Stories by Yasmin Rammohan

A chips ad featuring Ashton Kutcher in brownface imitating an Indian backfires. We look at the controversy, and what it may say about race in America.

Northwestern's lacrosse coach prepares her team for another run at a national title. We learn what drives Kelly Amonte Hiller.

Chicago's Mindy Segal reacts to being named the best pastry chef in the country. We hear from Segal and North Pond's Bruce Sherman about their James Beard awards.

On the heels of her “Outstanding Pastry Chef” award from the James Beard Foundation, Mindy Segal is reopening her Bucktown restaurant under a new name with a redesigned menu.

Second City legend Andrea Martin joins us to talk about her days on SCTV, her award-winning Broadway work, and her latest touring show.

A historic pivot from President Barack Obama as he comes out in support of gay marriage. We talk with the local author of the book, Obama and the Gays, about what it all means.

A bill passed in Springfield helps State Rep. Monique Davis save hundreds of thousands of dollars. We have that, and more news from the state capitol.

The Illinois House voted Wednesday to pull free, taxpayer-funded health insurance from nearly 80,000 state retirees and retired suburban and downstate teachers, lawmakers and judges.

Hall of Famer Andre Dawson joins us to talk about his remarkable 21-year Major League career and his new book, If You Love This Game: An MVP'S Life In Baseball.

Is an upbeat letter from Groupon's CEO enough to ease investor fears and boost the stock? Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM has that story, and more top business headlines.

Tomato time is just around the corner. The Chicago Botanic Garden's Eliza Fournier joins us to plant some ideas about container gardens and spring projects.

The superhero movie, The Avengers, is breaking box office records. We get a behind-the-scenes look at Chicago's own superhero of the comic book industry: artist Alex Ross.

Sen. Mark Kirk released a YouTube video on Tuesday showing clips of his physical rehabilitation program and recovery following a stroke he suffered in January.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel takes his pension reform plan to Springfield, urging lawmakers to make tough changes regarding city employee pensions. We talk with Chicago's City Treasurer about the proposal.

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis joins us to talk about a possible teachers' strike, pensions, longer school days and school reform.

The alderman whose ward includes Wrigley Field puts his foot down on the proposed renovation of Wrigley Field. We have the latest.

A rock from the fireball that caused a sonic boom as it fell in Nevada last month will join the Field Museum's meteorite collection on Tuesday. 

We meet Chicago artist Nick Cave, and see his work: part sculpture, part costume, melding art, dance and fashion.

Pulitzer Prize winning columnist and author Anna Quindlen shares her thoughts about aging in her memoir, Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake.

A large chunk of Lake Shore Drive will be closed for three days. Minor inconvenience? We have the latest on NATO security plans and the expected fallout with two weeks to go until NATO.

We take a look back at Rahm Emanuel's first year as Chicago mayor.

Iraq's ambassador to the United Nations joins us to discuss his country's efforts to curb political infighting.

A former All-American wrestler turned suburban wrestling coach must tell his students that he now faces his toughest match.

A unique building was one of several Chicago landmarks featured in a 1950 film. The movie starred a young actor who later became a screen legend. Geoffrey Baer has more in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

We asked what you thought about contract negotiations between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union. We read what some of you had to say in Viewer Mail.

After months of waiting, the Secret Service released portions of its security plan in early May, detailing highway and street closures for the weekend of the summit. Check out our map below for what streets to avoid, where you can't park, and what major protests are planned.