Stories by Yasmin Rammohan

A Chicago organization aims to dispel misperceptions about Islam and its followers through the power of television. Ash-har Quraishi talks to the organizers and shows us their plan.

Why do we gossip? And why are celebrities so much fun to talk about? We chat with the author of a new book that focuses on our love to gossip.

Check Please! Host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh joins us to talk about low-calorie holiday drinks, cost-effective champagne and hard ciders in Ask Alpana.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants to avoid the kind of clashes with protesters that occurred at past G-8 and NATO Summits. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel look at the benefits and possible problems that await the city in May.

Does the new Inspector General of the Chicago City Council have the ability to fulfill his job description? We talk with the man himself to discuss the future of his new position.

Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM joins us to discuss the year's top business stories, including the protracted battle over corporate tax breaks.

The Bears' nosedive is complete after a punishing loss to the Seattle Seahawks. On our Bears Alumni Club, 1985 Super Bowl Bear Otis Wilson joins us, with all the lowlights and where the Bears go from here.

He's everywhere these days, taking requests and sitting for pictures, but being Santa Claus requires more than a big belly and a red suit. Eddie Arruza pays his own visit to the City of Chicago's Santa Claus and reports on some insider secrets.

Last week, we reported on an obscure state law that makes it a felony to make an audio recording of police actitivies without their consent. We asked what you think of the "eavesdropping" law. We read what some of you had to say in Viewer Mail.

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

A new federal grant aimed at speeding up travel time between Chicago's downtown and O'Hare airport was announced on Thursday. Ash-har Quraishi has the story.

We hear about Steve Kerr's combative relationship with Michael Jordan; plus behind-the-scenes stories about Tiger Woods, Bob Knight and more when we talk with prolific sports author, John Feinstein.

After years in storage, a hand sculpture was recently installed in a new location. Geoffrey Baer tells us about the hands, and their connection to an important figure in Chicago history in Ask Geoffrey.

A song-and-dance number on how miserable it is to be a Cubs fan? Sounds like the work of The Second City! We find out about its latest show, The Second City's History of Chicago, and its brand new comedy club.

After months of acrimony and racial undertones, a powerful alderman says there is consensus on a plan to redraw the city's 50 wards. Paris Schutz has the latest on that, and other news from an action-packed day at Chicago City Council.

A shocking new biography about Walter Payton recently hit the shelves causing a huge controversy about the Chicago sports legend. We talk to the author about his revelations about Payton's alleged depression, suicidal tendencies, out-of-wedlock child, and abuse of painkillers.

We take a look at the new National Hellenic Museum in Greektown, which features a full-sized Trojan Horse, and a look at the role immigrants played in building Chicago on Arts Across Illinois.

We asked if you think taxpayers should be footing the bill for disabled parking. We read what some of you had to say in Viewer Mail.

City taxpayers are on the hook for more money to the company that leased the parking meters. We have more on the mayor's reaction, and why this may just be the tip of the iceberg. Paris Schutz reports.

It turns out that rats might not be such "rats" after all. Our science guy, Neil Shubin, talks about rat empathy and other stories on Scientific Chicago.

Sixty years ago today, a Chicago radio station began broadcasting classical music and is still at it today. We pay a birthday tribute to our sister station, WFMT, on its 60th birthday.

At last, Illinois lawmakers voted Tuesday to give CME and Sears $100 million in combined tax breaks, as well as substantial tax breaks to the working poor.

The Bears get Tebowed! We recap Sunday's meltdown with former Bears offensive lineman, James "Big Cat" Williams.

Radio station WFMT is celebrating its 60th anniversary of broadcasting classical music in Chicago. We talk to program director Peter Whorf about Tuesday's 10-hour "Day of Music" live broadcast celebration at the Chicago Cultural Center.

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

Robert Blagojevich spoke to us by phone on Thursday. Read what the brother of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich had to say in our web-exclusive interview.