Stories by WTTW News

A rare and unique species of butterfly once common in this area is in danger of going extinct. We show you how a local researcher is trying to prevent that from happening. Find out more about the Regal Fritillary

Officials at the Shedd Aquarium have volunteered to help rescue crews in the Gulf region save wildlife caught in the devastating oil spill. We talk to a Shedd official who will be assisting in the rescue effort. See what the Shedd is doing in the Gulf See what the Audubon Nature Institute is doing in the Gulf

This is the time of year to dine al fresco in Chicago, but it's also the perfect time to paint al fresco. We revisit a group of mostly amateur artists who take their brushes and canvases outdoors to capture the sights and colors of Chicago. Plein Air Painters of Chicago

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

Joel Weisman and his panel look at the week's top headlines: LeBron James disappoints Bulls fans by choosing Miami; Governor Quinn doles out raises to 35 staffers while cutting $1.4 billion in education and social services spending; undercover tapes catch Rod Blagojevich ripping Illinois voters; the CTA will get $35 million to speed downtown travel and service between the Loop and the South Side; and in other sports, it looks like the red hot White Sox will lose their pitching star Jake Peavy for the season due to a detached chest muscle. Guests:

Testimony today revealed that former Governor Rod Blagojevichwas snubbed on Election Night 2008. Elizabeth Brackett tells us why.

Last week, the City Council passed new rules for vacation rentals -- short-term stays in houses or condos. We find out what the changes might mean for the city's real estate market.

Over the last five centuries through warfare, disease and suppression, one of the largest groups of American Indians in North America has found itself losing its native tongue. We find out about an effort underway right here in Chicago by members of the Ojibwe people to teach and revitalize their endangered traditional language. More on the story...

Why has the intersection of Grand and State on Chicago's north side been torn up for years? Geoffrey Baer has the answer to that question in tonight's edition of Ask Geoffrey. The Sabre Room,where Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin performed June 10th, 1977 These are the buildings featured in our segment about the Latin alphabet:

Art abounds on the CTA. We show you how riding the train can lead you to some of the city's most vibrant and diverse works of art. Map of CTA Art

A Chicago chef scours the shores of Hawaii for the perfect recipe. We talk to Craig Priebe, the host of a new WTTW program airing tomorrow night called Flavor Hunting. Grilled Pizzas & Piadinas

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

Elizabeth Brackett has the latest developments in the corruption trial of former Governor Rod Blagojevich.

The U.S. Supreme Court ended Chicago's longstanding gun ban, and the city quickly enacted new restrictions. Chicago's corporation consul, Mara Georges, joins us to explain the new measures.

Diane Eastabrook of the Nightly Business Report explains how the economy has changed the way small businesses are planning for the future.

Should antibiotics be used on farm animals? We'll learn about this heated -- and growing -- agricultural debate.

Check, Please! host Alpana Singh returns to offer up a selection of light summer wines. Marco Real Rose Garnacha, Spain $11 Rudi Wiest Rhein River Riesling, Germany $12 Indaba Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa $8 Montes Alpha Syrah, Chile $19

A music preview of the Old Town Folk and Roots Festival, with rural blues from the Sanctified Grumblers.

Governor Quinn discusses his new budget, the state's alarming deficit, and more. The Governor's Office of Management and Budget

Elizabeth Brackett has the latest developments in the corruption trial of former Governor Rod Blagojevich.

We'll see how well the market for vacation homes is faring as the housing market continues to struggle.

Kris Kridel talks about Mayor Daley's money making idea to sell ad space on bridge houses spanning the Chicago River and the rest of the week's top business headlines.

We'll talk to the author of a new book about a decade of drastic change on the baseball diamond. Dan Epstein's blog, "Big Hair and Plastic Grass"

Meet the photographer who captured more than a half-century of great pictures of Chicago. Lee Balterman Gallery

Joel Weisman and his panel look at the week's top stories: Governor Pat Quinn slices $1.4 billion from the state budget; City Hall moves quickly on a new gun-control ordinance for Chicago; former Police Commander Jon Burge is guilty on all counts of lying about police torture under his watch -- and one victim is already filing a suit against him and Former State's Attorney Richard Daley; Rod Blagojevich's lavish clothes spending was revealed in court, along with his plots with aides and his wife to replace Barack Obama in the U.S.

Governor Quinn signed a budget today that contained $1.4 billion in cuts. Elizabeth Brackett fills us in on where the Governor is cutting, and the funding challenges the state still faces.