Stories by WTTW News

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7 PM The day after Thanksgiving traditionally marks the opening of the holiday shopping season. This week on a special edition of the Week in Review, Joel and a panel of Chicago's top business reporters take a closer look at a retail season that promises to be challenging. Will Black Friday be awash in red ink? And just how much of an impact will layoffs, cutbacks and recession have on the bottom line? Guests:

Should Former Governor Ryan Be Freed From Prison? Should President George W. Bush commute the prison sentence of former Governor George Ryan? Rich Samuels brings us up to date on a growing controversy. View Clip

County Budget Cook County President Todd Stroger introduced his 2009 budget to county commissioners today. While he doesn't plan to raise taxes, he is asking commissioners to approve a pretty big loan to keep the county running. Christian Farr explains why some commissioners are concerned with that part of the budget. View Clip

Obama's Economic Plans President-elect Barack Obama says his new economic team will hit the ground running given the extraordinary stresses the economy faces. Obama unveiled his team at a Chicago press conference this morning, though the names had been circulating for days. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. View Clip

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7 PM

News Analysis with Eddie Arruza The Dow closed down 444 points today amidst job worries and auto industry uncertainties. Eddie Arruza and his panel take a look at this crisis of confidence and where things might go from here. Crate & Barrel Co-Founder Gordon Segal Mayor Daley says top area CEO's are warning of mass layoffs in the coming months, and new reports indicate the nationwide jobless rate is at a 16-year high. We get insight from a top former Chicago CEO about what's happening in the private sector.

City Budget Only one alderman voted against Mayor Daley's hard-times budget today. Rich Samuels tells us why and how many layoffs it will take to balance next year's spending plan. View Clip News Analysis with Carol Marin Why is the state 90 days behind on paying its bills with concerns that the backlog could grow even larger? Carol Marin will talk with Comptroller Dan Hynes for answers.

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City Layoffs Reduced Mayor Daley announced today that he would reduce the number of proposed city layoffs for next year by 145 positions. Rich Samuels has more on the announcement, which city officials say is the result of negotiations between labor unions and the city. View Clip

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7 PM Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Politicians are lining up to fill President-elect Barack Obama and Congressman Rahm Emanuel's seats; the CTA and Pace hiking fares; Chicago cabbies threatening to strike; holiday jobs a lot harder to come by this year; nearly forty percent of local homeowners who bought in 2006 now owe more than their homes are worth; the Cubs cut ties with injury-plagued pitcher Kerry Wood; and the Bears head to Green Bay. Guests:

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News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Is the economic bailout plan working? A panel of financial experts will discuss this and the looming chatter about the automotive industry also possibly receiving financial aid. View Clip Chicago Matters: Growing Forward What are the energy crops of the future? Rich Samuels tells us about new ways to make ethanol as we continue our Chicago Matters: Growing Forward series.

Obama's Transition Elizabeth Brackett reports on the president-elect's plans as he prepares for his new role. View Clip News Analysis with Carol Marin State Senator Emil Jones is retiring and the race is on to succeed him as senate president. Carol Marin and a panel of candidates for the position discuss why they should be senate president and how it could change the dynamic in Springfield.

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Former Alderman Edward Vrdolyak pleads guilty; Obama's election night rally in Grant Park; the election's Chicago impact; Cook County new state's attorney Anita Alvarez; and the Rep. Rahm Emanuel as President-elect Barack Obama's White House Chief of Staff. View Clip

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Obama's Neighborhood Celebrates Hyde Park was thrilled by the success of its most prominent resident. Elizabeth Brackett reports from Hyde Park's main street. View Clip

ELECTION 2008 View Clip Live Reports from Grant Park Rich Samuels and Elizabeth Bracket are live in Grant Park with guests from across the political spectrum, including Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar. View Clip

Former Alderman Vrdolyak Pleads Guilty Former Alderman Edward Vrdolyak pleaded guilty today to charges in connection with a real estate kickback scheme. The case came to light when Stuart Levine testified during Tony Rezko's trial. Carol Marin has the latest on the details surrounding the guilty plea. View Clip

Rich Samuels and Studs Terkel talk about a life well lived. We'll be posting a never-before-seen Rich Samuels interview with Studs Terkel in 2004. It will also air on Chicago Tonight on Monday night. And visit Rich's website this weekend where he will be posting his memories." Visit the WFMT website. Share your thoughts and memories of Studs Terkel and listen to WFMT's celebration of the life of Studs Terkel.

William Cellini Indictment Political insider William Cellini was indicted today for allegedly plotting with Tony Rezko and Stuart Levine to force an investment firm looking to do business with the state to give $1.5 million to Governor Blagojevich's campaign in exchange for a state contract. Rich Samuels reports on the latest details. Attorney Dan Webb's Response to Cellini Indictment View Clip

Obama's Election Night Party Mayor Daley expects huge crowds at Grant Park's Hutchinson Field for Barack Obama's Election Night celebration. Free tickets were snapped up within hours of being offered to Illinois Obama supporters on the web, but that is not expected to deter thousands of un-ticketed Obama supporters from filling up the park around the secured area of Hutchinson Field. Elizabeth Brackett tells us more about the preparations for next week. View Clip

Jennifer Hudson Family Tragedy Rich Samuels has the latest on the murders of Jennifer Hudson's family members, including reactions from Mayor Daley in Police Supt. Jody Weis. View Clip

Lane Tech's Murals. New exhibition marks centenial.

Jennifer Hudson Family Murders Elizabeth Brackett has the latest developments in the murders of Jennifer Hudson's family members. View Clip Jon Burge Former Chicago Police Cmdr. Jon Burge appeared in court today. Rich Samuels and Carol Marin tell us what happened in the courtroom and where the case will go from here. View Clip

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