Stories by WTTW News

Afternoon testimony in the Blagojevich retrial took a turn away from the Senate seat down Lincoln Avenue to Children's Memorial Hospital, as Children's CEO Patrick Magoon took the stand. Elizabeth Brackett takes us through the testimony. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, we look back at Richard M. Daley's biggest accomplishments and multiple scandals over 22 years as Chicago mayor. Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel releases a transition report, long on ambition and short on details. Sears threatens to leave Illinois, unless the state ponies up to keep thousands of jobs here. And in sports, Carlos Boozer and Derrick Rose dominate Thursday's game to win the series against Atlanta. Now the Bulls will feel the heat of Miami and LeBron James in the Eastern Conference Final on Sunday.

As the current mayor completes his long run in office, we take stock of two Mayor Daleys with our own Carol Marin. More on the Story: Timeline of Mayor Richard M. Daley's biggest moments

Dangerous hallucinogens and stimulants are being sold in area stores -- legally. Paris Schutz has more on the controversy over so-called "designer drugs."

Tonight, we hear about the heroic and historic journey of the "Freedom Riders." We hear from the filmmaker who documented the experiences of the diverse group of people who challenged the "Jim Crow" laws of the Deep South. "Freedom Riders" website

From Civil War manuscripts to baseball cards of the world champion Chicago Cubs, we look at some rare artifacts from The Newberry Library's priceless collection that are up for "adoption." Newberry Library 2011 Adoption Program More Cultural Connections online

Eliza Fournier is here from the Chicago Botanic Garden with tips on how to spice up your garden beds and keep the beauty blooming throughout the year. More on the Story: Gardening tips and how-to videos Chicago Botanic Garden website A Bloomin' Festival

Whether you're a biking novice or a cycling pro, this new bike book is sure to give you some places to explore on two wheels. We sit down with the author of Where to Bike Chicago: Best Biking in City and Suburbs.

The Emmy-Award winning Grannies on Safari are here to tell us about their new adventures. Most recently, the grannies were stuck in Egypt right at the beginning of the revolution. Grannies on Safari website

Defense attorneys for Rod Blagojevich filed a motion for a mistrial this morning, saying that the numerous objections from prosecutors during cross-examination is preventing them from doing their job. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Do fewer City Council committees mean big savings for taxpayers? Carol Marin and her panel of veteran and incoming aldermen take up the issue, days before the beginning of the new term. More on the Story: Chicago City Council Reorganized Are you optimistic about the new political era coming to City Hall?

Today in court, jurors for the Blagojevich trial heard the infamous "f***ing golden" tape and more of the ex-Governor's alleged efforts to trade the Senate seat. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Can chaos lead to happiness? A new book argues that we need -- and should embrace -- the rat race. We speak with the author, Todd Buchholz. More on the Story: Stress, Challenge and the Rat Race Do stress and competition help you achieve your goals? Todd Buchholz' website

Concerned about how much sugar is in your diet? Check Please! host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh breaks down which wines to avoid. More on Alpana's wine recommendations Watch more Ask Alpana segments and ask her your own question Alpana's Recommendations for wines that can be enjoyed without food:

Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel releases his transition report calling for cuts in government spending, consolidation of departments and a reorganization in the City Council. Ash-har Quraishi is here with the details. More on the Story: Emanuel Outlines Goals for First 100 Days More on the Story: Chicago City Council Reorganized

Is Gov. Pat Quinn's next state budget playing fast and loose with numbers? That's what the Civic Federation is saying. Eddie Arruza gets the latest from Chicago Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney. Then, he and his panelists take a look at the conflicting estimates in Illinois' 2012 budget.

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

Former Blagojevich chief of staff John Harris remained on the stand Monday for cross-examination from the ex-Governor's defense. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

A line of well-wishers thanked Mayor Daley for his 22 years in office today. Carol Marin and her panel look at Daley's last days -- still not immune from controversy -- and look ahead to the Emanuel administration. Daley's request for bodyguards

The "Home Alone" house is for sale. WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us with news-making Chicago real estate and a look at the week's top business headlines. And Illinois gets a bad grade for business.

It's the speech that rattled the TV industry. Former FCC Chairman Newton Minow's famous "vast wasteland" speech was given 50 years ago today. We listen to a portion of it, and what Minow had to say about it decades later.

Ernie Banks is one of a scant few who have hit more than 500 home runs. We sit down with Phil Rogers, the author of Ernie Banks: Mr. Cub and the Summer of '69. More on the Story: An excerpt from the book and a slideshow

It looks and feels like a normal bike - with one big exception. We meet the Chicagoan who has given kids with special needs an opportunity to experience what they previously could not. More on the Story: A slideshow of the bikes JoRide's website

After 22 years, Mayor Daley lays down his gavel at an emotional City Council meeting. Meanwhile, Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel fills out his cabinet by naming an outsider from Newark, Garry McCarthy, as Chicago Police Superintendent. The Illinois House defeats a concealed carry bill after Governor Quinn promises to veto it. Rod Blagojevich's retrial is underway as he continues to make his case to the public. And the Bulls' Derrick Rose is crowned the youngest MVP ever -- as his team battles the Atlanta Hawks in round two of the playoffs. Guests:

This sport is all about moving from point A to point B over any obstacle. We show you how a group of Chicagoans are training in the harrowing discipline of Parkour. More on the Story: The history of Parkour, including video clips Chicago Parkour

In tapes played on Thursday during the Blagojevich retrial, the ex-Governor could be heard swearing after learning that Obama's staff wouldn't reward him for appointing their choice to the Senate seat. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page