Stories by Yasmin Rammohan

It's called "Project Soapbox." High school students from around the city compete in a public speaking competition. We take you to an early round.

The genius of Jackie Wilson is resurrected at the new home of Black Ensemble Theater.  We hear from the founder of the theater about 35 years of performances -- and building for the future.

The Mayor's budget gets unanimous approval, despite earlier controversy over some of the fee hikes and service cuts. Is it the "rubber stamp city council" all over again? Carol Marin and her panel have more.

Reducing the Cook County jail population by putting more inmates on home monitoring...but who is the county letting out? Paris Schutz reports.

Corporate advertising on Chicago bridge houses -- a clever way to raise funds, or cheap commercial clutter? Chicago Tribune architecture writer Blair Kamin joins us to talk about the city selling itself as a billboard.

A political powerhouse is remembered when actress Holland Taylor portrays the late Texas governor Ann Richards. The Emmy winner discusses what attracted her to this charismatic character.

America's Test Kitchen host and Cook's Illustrated magazine editor in chief Christopher Kimball is here with his latest creation--a 900-page cookbook!

Controversial remarks by Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis surface online. We get reaction to what Lewis had to say about Arne Duncan, among other topics, at a conference in Washington last month.

In the wake of the Penn State scandal, we talk about whistle-blowing on child sex abuse in Illinois, and possible ramifications that could result.

A tiny, fingernail-sized organism that some are calling the scourge of the Great Lakes is fundamentally altering marine life. Ash-har Quraishi reports on a devastating invasive species that is causing ripples all the way up the food chain.

We meet the man behind the volunteer organization that beautifies the darkest areas of Chicago.

Check Please! host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh joins us to discuss her recommendations for beer, wine, and spirits in this week's edition of Ask Alpana.

The U. S. Supreme Court says it will rule on President Obama's health care law next year.  Eddie Arruza tells us what Illinois' two senators had to say about that, along with their thoughts on the looming deadline for the so-called debt "Super Committee."

A Crain's Chicago Business investigation is raising questions about how Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan handled McCormick Place bonds.  We hear from some of the key players about the explosive story.

Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM joins us to discuss a record order for Chicago-based Boeing,  the fallout from MF Global's collapse, and other top business headlines.

It was an exciting win for the Bears over division rival, Detroit Lions. We break down the action with former Bear, Robin Earl, on this week's edition of Bears Alumni Club.

Chicago architect Jeanne Gang recently won a MacArthur Genius grant. Gang is the subject of a new, in-depth profile airing nationally on PBS: Jeanne Gang: The Sky's the Limit.

Did Rep. Joe Walsh cross the line during a heated exchange with constituents last week? We have your thoughts when we read some of your Viewer Mail.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

Need some ideas for what to do this weekend? Chicago Tonight knows what is going on!

First Greece, now Italy. The Italian economic crisis has put the country on the brink of default on its massive debt, and the colorful Italian prime minister may be one of the casualties. Eddie Arruza and his panel look at how events in Europe are impacting things on this side of the Atlantic.

Hometown hero and Iraq war veteran Bryan Anderson joins us to talk about his inspirational new PBS program about service and volunteerism.

Maggie Babiarz came to Chicago alone at age 16 from a small village in the Polish highlands. Today, she leads the Megitza Quartet, a Chicago band that plays an energetic mash-up of traditional and original music from eastern and southern Europe. Jay Shefsky has the story.

A giant of modern dance explores the legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Bill T. Jones talks about the most ambitious undertaking of his distinguished career.

Spirited debate between a congressman and constituents? Or a congressman stepping over the line? We have the latest on a controversial video of Congressman Joe Walsh that's making the rounds online.

Could Democrats and Republicans in Congress be supporting tax increases to fix the nation's finances? Carol Marin sits down with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky for answers as the deadline for a deal on the nation's debt looms.