Stories by WTTW News

We hear from the author of a provocative new book, The History of White People.

The Field Museum's exhibit on diamonds closes on Sunday, and the permanent Grainger Hall of Gems exhibit was recently given a new look. We talk to two people who helped design the exhibits. The Nature of Diamonds

Eddie Arruza tells us about some major components of the health care legislation and outlines changes that will take effect very soon.

Carol Marin and her panel discuss the politics of the health care deal, and what the legislation means for major stakeholders, including patients, doctors, and insurers. Read the bill

President Bush's former Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove weighs in on the health care debate with Joel Weisman.

As the debate over health care reform reaches its climatic stages, the government has already spent billions on a crucial change in patient care. We show you how some Chicago doctors are turning to computer technology, and why they say reform can't happen without it. Chicago Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center (CHITREC) Health Information Technology -- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

It is not just homeowners who are feeling the pinch of a tough real estate market -- lots of hotels in Chicago are on the brink as well. WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us with the details of that story, plus the rest of the week's business news.

We talk to the local founders of a website that provides free, personal fundraising pages for people who want to raise money for others. GiveForward.org

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

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines; Governor Quinn wants lawmakers to work during their spring break to vote on his tax hike; teachers accuse Chicago Public Schools chief Ron Huberman of using scare tactics during the budget crisis; Chicago's unemployment rate is now nearly 12 percent; full body scanners arrive at O'Hare Airport; and the Bulls and Blackhawks playoff push is stalled by major injuries. Guests:

We go inside the new $30 million exhibit that just blew into the Museum of Science and Industry. Science Storms Free Days at the Museum of Science and Industry

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

Students at the University of Illinois will be paying a lot more in tuition if the state continues not paying its bills. Interim President Stanley Ikenberry talks about the school's plans.

The U.S. Census Bureau mailed out its 2010 Census forms this week. Alvin Boutte, who is heading up Mayor Daley's "Complete Count Committee," joins us to talk about the process and why the census is important. Census 2010

Is your town or neighborhood above the rest? Chicago Magazine's Dennis Rodkin shares his picks for the 20 best towns or neighborhoods in the Chicago area.

We meet some beginning cross-country skiers -- and some experts -- at one of Cook County's premier cross-country ski destinations. Map of nearby cross-country ski destinations

Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman paints a bleak picture for Chicago students if $700 million is cut from the budget. Ron Huberman joins Elizabeth Brackett to discuss the possible layoffs of 3,200 teachers and 600 non-teaching employees at CPS as well as other cuts.

Foreclosures in Illinois were up 22 percent in February. WBBM Newsradio's Kris Kridel tells us how that figure compares to the rest of the nation when she joins us with the week's top business stories.

St. Patrick's Day is nearly here. "Check, Please!" host and master sommelier Alpana Singh joins us with her picks for St. Paddy's Day to make sure your glass doesn't go empty. Alpana's St. Patrick's Day Drink Recommendations

Illinois is in a deep fiscal crisis, with a budget deficit of $13 billion, additional billions in unpaid bills, and unfunded pension obligations that are through the roof. Governor Quinn joins Phil Ponce and Carol Marin to talk about his budget proposal, which offers the choice of education cuts or a tax hike, plus much more.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Governor Quinn calls for a 33% income tax hike; CTA drivers are among the highest paid in the country; a racist yard sign infuriates neighbors; one of Chicago's underperforming public high schools is in the middle of a scandal where grades were allegedly inflated; and Derrick Rose is the latest Bulls player to be battling an injury. Guests:

The president of the Commercial Club of Chicago says that if a private company operated as Illinois does, it would have been bankrupt and out of business long ago. We hear from Commercial Club President Eden Martin about the club's reaction to Governor Quinn's budget plan, unveiled yesterday.

Some businesses are benefiting from more plentiful loans being made available by the Small Business Administration. Diane Eastabrook of the Nightly Business Report shows us some local examples of these loans in action.

Is O'Hare the least secure airport in in the nation? That's what the airport's former security chief says. Carol Marin sits down with the former security head to discuss those claims, his pending lawsuit, and more.

We have your reaction to the governor's budget address when we read our viewer mail.

Carol Marin and her panel take a closer look at the governor's fiscal plan.