Stories by WTTW News

Chicago rapper Chief Keef has earned himself a major record contract. Now the South Side native also faces legal challenges. We talk about the 17-year-old's talent and troubles, and what it says about Chicago.

A Chicago Public Schools program that gets students into better colleges and helps them stay there is expanding. Elizabeth Brackett has the story.

The new president of the Field Museum shares his vision for one of the city's cultural icons.

In tonight's Viewer Mail, we have some of your thoughts about our recent Congressional Forums.

11th District candidates Congresswoman Judy Biggert and challenger Bill Foster spoke with Phil Ponce live in our studios. Watch the forum here and read our live web chat transcript. After the forum, both candidates answered questions from the media in a press conference. Watch the web extra videos.

Congresswoman Judy Biggert and challenger Bill Foster face-off live in our studios in our 11th District Congressional forum.

Whenever one visits a foreign country, you always get a list from family members and friends which tells you about the things you are supposed to be carrying back for them. I, just like everyone, was also handed over that list. I won’t go too much into what I bought and what I avoided, but for the past couple of days, I was looking to buy a cell phone here.

Congresswoman Judy Biggert and challenger Bill Foster are neck and neck in a race for the 11th District. The newly redrawn district includes areas of Aurora and Joliet likely to vote Democrat. We break down some of the key issues at the forefront of tonight's 11th District forum.

Illinois home sales buck the national decline and Chicago-based R.R. Donnelley releases Google's earnings early due to "human error." Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM has those stories, and more top business headlines.

A stunning way to save the old Prentice Women's Hospital from the wrecking ball is proposed by a noted Chicago architect. But the idea is rejected. We find out why.

Teaching sharks to wait their turn for food. We show you some of the pioneering training the Shedd Aquarium is doing to get exotic animals to follow directions.

10th District candidates Congressman Robert Dold and challenger Brad Schneider spoke with Phil Ponce live in our studios. Watch the forum here and read our live web chat transcript. After the forum, both candidates answered questions from the media in a press conference. Watch the web extra videos.

10th District candidates Congressman Robert Dold and challenger Brad Schneider face-off for the last time before the election live in our studios.

It’s my third week in Chicago now, and the homesickness is beginning to creep in. Last night, I watched the final presidential debate and just to sum it up in few words: it disappointed me a lot.

Congressman Robert Dold and challenger Brad Schneider are in a heated race for the newly redrawn 10th District. This toss-up district is one of several key races under national scrutiny, which could determine whether or not Democrats regain control of the House next year. We break down some of the key issues at the forefront of tonight's 10th District forum.

President Obama and Mitt Romney talk foreign policy -- for the most part -- in the final presidential debate. But the two show few differences in their world view. We assess their global perspectives.

A vicious hit can’t stop Jay Cutler and the Bears from winning their fourth straight game. James "Big Cat" Williams joins us to analyze the Monday night showdown against the Detroit Lions.

Donald Peloquin candidate questionnaire.

Tonight is the final presidential debate. With 15 days to go, both campaigns are targeting the undecided voters in swing states. But, how much sway will this debate have? And what are the polls saying? Carol Marin and her guests have the latest on the presidential and congressional races.

Monday, October 22, marks the start of early voting for the November 6, 2012 general election. Any registered voter can cast a ballot in early voting through November 3, but they will have to present a government-issued photo I.D.

State Republicans are trying to take back the General Assembly as pension debts skyrocketed under Democratic leadership. The Chicago Sun-Times' Dave McKinney breaks down some key races.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle asks a political insider to resign from his part-time county post that pays salary and full benefits. Paris Schutz has more on this obscure county agency, and what it costs taxpayers.

The Chicago-based Poetry magazine celebrates 100 years. We talk with the editors about the magazine, which has arguably become one of the most powerful forces in the world of poetry.

Royal treasures of the Indian maharajas. We preview the new exhibition at the Field Museum.

Did a Chicago mobster die at a downtown dining establishment? Geoffrey Baer tells us more in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

George McGovern, who ran unsuccessfully as the Democratic Party nominee for president in 1972, died Sunday at the age of 90. We revisit his 1978 conversation with John Callaway, where McGovern talks about an Illinois politician who was his inspiration from John Callaway Interviews.