Stories by WTTW News

We learn about some new applications for the iPhone that were created right here in Chicago. Guests: Eric Benderoff - Editorial consultant for Appolicious.com John Haney - Inventor of the Flashlight iPhone application Additional Resources

We visit a Chicago sailing school where disabilities won't stop you from learning the ropes. Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing program Judd Goldman program's Facebook group List of programs in the United States

Master Sommelier Alpana Singh answers your questions about wine and spirits. More information about Alpana's wine recommendations

Time Out Chicago shares its top picks for the Labor Day weekend. African Festival of the Arts Wolff's Outdoor Flea Market Dog Days of Summer: Eat Oudoors with your Labrador Theater-Bike: Duck Variations

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

"Ambitious but achievable." That's how the International Olympic Committee rates Chicago's bid for the 2016 Games in a report issued today. With one month left until the final selection, the IOC says Chicago still has some obstacles to overcome. We find out what those obstacles are. Guests:

The Cook County Board failed to roll back President Todd Stroger's controversial sales tax hike. Rich Samuels has the latest on this battle at the County Board. Chicago Sun-Times: Stroger sales-tax rollback veto stands (09/01/09)

Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes made his bid for Governor official today. Carol Marin and her political roundtable discuss Governor Pat Quinn's latest gubernatorial challenger and more. Guests:

We meet the man who claims he invented flaming saganaki -- right here in Chicago. Geoffrey Baer explores the expansive culinary legacy of Chicago's Greeks. The Parthenon Restaurant and Banquet Hall Lou Mitchell's Restaurant & Bakery Billy Goat Tavern Chicago Greektown

We have a live performance tonight from a Chicago pharmaceutical sales rep turned gospel star, Brian Courtney Wilson. Brian's MySpace page

We're devoting the entire hour tonight to health care reform. We'll explore the various proposals on the table and hear from doctors, hospitals and insurers on how the changes may affect you. We'll also hear from citizens who will share their hopes and concerns about health care.

Is a price war brewing among local food store giants? Kris Kridel has that story and the other business news of the day.

How can Chicago Public Schools be improved? We hear from some of the students Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman approached for answers. Guests: Janelle Perez - Jones College Prep senior Antwan Ward - Orr Academy senior James Alford - Kenwood Academy senior Additional Resources

Rich Samuels takes a look at the boisterous nature of some of the health care debates and town meetings that have been held across the country. Chicago Breaking News: Health care a hot topic at town hall meeting (08/24/09)

A recent study suggests that restricting one's caloric intake by 20 to 40 percent aids in slowing the aging process and improving overall health. We talk to a doctor about this controversial finding and speak to one woman who is following the calorie-restricted diet. Guests:

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

Although its' release date meant it wasn't supposed to hit the shelves until next week, the memoirs of former governor Rod Blagojevich appeared in select bookstores today. Elizabeth Brackett, author of the first Blagojevich book, explains what he writes about his filling of President Obama's Senate seat and more -- in four words, he says it's not his fault. More on Elizabeth's book, Pay to Play

$40 million in state funds is headed to Chicago State University, but it comes as a big surprise to officials at the beleaguered college, who say they never asked for it. Eddie Arruza talks to State Sen. Rickey Hendon, who was instrumental in getting the money included in the state's capital improvements bill. Chicago Tribune: Chicago State gets $40 million surprise (08/31/09)

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Senator Ted Kennedy remembered; Mayor Daley apologizes yet again for the controversial parking meter deal; Chicago's inspector general David Hoffman runs for the U.S. Senate; Governor Quinn backs off his threat to fire the final two University of Illinois Trustee holdouts; Illinois braces for the swine flu; Bears quarterback Jay Cutler takes on his old team, the Broncos; and has Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley been the subject of racial taunts by Cubs fans? Guests:

Tonight we take a look back at another classic John Callaway interview. Two great newsmen went head-to-head when longtime NBC anchorman Tom Brokaw sat down with John in 2007.

Governor Quinn named two people to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, including Merchandise Mart CEO Chris Kennedy. Rich Samuels has the latest on those appointments, and what the Governor plans to do about the two Trustees who refuse to resign. Web Exclusive: Watch Gov. Quinn's full press conference

George Ryan's convicted top aide, Scott Fawell, speaks out publicly for the first time since his incarceration. Carol Marin goes one-on-one with Fawell about why he turned against his former boss and what he's learned from his time in prison. Guests: Scott Fawell Andrea Coutretsis

The "Lion of the Senate" has been lost. Senator Edward Kennedy died late last night at the age of 77 after battling brain cancer for the past year. Political commentator Jim Warren, a friend of the Kennedys, joins us for a look back at the Senator's life. Guest: Jim Warren - MSNBC political analyst

Noted photographer Larry Kanfer explores some historical barns across the landscape of Illinois. Kanfer.com: See more of Larry's work More info about the book, Barns of Illinois

The lakefront turns into one giant musical fiesta this weekend. We have a performance from a venerable local act taking part in the Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival. Guest: Son del Viento Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival

It's an age-old way of doing business, but bartering is going through something of a renaissance in this tough economy. People and businesses are bartering for -- instead of spending money on -- all kinds of goods and services. We talk to an employee of a barter exchange and a doctor who barters his services. Guests: John Hora - The Art of Barter Karen Kelly - International Trade Exchange Dr. Joe Mejia - opthalmologist