Politics

City Budget

Mayor Daley is promising no new taxes or fees in the 2010 budget he unveils next week. But how is he going to close a more than half-billion dollar shortfall? Rich Samuels brings us the latest on the city budget.

Live Music Wednesday

Wednesday Music: Richard Marx & Matt Scannell

He was a superstar in the '80s and '90s with hits like "Right Here Waiting," and "Hold on to the Nights." Chicagoan Richard Marx, with Vertical Horizon's Matt Scannell, perform in our studio.

• "Emotional Remains" -- Richard Marx

Hedy Weiss: Theater Reviews

Hedy Weiss Theater Reviews

Chicago Sun-Times theater critic Hedy Weiss calls the world premiere of "The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity" at Victory Gardens Theater "big, brash and brilliantly written." She joins us with her review of that show, as well as reviews of two others.

• The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity -- Victory Gardens Theater
• Richard III -- Chicago Shakespeare Theater
• Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead -- Writers' Theatre

Arts & Entertainment

Urban Chickens

We find out why some area residents are willing to break the law to keep chickens in their backyards.

Science & Nature

Autism Research

A startling new study by the Centers for Disease Control suggests autism is on the rise. We talk with two doctors to decipher what the data actually mean.

• CDC's Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet

Arts & Entertainment

Ex-Offenders Finding Jobs

Finding a job is never easy in a recession, especially when you've just gotten out of prison. We meet some ex-offenders who have managed to land on their feet with the help of two local organizations.

• Cleanslate
• Safer Foundation
• St. Leonard's Ministries

Business

News Analysis with Eddie Arruza: The Economy

The Dow broke through the 10,000 mark today for the first time in a year. Is it a sign that the economy is rebounding? Eddie Arruza and his panelists look at where we are in terms of recovery.

Arts & Entertainment

Hidden Chicago

Caverns carved from bedrock, tunnels under the lake, and more. Geoffrey Baer takes us deep underground for the first of a two-part series, Under Chicago.

• Information on the restoration of Buckingham Fountain

Health

Risky Foods

Is microwave popcorn dangerous for your health? We talk to a panel of health and nutrition experts on why this and other surprising choices made a list of "7 foods that should never cross your lips."

• The Ten Riskiest Foods -- Center for Science in the Public Interest
• "Seven Foods That Should Never Cross Your Lips" -- Prevention

Politics

National Endowment for the Humanities

Just what is the National Endowment for the Humanities, and what do they do? Here to enlighten us will be former Iowa Congressman Jim Leach, President Obama's choice to head the Endowment.