Stories by WTTW News

We hear from a local author who shares tips for exciting vacations close to home. More on the Story: Read an excerpt & view a slideshow More on the book More on Elisa Drake Drake's website

Congressional leaders and the President come up with an 11th hour deal to raise the debt ceiling. Carol Marin and her panel tally up the potential winners and losers in the debate over the debt.

A sentencing date has been set for convicted former Illinois governor, Rod Blagojevich. He'll learn his fate on October 6. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest on sentencing guidelines and Blagojevich's fate.

If Chicago and Toronto have the same population, then why does Chicago have almost eight times the number of murders each year? WBEZ's Robert Wildeboer is here to help us find out.

Henrietta Lacks died of cervical cancer in 1951. But her cells kept living, starting a scientific revolution and a multi-billion dollar industry. When members of her family found out, they felt angry and exploited. We revisit our recent conversation with the author of a best-selling book about the story.

Snakes have escaped Lincoln Park Zoo and are on their way to the suburbs. Paris Schutz has more on where they've landed and why.

Cook County has a sizable budget gap to close, but Board President Toni Preckwinkle says job cuts are not inevitable and the sales tax rollback is still on. How will they close the gap? Paris Schutz has the story.

The Toll Highway Authority is asking for some big toll hikes to fund $12 billion in upgrades. Eddie Arruza talks with tollway leadership about their ambitious plans.

We meet two cast members of "West Side Story" with local roots who are taking the show on a rare tour across the country. More on the Story: Photo gallery & music from the show "West Side Story" at the Cadillac Palace Theatre "West Side Story" on tour

With nearly 400 Borders bookstores soon to close across the country, we talk to a panel of experts about the future of books and the ongoing transformations in publishing and how we read.

It's been called Chicago's Sistine Chapel, but it's no longer visible. So, where is the mural from the old Daily News Building? Geoffrey Baer has the answer in Ask Geoffrey.

During last night's broadcast, we tried to bring you a story about a unique summer camp on the North Shore with a very specific mission. However, that piece was interrupted by severe weather bulletins. So, once again, Eddie Arruza takes us to Camp TWIG in Winnetka, where the kids not only have fun, but also learn something important about each other.

We hear what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer mail. Send Chicago Tonight your comments

The wife of slain police officer Michael Bailey thanks Chicago Police for the arrest of her husband's alleged killer: 24-year-old Antwon Carter. Carter appeared in court today where a judge refused him bond. Elizabeth Brackett has the story.

The CTA is beefing up security in response to a rash of burglaries on trains and buses. New CTA President Forrest Claypool talks with Carol Marin about this, and whether riders can expect fare hikes in the future.

How is the economy impacting the hotel and hospitality industry? We check in with the president and CEO of Hyatt Hotels. More on Mark Hoplamazian Business Week article Hyatt Hotels

It looks like a typical summer camp, but its mission is far from typical. Eddie Arruza takes us to Camp TWIG in Winnetka where the kids not only have fun, but also learn something important about each other.

A consumer group says 9 out of 10 smartphone users over-pay for data plans. Find out how you can cut costs from the Executive Director of the Citizens Utility Board.

Union leaders say they've responded to Mayor Rahm Emanuel's call for concessions by identifying hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts that can save tax dollars and city employment. But are they enough? Our Elizabeth Brackett talks with a union representative to discuss their financial plan and more.

Chicago has become an alternative energy hub. We talk to one of its pioneers about the economic impact of green energy.

He's the first Asian American elected to the City Council, and currently the youngest. Some say the freshman alderman is the face of changing politics in Chicago. Ash-har Quraishi profiles Ameya Pawar of the 47th ward.

Take the locavore food movement a step further into your cocktail. Check Please! Host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh joins us with answers to your questions about wine, beer and spirits. More on Alpana's recommendations Ask Alpana your own questions Wit Beer Recommendation:

Enter the surreal world of Gertrude Abercrombie—a visionary Chicago painter who impressed both art critics and some of the giants of jazz.

Will Congress and the President reach a deal to avoid defaulting on U.S. debt? Carol Marin and her panel look at the political stalemate.

A British developer unveils big plans for the old main post office in the Loop. Are the plans visionary or overly ambitious? WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us to discuss that and other top business stories, including a new California company being hired by employers to run social media background checks on applicants.