Stories by WTTW News

We view some vibrant paintings that depict the life-and-death struggle of a Chicago artist. Hollis Sigler: Expect the Unexpected

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

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: George Ryan's wife reaches out to President Obama to release the former governor from prison early; Mayor Daley is letting the public apply for open aldermanic seats; more controversy is brewing in the race for lieutenant governor; Governor Quinn signs a bill that ousts the entire McCormick Place board; red-light cameras are being scrutinized by lawmakers in Springfield; and the Bulls were busy at the trade deadline. Guests:

Phil Ponce sits down with actor and comedian Tim Kazurinsky.

Should former Illinois Governor George Ryan be granted an early release from prison? Ryan's attorney is asking President Obama to grant clemency to the former Governor, claiming Mrs. Ryan is near death and citing Ryan's own deteriorating health. Eddie Arruza and his panel take up the issue.

The $800+ billion dollar stimulus bill was signed into law one year ago. Has it worked? We have insight from Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, whom Newsweek calls "an economic prophet."

The true Chicago story behind Lorraine Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun.

We find out what the buzz behind Google's latest creation is all about. Google Buzz

Geoffrey Baer tells us about a dazzling art glass window at Lake View High School. To help support the restoration of the art glass window at Lake View High School, click this link for information about the spaghetti dinner benefit on May 6th The new "Wilderness Walk" at the Peggy Notabaert Nature Museum

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

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are using commercial fishing nets and electrofishing gear to search for Asian carp in the Chicago Waterway System. Elizabeth Brackett tells us what they are finding.

We hear from doctors and a reporter who have just returned from the earthquake-ravaged country.

We meet Green Party candidates for some of the top offices on the November ballot. Rich Whitney's campaign website Tom Tresser's campaign website LeAlan Jones's campaign website

We catch up with actor Brian Dennehy, who is both backstage and onstage in dual roles at the Goodman Theater.

Architecture meets dance when an historic mansion sets the stage for a new ballet. Winifred Haun & Dancers Elizabeth F. Cheney Mansion

Acclaimed pianist Xiayin Wang performs live in our studio.

Indiana Senator Evan Bayh has decided not to run for a third term. Eddie Arruza and his panel discuss the partisanship and gridlock in Washington, and how they affect the outlook for the Democratic Party.

How did Osama Bin Laden go from shy son of a wealthy Saudi businessman to the most wanted terrorist in the world? We find out when we take a look at a new book by DePaul University history professor Thomas Mockaitis. Osama bin Laden: A Biography

A Chicago photographer visits a wide range of homes across the city to document the foreclosure crisis. Alyssa Miserendino Photography Our World Inside Out: What We've Left Behind

Should the controversial red light cameras be abolished? The debate over whether to do just that is heating up in Springfield, and we take up the subject with our own panel.

You may not think "hot gossip" and Chicago go together, but our panel of scoop-hungry journalists beg to differ. We get the latest scoop on celebrities and business elites from some of Chicago's most plugged-in gossip bloggers and columnists. Showbiz Shelly These Boots Are Made For Stalking Chicago Tribune's Melissa Harris

Betty Loren Maltese...is back! Having completed a seven-year prison term for corruption, today the former Cicero town president moved into a West Side halfway house. Eddie Arruza tells us what lies ahead for Loren-Maltese and the hefty debt she still owes society.

State Senator James Meeks wants to reform education in Illinois, in the form of more vouchers and less power for local school councils. Meeks will discuss his controversial education plan with Carol Marin.

Would it make you feel better or worse if a few savvy investors were making big money from this winter's big snowfalls? Kris Kridel joins us with the details of that story, plus the rest of the week's business news.

Kids with autism rarely, if ever, have a chance to go to the theater or on a camping trip. But a Chicago theater company has found a way for them to do both at the same time. Eddie Arruza tells us about the Red Kite Project.

The Blackhawks are riding a four-game winning streak into the Olympic break. We talk to Hawks President John McDonough about the remarkable year they're having, and how he's helped administer what Forbes Magazine calls "the greatest sports-business turnaround ever."