Stories by WTTW News

We hear from a journalist who received unprecedented access to the White House while researching his new book: The Promise: President Obama, Year One.

The City Council is poised to approve another Walmart in Chicago. WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel talks about who the winners are, plus the rest of the week's business headlines.

We meet a Chicago man who contracted an incurable disease during the Gulf War that made it impossible for him to run. Now, he runs 21 miles...to work. Robert Herskovitz's Running Playlist

On tonight's edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week In Review...the Chicago City Council Zoning Committee approves a significant deal with Walmart that could mean more than 20 stores in underserved neighborhoods. Revealing undercover tapes are played in court in the Rod Blagojevich case. U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kirk runs away from the media at an event this week to avoid questions about his resume. And in sports, the Blackhawks dismantle the Stanley Cup team as the Bulls welcome a new coach and trade away Kirk Hinrich. Our guests are:

Former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge's fate now rests in the hands of a jury. We hear what happened in today's closing arguments.

Now that Walmart is one step closer to opening another store in Chicago, what are the odds they will get the dozens of stores they hope to open? Two aldermen with opposing views discuss the recent developments.

More secretly recorded conversations between Blagojevich and his former chief of staff were played in court today. Elizabeth Brackett tells us what was on the tapes and whether or not a U.S. Supreme Court decision handed down today could affect the trial.

A garden in an unlikely location provides high-quality produce for some of Chicago's finest restaurants while offering the chance of a new beginning for its gardeners. More on the story...

Singer Chely Wright has made country music history by being the first to come out as a lesbian. She's in town to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Chicago Pride Parade. We talk to her about it and her new book.

What is the inspiration behind the concrete sculptures of a dog and an angel that sit on an overgrown corner near Cabrini Green? Find out in tonight's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

The jury is hearing more tapes in the case against Rod Blagojevich. We have the latest from the courtroom.

What exactly is the Honest Services Fraud Statute, and how has it already had an impact on the Blagojevich trial? Carol Marin and her panel discuss the law and how an upcoming decision by the U.S. Supreme Court could change how corruption cases are prosecuted.

A long-neglected pond in Lincoln Park has undergone a multi-million dollar makeover. Eddie Arruza tells us about the newly rehabbed South Pond.

We meet a founder of one of the nation's foremost restaurant guides. Zagat Buzz: Chicago Edition

Miss Manners' Guide to a Surprisingly Dignified Wedding Just in time for wedding season, etiquette guru Judith Martin and her daughter Jacobina discuss how to throw an elegant wedding reception without saying "I do" to debt. Miss Manners' Guide To a Surprisingly Dignified Wedding

We find out what's cooking at Ravinia this summer -- Welz Kauffman and friends are here to give us a taste.

John Harris, the one-time chief of staff to ex-governor Rod Blagojevich took the stand in his second day of testimony. Elizabeth Brackett fills us in on what he had to say.

UIC professor Bill Ayers, a former leader of the radical Weather Underground group, talks about the presidential election controversy he was at the center of -- and whether or not he'd like to host a talk show with Sarah Palin. To Teach: The Journey in Comics -- Facebook page

We meet an Olympic swimming champion who holds the American record in the 50-meter freestyle. But before he was a celebrated swimmer, he nearly drowned as a child. He tells us why he's working to make sure more children know how to swim, especially in urban communities. Cullen Jones official website Make a Splash

We show you what's making a splash at Chicago beaches this year. Great Lakes Board Company Chicago Park District rules on non-motorized water sports

The author of Historic Bars of Chicago takes us inside some of the city's oldest and most unique bars and nightclubs. Chicago Bar Project

Carol Marin and her political roundtable discuss the race for governor and other Illinois political stories.

Boycotting BP over the massive ongoing oil eruption in the Gulf of Mexico? Kris Kridel is here to talk about whose bottom line you may really be hurting.

We see how the economy is forcing some workers to leave long-time jobs and get training in completely new fields.

He painted Hollywood royalty and Native American chiefs. We meet an artistic Chicago native with a knack for storytelling. Howard Terpning's gallery in Tucson A gallery of Terpning's movie posters

Maestro Carlos Kalmar and members of the Grant Park Orchestra join us live in our studio to talk about the upcoming season and to perform. Grant Park Music Festival