Stories by WTTW News

A commission appointed by President Obama recommends radical changes to bridge the nation's budget gap. We speak with one of the commission members, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.

She was the first African American woman in the U.S. Senate and now she wants to be the first African American woman Mayor of Chicago. Carol Moseley Braun is here to tell us why she's come out of political retirement to vie for the position of Mayor Daley's replacement.

A Chicago-area Polish family is torn apart when the wife is deported with her six-year-old son. We talk with the husband and the director of a new documentary about the family, airing tonight on WTTW. Tony and Janina's American Wedding

Ash-har Quraishi takes an inside look at the fine art of harp-making in Chicago. More on the story...

A 1955 building now stands in the middle of a huge construction site in Lincoln Park. We find out why people are taking such care to protect it in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

A new free e-book provides a fresh perspective on the city's dozens of neighborhoods, from Bronzeville to Hegewisch. We talk with author Alan Solomon about Explore Chicago: Eat, Play, Love Our Neighborhoods. Download Eat, Play, Love Our Neighborhoods

We share your thoughts on some of our recent stories when we read some viewer mail.

Congressman Danny Davis is the consensus Black candidate for Mayor of Chicago. So, what are his plans for the city? And why does he want to leave Congress to lead the city in the post-Daley era? He answers these questions and more when he talks with Carol Marin.

A new, free computer program can turn the most inexperienced computer user into a computer hacker, and the hacking is taking place at public wi-fi sites.

Fresh Medicine Did the Health reform bill alleviate the nation's health care crisis? One prominent politician says it made an obsolete system even worse. We talk to the Governor of Tennessee, the author of the new book Fresh Medicine: How to Fix, Reform and Build a Sustainable Health Care System.

From Pablo Picasso to Old Masters and contemporary works -- seven centuries of art from a celebrated private collection go on public view at the Art Institute. We take a look inside the exhibit. Find out more about the Gray Collection

A seemingly innocuous handshake has set off a worldwide controversy. We learn why an Indonesian minister -- who is Muslim -- is blaming Michelle Obama for the misstep. How to Be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies

The Chicago Coalition for Mayor, a group of African-American leaders, has chosen Danny Davis as their candidate for Mayor. Elizabeth Brackett discusses the implications of this decision and other new developments in the race.

It's an innovative campaign to end the gruesome practice of dogfighting. Eddie Arruza tells us about an outreach effort that's changing hearts and minds about the so-called bully breeds of dogs.

Chicago Sun-Times theater critic Hedy Weiss reviews three shows currently on local stages.

America's Test Kitchen host Chris Kimball joins us to talk about the inspiration behind his latest book Fannie's Last Supper.

Move over, swings and jungle gym -- public art is the new attraction at Chicago parks. We show you where to find the most unique sculptures, mosaics, and even musical instruments. Chicago Public Art Group List of parks/artists in the piece: Commercial Club -- Henri Marquet and Phil Schuster Skinner Park -- Phil Schuster Mt Greenwood -- James Brenner and Todd Osborne 40th and Michigan (Donnelly Center) -- Mitchell Caton, Calvin Jones, and Marcus Akinlana

The election is over -- now the hard work begins. Namely, how to make up what could be a $15 billion budget shortfall. Carol Marin and her panel of legislators have more on what to expect when lawmakers return to Springfield.

WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us with the week's top business stories, including how the city of Chicago postponed its bond sale.

Three decades ago, architect Harry Weese was fighting to save Chicago from urban blight. He gave the city some of its most famous buildings...and then was almost forgotten. We look at the great work and troubled life of Harry Weese. Newly released book: The Architecture of Harry Weese by Robert Bruegmann and Kathleen Murphy Skolnik Upcoming events related to the book:

It was a balance of offense and defense -- and passing and running -- that pushed the Bears past the winless Buffalo Bills. Brian Baschnagel talks about the victory on this week's edition of the Bears Alumni Club.

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

In a close contest with Alexi Giannoulias, Republican Mark Kirk takes President Obama's former Senate seat. Meanwhile, Republican congressional candidates score impressive victories in the suburbs, but Democrats maintain control of the Illinois House and Senate as they return immediately to Springfield to tackle the $13 billion budget deficit. Toni Preckwinkle wins big in the race for Cook County Board President, and Independent Forrest Claypool fails to beat Democratic Party heavyweight Joe Berrios for Cook County Assessor. In sports, the Bears are back from their bye week.

The Chicago Teachers Union wants a more transparent process as they choose the next Chicago Public Schools chief. We talk with representatives from the teachers and principals unions about the public school system's future.

His almost two years in the U.S. Senate were highlighted by controversy and criticism, and soon, Senator Roland Burris may be out of a job. Is he contemplating running for another political office? Eddie Arruza will talk with the Senator.

Rhythm and motion blend in one of the nation's premier Latin dance ensembles. We talk with the artistic director of Ballet Hispanico. Dance Chicago