Stories by WTTW News

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Former governor Rod Blagojevich indicted; the International Olympic Committee pays a critical visit to Chicago; the Chicago Sun-Times files for bankruptcy; Mayor Daley wants a bigger slice of Governor Quinn's proposed tax hike; the Bears land prized quarterback Jay Cutler; and the Cubs and Sox open their seasons next week. Guests:

John sits down with longtime political reporter Andy Shaw who just retired from ABC 7 News.

The much anticipated indictment of Rod Blagojevich was handed down this afternoon. Rich Samuels tells us what the former governor is charged with and why the indictment was revealed in such an unusual manner. Blagojevich Indictment Press Release List of Charges Blagojevich Indictment

Eddie Arruza and a panel of defense attorneys and former prosecutors look at how the looming trial might take shape.

Blagojevich may be out of office, but he has never quite left the public eye. We look at how he has used local and national media to build his defense.

Our own Elizabeth Brackett offers her perspective on the former governor's rise and fall. She is the author of the forthcoming book "Pay to Play."

What can be done to instill ethics into state politics? We speak with a former federal prosecutor about the recommendations proposed by his Illinois Reform Commission.

We hear what you would do to clean up Illinois politics when we read some of our viewer mail.

We have a performance from the Chicago band "Bubbly Creek" in advance of the Chicago Bluegrass Festival.

Rich Samuels has a preview of the International Olympic Committee's tour of Chicago and the protestors they may face.

Hedy Weiss joins us with her review of the national tour of "Mary Poppins," which just opened in Chicago. "Mary Poppins" "Curtains" "Blue Surge"

The city has encountered some major speed bumps in two of its privatization efforts. Today, the city admitted it has made some mistakes in the way it handled the parking meter privatization. Eddie Arruza has the details.

The Chicago Sun-Times followed the Chicago Tribune and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy today. The daily paper and the online website will continue to operate. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have the details.

Is the time ripe for high-speed passenger rail service between Chicago and St. Louis? Rich Samuels takes us for a ride as our "Chicago Matters" series continues.

The Obama administration is placing an emphasis on technology and the nation's oldest laboratory is reaping the rewards. The new head of Argonne National Laboratory will be here to tell us more about his goals for the lab's future.

We take a tour of the new exhibition at the Chicago History Museum that explores our city's high fashion credentials. Chic Chicago

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is known for its smooth blend of ballet, jazz, and modern dance. This week, the company stops in Chicago to celebrate its 50th anniversary. We meet an Alvin Ailey dancer, as well as the executive director of the Auditorium Theatre, where the company will be performing. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 50th Anniversary Celebration

We explain why some viewers had difficulty watching Chicago Tonight last night when we read some of our viewer mail.

The first round of stimulus funds lands at O'Hare. Elizabeth Brackett reports on the infrastructure improvements and whether any of the stimulus funds will be used for the airport expansion program.

President Barack Obama has forced General Motors' CEO to resign. And he has also told GM and Chrysler that new bailout cash will be held until they make serious changes. Carol Marin is joined by two financial experts to discuss President Obama's announcement and if the auto industry deserves another bailout.

Once a Chicago mainstay, clothier Bigsby and Kruthers may be making a comeback. Kris Kridel of WBBM NewsRadio 780's "Noon Business Hour" will be here with the details. WBBM NewsRadio 780

There's an amazing new eco-friendly house in the Ravenswood neighborhood. It reuses its water and generates more electricity than it will ever use. Geoffrey Baer takes us on a tour of this home of the future. For more on the Yannell Zero Net Energy Residence The architects The contractors

Are we living in a society where there are too many frivolous lawsuits? Philip Howard thinks so. He'll be here to discuss his new book, Life Without Lawyers. Life Without Lawyers

You know the painting, but do you know the painter? The curator of the Art Institute's new exhibition about Edvard Munch reveals the myth behind the man. For more on the AIC's Edvard Munch Exhibition

And is Governor Pat Quinn adequately addressing the state's budget crisis? We'll have your thoughts when we read some of your viewer mail.

John sits down with new Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman.