Stories by WTTW News

We take a look at some of the tributes from today's memorial service for pop icon Michael Jackson.

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

The chancellor of the University of Illinois testified before the state's Admissions Review Committee, which is investigating claims that well-connected students received special preference in the school's admissions process. Elizabeth Brackett was at that meeting, and has the latest on the controversy. Download the PDFs of the university email correspondences which were received in response to a Freedom of Information request from the Admission Review Committee:

The Tribune Company has reportedly reached an agreement to sell the Cubs to investor Tom Ricketts for approximately $900 million. Carol Marin and her panel examine what this means for the team this year, and beyond.

Another historic piece of Chicago is on the market. The Ambassador East and the Pump Room have caught the eye of a flashy developer. Kris Kridel has that story and the other business news of the day.

We look back at the life and legacy of Norman Pellegrini, the longtime program director of our sister classical radio station, WFMT. WFMT.com Remembering Norman Pellegrini Message Board

Wondering what Stephanie Izard, winner of season four of Bravo's Top Chef, would choose for her "last supper?" She dishes on that and more when she joins us tonight. Stephanie Izard

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Lawmakers ignore Wednesday's deadline and fail to pass a balanced budget; Mayor Daley gets an earful from aldermen about the Olympics; the Chicago Public Schools skewered in a new report; Gary-native Michael Jackson remembered; Bulls scoring star Ben Gordon signed by the rival Pistons; and the Blackhawks make a big splash in the free-agent market. Guests:

For the rest of the summer we'll be replaying the best of John Callaway's interviews over the years, tonight we take a look back at a 1984 conversation with media giant Oprah Winfrey.

As far as student achievement goes, the majority of Chicago Public Schools get an "F." This is according to a harsh new report that claims the school system has not improved much over the last five years even though student test scores are up. Eddie Arruza and his panel take a closer look. The Civic Committee's report

ComEd has a new president who has already made history. She discusses her new position, the future of ComEd, and much more. Tips for saving on your electric bill

Jazz great Ramsey Lewis tells us about the creative process behind his new composition inspired by Abraham Lincoln. Ramsey Lewis

A new autism resource center from Chicago's Rush University Medical Center pulls together hundreds of resources for parents looking for help in raising children with autism. We meet the director of the center. Rush University's Autism Resource Center

Do you want to try a new summer wine but don't know where to begin? Alpana Singh joins us with her list of light and crisp wines for a warm Chicago evening in tonight's edition of Ask Alpana. Alpana's summer wine recommendations

For the rest of the summer we'll be replaying the best of John Callaway's interviews on the Friday Night program. Tonight we preview John's 1984 conversation with the "Queen of All Media," Oprah Winfrey.

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

A memorial service for Norman Pellegrini will be held on July 18th, on what would have been Norman's 80th birthday, at Mayfair Lutheran Church, 4335 Lawrence Avenue, in Chicago. More details will be shared on 98.7WFMT and at wfmt.com as they become available.

Bikes geared for racetracks are making their way onto Chicago streets. We show you why more Chicagoans are riding without brakes.

Tonight, the Grant Park Music Festival begins its 75th season. We have a live performance from a group of singers from the Festival.

There is a split among city unions as to whether or not to accept the concessions the city of Chicago is demanding in order to save more than 1,500 city jobs. Rich Samuels has more on the negotiations, and how Mayor Daley is applying pressure to those who are not cooperating with the city's plan.

Another fiscal year starts for the state of Illinois, and the General Assembly remains deadlocked over the state budget. Senate President John Cullerton joins Carol Marin to talk about where we go from here.

At a time when many are worried about their retirement savings, we learn the ins and outs of Roth IRAs and how they can stretch your savings. MSN's Roth IRA Calculator Gwen Cohen

Some Chicago area organizations want the Chicago River to be disinfected in order to make it safer for people to use. There are others, however, who think that disinfection might not offer any improvement, and could waste a lot of money. Christian Farr has more on this debate.

We find out how one Chicago photographer got an exclusive with John Dillinger. A Chicago man tells his grandfather's tale of the time he met "Public Enemy Number One." Kevin Davis, grandson of photographer Sol Davis

Eleven aldermen introduced an ordinance that would cap the city's potential Olympic liabilities at $500 million. Rich Samuels has the latest from City Council.

Elizabeth Brackett and her panel look at the possible consequences of the Illinois budget stalemate as the deadline looms.