Stories by WTTW News

We look back at the life and legacy of director and North Shore native John Hughes, who died last Thursday at the age of 59.

There is a remarkable new eco-friendly house in the Ravenswood neighborhood that recycles its water and generates more electricity than it will ever use. Geoffrey Baer takes us on a tour of this home of the future. Tours at Zero Net Energy House

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

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: A rash of robberies in Lincoln Park and the South Side have communities on alert; a scathing report rips the University of Illinois' clouted admissions policies; clout also investigated at Chicago's elite public schools; United Airlines moving their headquarters to the recently renamed Willis Tower; Ford pinning their revival on the new Taurus made right here in Chicago; the Cubs and Sox each battling for first-place; and new Bears quarterback Jay Cutler impressive in training camp. Guests:

For the rest of the summer we'll be replaying the best of John Callaway's interviews over the years. Tonight we take a look back at a 1978 conversation with Julia Child, the subject of the new Meryl Streep movie Julie & Julia.

Governor Quinn signs a bill into law banning texting behind the wheel of a car. Christian Farr was there for the signing, and he joins us with more on the legislation. WEB EXCLUSIVE: 2007 piece on student killed by texting driver

Another school clout scandal has come to the surface, this time involving the Chicago Public Schools. Admission practices at some of the district's most selective high schools are currently under scrutiny. Eddie Arruza and his panel go inside the controversy. Chicago Tribune: Federal investigation targets CPS (08/02/09)

Mayor Daley's defending his decision to give United Airlines $25 million in tax increment financing funds to help pay for its move to Willis Tower. Rich Samuels has the details on the deal that will move 2,800 jobs downtown.

Chicago journalism legend Harry Porterfield discusses his departure from ABC 7 and his new job at CBS 2. CBS2Chicago.com: Slideshows and videos of Harry returning to CBS

What do a totem pole in Burnham Harbor and the Chicago Cubs curse have in common? The answer to that and more in tonight's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Evanston native Dino Robinson is a graphic designer by trade, but you might also call him an "accidental historian." Christian Farr introduces us to this man and his mission to uncover the history of African-Americans along the North Shore.

Looking for Lollapalooza weekend alternatives? Time Out Chicago magazine is here with some activities that won't pull so hard on the purse strings.

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

Police are hailing a Chicago cab driver as a hero because he physically engaged a suspect in a robbery-beating. Would you do the same? Rich Samuels has the story of the cab driver who helped Chicago cops catch a suspect early this morning.

Today is the day that candidates in Illinois can begin gathering signatures on petitions that will allow them to appear on ballots. Carol Marin and her panel of reporters tell us how the races are shaping up.

Is organic food worth the the high price tag, or is it just the latest edible money-making scheme? We delve into the debate tonight.

In anticipation of the film The Time Traveler's Wife, we revisit Phil Ponce's 2003 conversation with author Audrey Niffenegger.

Are social networking websites an effective way to land a job? Our guests say absolutely, and they share with us how it's possible. General Social Networking Tips

The TV series American Idol has turned out some mega pop music stars--even if they didn't win the contest. Will Chicago's Leslie Hunt be next? She was a finalist on the program, and performs for us tonight.

Ford rolled out its 2010 Taurus today, and it's made in Chicago. Rich Samuels tells us why Ford's Torrence Avenue Assembly plant is surviving some of the darkest days in the history of the auto industry. DriveChicago.com reviews the 2010 Taurus

The chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees is the latest to resign in the wake of the admission clout scandal. Elizabeth Brackett sits down with commissioners from the independent panel reviewing the U of I's tainted admission process.

What do futuristic pavilions in Millennium Park have to do with Daniel Burnham's century-old Plan of Chicago? We find out when we meet the two acclaimed architects making their Chicago debuts with these cutting-edge works.

President Obama's personal physician for more than 20 years tells us why he's critical of his former patient's proposal to change the way the nation provides health care.

Christian Farr explores how deconstruction is keeping reusable building materials out of landfills.

He's known as the "Hillbilly Cat," "Elvis the Pelvis," and of course, "The King of Rock 'n' Roll." Tonight, we meet the author of a new book on everything Elvis. Amazon.com: Read excerpts from the book Aug. 8: Susan Doll's seminar on Viva Las Vegas

Almost 200 members of the Illinois National Guard returned home to Soldier Field today to a welcoming crowd, including the governor and hundreds of family members and friends. The troops just completed a year-long deployment in Afghanistan. Rich Samuels was there and takes us inside the emotional reunion.