Stories by WTTW News

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a health care reform bill over the weekend by a very narrow margin. Carol Marin and her panel, including Rep. Peter Roskam, take a close look at what is inside the legislation and the challenges it could face in the U.S. Senate. Read the bill passed by the House of Representatives

Chicago-based Hyatt Hotels made its public trading debut Thursday to great success. This comes despite a lackluster economy and a family feud among the Pritzkers, who own the hotel chain. WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us with the details, plus the rest of the week's business news.

Chicago freelancers could work from home, but we show you why more and more are spending money to get back to the cubicle.

Sarah Palin remains one of the most polarizing figures in American politics. Now two campaign reporters from Fox News and CBS have come together to write a revealing book about her. We talk with them about their book and the sudden rise of Sarah Palin. Sarah From Alaska Upcoming book signing

It was a long day for Jay Cutler and Bears fans yesterday. Former tight end Dustin Lyman joins us on the Bears Alumni Club to sort through the carnage.

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: President Obama marks the one-year anniversary of his election; former Attorney General Jim Ryan launches another gubernatorial bid; CTA drivers may strike over threatened layoffs; the agency that runs McCormick Place and Navy Pier is battered by the weak economy; and Bears fans are worried about the team's lack of offense. Guests:

Elizabeth Brackett sits down with author and sports columnist Mitch Albom to talk about his new book, Have a Little Faith.

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

Why were six African-American students turned away from a popular Division Street bar? Was it discrimination? We take a look at the brewing controversy.

Chicago's free weekly newspaper The Chicago Reader has a new publisher: Jim Warren. He is a former managing editor at the Chicago Tribune and a former reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. He joins us to talk about his vision for the paper.

The Art Institute marks the passing of legendary photographer Irving Penn with an exhibition of his work. We take a look.

She plays the foul-mouthed wife of Larry David's manager on HBO's hit comedy. We talk with Susie Essman about her now-iconic role and her new book, What Would Susie Say? Information about Susie Essman's Zanies performances

We get a preview of Elizabeth Brackett's Friday Night Show interview with bestselling author Mitch Albom.

Have you ever been to Cherry, Illinois? Geoffrey Baer tells us what horrific event occurred in that tiny town 100 years ago this month in tonight's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Illinois's parental notice abortion law is on hold. Rich Samuels brings us the latest on a controversial Cook County Circuit Court ruling handed down late this afternoon.

Will it soon cost six dollars for a round-trip ride on the CTA? Today CTA President Richard Rodriguez presented the transit agency's 2010 budget to the Cook County Board. We talk to him about the challenges mass transit is facing in Chicago.

For years, Black Panther Fred Hampton's death was cloaked in mystery. But an attorney who once represented Hampton will be here to discuss his new book about the slain Chicago civil rights activist.

Ralph Frese has built hundreds of canoes by hand, including giant ones to cross Lake Michigan. He's a fourth generation blacksmith. He's also an activist, naturalist, collector and businessman, and he takes us to his favorite local spot for autumn canoeing. Chicagoland Canoe Base

Families might be forced to scale it back again this holiday season because of the economy. We talk to a local financial guru about how to shop for your kids on a tight budget. Money Savvy Generation

A singer with Chicago roots is delighting audiences at Lyric Opera in its production of Ernani. Sondra Radvanovsky is here to perform and tell us about her dramatic season.

Former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan announced his campaign for Governor. Rich Samuels has reaction from other Republicans vying for the job.

Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a look at how the race for Illinois Governor is shaping up.

We hear from the author of a new book that shines a spotlight on the voters who helped President Obama get elected. Destiny Calling: How The People Elected Barack Obama

They had a taste for humans, but their appetites have been exaggerated. We talk with a top researcher from The Field Museum about hungry lions and the people they devoured. The Tsavo Lions

One of the largest city models in the world is currently on display downtown. The story of how it was made is as remarkable as the model itself.