple who say they were helped in their healing by the work of a local photographer. Todd Hochberg's Website The exhibit of Todd Hochberg's photography runs through May 17

We preview John Callaway's Friday Night interview with the head of the MacArthur Foundation, Jonathan Fanton.

Check, Please! host and master sommelier Alpana Singh answers your questions about wine and spirits.

Looking for a tasty place to celebrate with your (or any) mother this weekend? Laura Baginski of Time Out Chicago shares her weekend recommendations.

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

The so-called "stress tests" of America's largest banks are completed and the results will be made public tomorrow. Preliminary reports say some banks are not as healthy as they should be. Eddie Arruza and his panel discuss the test results on tonight's installment of The Bottom Line.

Former Chicago alderman Leon Despres died today at the age of 101. Despres was an outspoken reformer who spent two decades in the city council as a thorn in the side of Mayor Richard J. Daley and the regular Democratic organization. We take a look back at his life. Watch Leon Despres talk about the political machine Watch Leon Despres talk about Mayor Richard J. Daley

The popularity of small, artisan beers is growing, and some local entrepreneurs are taking advantage. We show you what's brewing in Chicago. Half Acre Metro Brewing Goose Island

His music defies categorization. We have a live performance by Chicago guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque.

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger has backed away from his promise to veto a repeal of the one percent county sales tax increase. Carol Marin sits down with a panel of county commissioners to find out what comes next.

County Board President Todd Stroger's controversial sales tax hike has been repealed. Elizabeth Brackett talks to some county commissioners about today's surprising move.

Last week, Chrysler declared bankruptcy and announced plans to suspend production at most of its plants beginning this week. The temporary plant closures are not good news for communities with Chrysler plants, like Belvidere, Illinois. We go inside the Belvidere plant.

A local bidder has emerged for the embattled Chicago Sun-Times. We talk to longtime media observer Wally Podrazik about the latest news in the world of newspapers and local television.

The Spanish flu of 1918 killed 8,500 Chicagoans. Rich Samuels tells us about the worst pandemic of the 20th century.

There is a new phenomenon changing the way some technology companies are doing business. We find out about open sourcing and how it's revolutionizing the development of software.

Christian Farr explains why some Chicago Tonight viewers are having issues with lip sync, in which the sound and video do not match on their television, and offers tips on how to fix the problem. Report your lip sync issues

Hedy Weiss is here with a review of a modern and re-envisioned Carmen by Chicago Opera Theater, now on stage at the Harris Theater. Old Times La Tragedie de Carmen The Joffrey Ballet

Students at one local university are getting a kind of "free ride," one that could also help the environment. Christian Farr tells us more about bike sharing. OYBike St. Xavier University City of Chicago Department of Transportation JCDecaux

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

Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is defending his decision to buy a government vehicle with funds from a state college savings program. Rich Samuels tells us about this controversial purchase by a man who is contemplating a run for the U.S. Senate.

Who will President Obama name to the U.S. Supreme Court, and what type of impact will this appointment have? Carol Marin and her panel of law experts give us their take on these questions and more.

A Chicago-based bank is on life support thanks to bad mortgage lending. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio's Noon Business Hour joins us with the details, plus the rest of the week's business headlines.

We explore the art of politics when we go inside a new exhibit that offers a visual history of the Obama Presidential campaign. Officially Unofficial: Inspired Art for Obama

Did you know you could barbecue your dessert? PBS grill guru Steven Raichlen is here with his tips for some unusual and tasty dishes to cook over an open flame. Barbecue Bible

Tonight's panel discusses the week's top headlines: The swine flu strikes Illinois; President Obama marks 100 days in office; Chris Kennedy reportedly ponders a Senate race; the local real estate market shows some signs of life; the Bulls force Game 7 against the Celtics after a thrilling triple-overtime victory; and the Blackhawks go deep into the playoffs against the Vancouver Canucks. Guests: