Stories by WTTW News

We talk with the author of a new book that showcases a collection of essays that highlight the long-lasting impact of fathers in or out of childrens' lives. More on the Story: Post your comments on fatherhood More on the book More on John Fountain

On the Artbeat, we look into the "hands-on" approach of American artist John Marin, and find out how painter Georgia O'Keefe was instrumental in getting his masterworks to Chicago. Marin's exhibit at The Art Institute Images of Marin's collection at The Art Institute

Gas prices are rising, but is there any relief in sight? We talk about the financial pain at the pump, and if $4 dollars or more per gallon is now the new normal.

Chicago is losing Batman but local suburb Plano is inheriting the "Man of Steel." WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us to talk about this week's business headlines. Chicago Tribune article on "Superman"

The Civil War began 150 years ago today and the young metropolis of Chicago played many roles in the conflict. Eddie Arruza explores some of the ways the city and state took part in the war that ended slavery in the U.S. and tested the resilience of the nation.

Harry Volkman spent 55 years on the air forecasting Chicago's ever-changing weather. We catch up with him and talk about his new book. What's Volkman up to? To buy Volkman's self-published book, send him an email

On the Artbeat, enter the surreal world of Gertrude Abercrombie -- a visionary Chicago painter who impressed both art critics and some of the giants of jazz.

As budget talks draw to a close for now, it will be a busy week for the president as he begins his re-election bid with major fundraising here in Chicago. Carol Marin and her panel will discuss this, and the winners and losers in the budget showdown. Fundraising Kickoff in Chicago

A new law that is supposed to level the playing field for Illinois businesses has one company moving to Wisconsin. Illinois Retail Merchants Association FatWallet Sound off on our discussion board

She was his law professor at Harvard, the woman President Obama credits for changing his life. Martha Minow, Dean of Harvard Law School and Highland Park native, joins us to talk about her life and career.

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel-backed candidates win big in Tuesday's aldermanic runoff election, and he also responds to emperor claims. Mayor Daley and Emanuel speak out against concealed carry legislation. Meanwhile, Caterpillar, one of the state's largest manufacturer's says it will stay put in Peoria. And in sports, the Cubs and Sox open the baseball season, while the Bulls look to finish strong -- and on top of the Eastern Conference. Guests:

The Chicago City Council will be getting many new members next month but what's on the mind of some veteran aldermen? Eddie Arruza will talk to two of them. Alderman Joe Moore: 49th ward Alderman Ricardo Munoz: 22nd ward

ProPublica reporter and former South Asia bureau chief for the Chicago Tribune Kim Barker discusses her new book, “The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan.” The memoir chronicles her experiences covering conflicts in the two countries.

As the last high-rise at Cabrini Green comes down, an ambitious art project is coming down with it. We speak with the local artist who is working with students and former residents to commemorate the building and its legacy. More on the Story: Project Cabrini Green Project Cabrini Green website

This housing complex takes up several city blocks and bears the name of a very famous Chicagoan. Geoffrey Baer has the history of these Old Town apartments in today's Ask Geoffrey.

If you were taken with the alligator caught in the Chicago River last summer - this should have you chomping at the bit - so to speak. We preview Reptile Fest - with live animals in the studio! Event information Chicago Herpetological Society

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

The makeover of the Chicago City Council is now complete and the change will be dramatic. Yesterday's runoff elections brought some surprises with four incumbents going down to defeat. Eddie Arruza talks with several of the aldermanic newcomers.

Wilmette was one of just a few suburban communities to pass a school funding referendum yesterday. We take a look at key election results from the suburbs. Information on the referendum

There's an increasingly bitter debate going on in one of Chicago's wealthiest suburbs. We hear about the Village of Winnetka's affordable housing proposal, and why some opponents say it will bring criminals to the North Shore community.

What are the 10 "most threatened" historic sites in Illinois? The head of a group that wants to bring attention to these endangered landmarks tells us why they are at risk. More on the Story: Map and info of endangered landmarks Landmarks Illinois website

She's been an acclaimed designer for Tiffany and Co. for over 30 years. Artist Paloma Picasso is here to talk about her life, her work and her legacy. More on the Story: Paloma Picasso Timeline

Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel is warning Chicago unions: He wants longer school days and fewer absences from laborers. We hear from both the Chicago Teachers Union and the union that represents Chicago Streets and Sanitation workers. Local mom reactions to longer school days Are you for or against longer school days?

What does the nuclear crisis tell us about Japanese culture? We talk to two experts about Japan's calm and collected nature in the face of tragedy. An article on Japan's stoicism after the earthquake

Everybody seems to agree that youth - especially "at-risk" youth - need mentors. But the problem with many mentoring programs is that the mentors don't stick around long enough. A Chicago mentoring program aims to fix that. More information on Aim High

Olympic figure skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi talks about becoming the first Asian American to win gold, and her new children's book. More on Kristi Yamaguchi's book