Stories by Yasmin Rammohan

We hear how Cook County Commissioner William Beavers defends himself against federal charges of tax fraud and obstructing the IRS.

Diplomacy is being put to the test in Iran. Tightened sanctions and threats of war are making the situation even more tense. We explore the details of the standoff.

Longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has an opponent in the upcoming Democratic primary. And political newcomer Michele Piszczor is putting up a fight. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

Find out about a long-awaited announcement from Lyric Opera of Chicago and its creative consultant, Renée Fleming. Eddie Arruza talks with the opera superstar, as well as a noted author about a new opera to be written for Chicago.

Artist Matt Lamb died earlier this month. We revisit our profile of the one-time funeral director who talked about his greatest undertaking -- giving life to paintings of a spiritual world.

ComEd could lose more customers if hundreds of Illinois municipalities change the way residents get electricity. We take a closer look at the Election Day referendums, and what it could mean for you.

Was a North Side building Charlie Chaplin's go-to movie theater? Or just a local auto shop? Geoffrey Baer takes us inside a unique structure in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

We have your thoughts on Gov. Pat Quinn's budget address and your thoughts on barefoot running in tonight's Viewer Mail.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

Another Chicago politician is nabbed by the Feds. This time, Alderman-turned-Cook County Commissioner William Beavers is indicted. Paris Schutz has the story, and Beavers' reaction.

On Wednesday night, the remaining four GOP presidential hopefuls had their 20th debate. Did Rick Santorum solidify his surge or did Mitt Romney seize much-needed momentum? Northwestern's Jason DeSanto is here to help us keep score.

We asked what you thought about children under age 18 being allowed to undergo sex-changing treatments. We hear what some of you had to say in tonight's Viewer Mail.

Despite pleas from the teachers union, school activists and parents, the Chicago School Board approved plans to turnaround, phase out or close 17 Chicago Public Schools. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

Gas prices look to be heading above $4 per gallon as tensions rise in the Middle East. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM has that story, and more top business headlines.

Chicago once had the busiest shipping harbor in North America, and this weekend the annual Chicago Maritime Festival celebrates our rich maritime past. We talk with a shipwreck diver and the festival's shanty-singing founder.

The mayor wants to save money by putting fewer firefighters on a truck,  but firefighters say that would compromise safety. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take up the issue.

Children's Memorial Hospital is considering starting a clinic to serve kids who feel they were born the wrong gender. We talk with a doctor at the hospital who's pushing for this to happen.

Boxed wine, hangovers and mystery champagnes. Check Please! Host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh answers your questions live on our show. Then, cozy up to your computer with your favorite cocktail and join us for a live online chat during and after the segment!

There were some unusual laws in what used to be a Christian Utopia, but is now Zion, Illinois. Geoffrey Baer has the surprising story of Zion, and some of Chicago's other hidden utopias.

The James Beard Foundation has whet the appetite of several Chicago eateries. The Foundation, which gives the culinary equivalent of the Oscars, is naming its semifinalists for this year's awards.

After more than two years in the news business, the Chicago News Cooperative is calling it quits -- for now. The CNC's managing editor joins us to talk about whether it has a future.

Was a butcher to blame for a backup in the Chicago River? Geoffrey Baer uncovers some gruesome Bridgeport history in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

We asked what you thought about Noble Street Charter Schools charging students fines for minor infractions. We hear what some of you had to say in tonight's Viewer Mail. 

Carol Marin and her panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

We talk to the heads of two security firms about how businesses are being advised to get ready for possible protests during the upcoming G8 and NATO Summits in Chicago.

Chicago-based Boeing gets a record $22 billion order. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM has that story and more top business headlines.