Stories by WTTW News

President Obama sought common ground on the issue of abortion during yesterday's much-publicized commencement address at Notre Dame. Was his speech effective at bringing the opposing factions of this debate closer together? A former political speechwriter gives his take.

Has Chicago's Playboy Enterprises lost its luster? Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio's Noon Business Hour joins us with the details about big changes coming to the magazine.

It was a history-making moment this past weekend at the Art Institute with the opening of its new Modern Wing. Geoffrey Baer sits down with architect Renzo Piano to talk about architecture in Chicago.

Where exactly does our food come from? The answer to that may not be very appetizing. Michael Pollan, the author of the bestselling book "The Omnivore's Dilemma," is here to talk about his philosophy on food, and what he calls "our national eating disorder."

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Cook County Board President Todd Stroger owes the IRS nearly $12,000; Is Lisa Madigan eyeing a potential Senate run?; lawmakers still wrestling with budget and ethics reforms in Springfield; Chrysler and General Motors closing car dealerships all across the country; major layoffs at Loyola Medical Center; and the Blackhawks skating against the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference finals. Guests:

John Callaway sits down with former Chicago Tribune sports reporter Melissa Isaacson to talk about her new book about Cubs skipper Lou Piniella.

Chicago kicked off its 30th season of city-sponsored farmer's markets. Rich Samuels has more on a Chicago tradition that offers farmers a chance to share their unique foods and local produce directly with consumers. Find a farmer's market near you

Mayor Daley has asked all city employees for sacrifices to help deal with a deteriorating fiscal situation. But is City Council doing its part? Eddie Arruza and a panel of aldermen weigh in. Contact your alderman

The cash-strapped CTA uses one of the first stimulus grants for transportation to make badly needed track repairs on the Blue Line. Elizabeth Brackett reports on the impact of federal stimulus funds on the region's economy.

History is being made at the Art Institute of Chicago this weekend. The Modern Wing is opening, and we have a preview with architecture critic Blair Kamin.

We preview John Callaway's Friday Night interview with former Chicago Tribune reporter Melissa Isaacson. She's just written a new book about fiery Cubs skipper Lou Piniella.

Was the world-renowned jewelry designer Tiffany & Co. also once known as a brick maker? Geoffrey Baer joins us with the answer to that question and others about Chicago history and landmarks in tonight's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

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

Chicago aldermen voted today 48-0 to forbid the sale of baby bottles that use the chemical bisphenol A, known as BPA. Rich Samuels was there, and has the latest on this story and the other issues taken up at today's City Council meeting.

There are only two weeks to go in this Illinois legislative season, and lawmakers have yet to commit to major ethics reform. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a look at what changes, if any, might come to Springfield. Illinois Reform Commission

Millions of Americans are wallowing in credit card debt, mostly because of astronomical fees and interest rates. But now Washington is trying to reign in credit card companies for what many consider to be abusive and deceptive practices. It's tonight's focus on The Bottom Line.

After the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, the looting of Iraq began. We talk to the Chicago author of the book The Rape of Mesopotamia, which says the ransacking of Iraq's greatest cultural institution illustrates the failure of U.S. forces to secure the country. The Rape of Mesopotamia

He began his career in the 1950's and has been causing trouble ever since. We have a performance from Chicago's underground R&B bad boy, Andre Williams.

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger is holding firm to his threat to veto a sales tax repeal by disgruntled Cook County commissioners. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have the very latest on the county tax revolt. Contact the Cook County Commissioners -

The Chicago Blackhawks are in hockey's final four for the first time since 1995. Last night, the one millionth fan passed through the United Center turnstiles. We explore the team's transformation both on and off the ice.

A controversy is raging over a proposed wind farm in DeKalb County. Rich Samuels tells us why as we continue this year's Chicago Matters series.

As the recession continues, we head to Libertyville, where everything from downtown development to Little League is impacted by a big drop in car sales.

Tom Stoppard's play Rock 'n' Roll, now on stage at the Goodman Theater, is "richly sensual, emotionally rousing and intellectually dense," says our Hedy Weiss. She joins us with a review of that show, plus two others now playing. "Rock 'N' Roll" "Hedda Gabler" "The Lieutenant of Inishmore"

There are just 30 days to go until the transition to digital TV. Christian Farr joins us to explain what you need to do to make sure you are ready on June 12th.

It's crunch time in Springfield. State lawmakers have until the end of May to enact ethics reform and fill a projected budget gap of about $10 billion. Carol Marin and a panel of state legislators take up the issues. Illinois Reform Commission Report

Can President Obama's suitmaker be saved? Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio's Noon Business Hour shares the details of the battle to save Chicago's Hartmarx.