Stories by WTTW News

News Analysis with Carol Marin In a rare move, the 7th Circuit Appeals Court granted George Ryan bail. That means he will remain free pending his appeal. Plus, a decision is expected today on the fate of his $197,000-per-year pension. Guest: Terry Sullivan Andy Rooney We talk one-on-one with the legendary "60 Minutes" commentator, Andy Rooney. His new book is called "Out of My Mind."

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Former Senator and Vice Presidential candidate John Edwards was at Chicago's Harold Washington Library today. Elizabeth Brackett sat down with him to talk about his political future. Classic Chicago Commercials What do portable TVs, Black Tie cologne and Bobby Hull have in common? They were all featured in Chicago television commercials. We'll see those and many more from the collection of film archivist J. Fred MacDonald.

News Analysis with Carol Marin It looks like Bobbie Steele will be stepping down and "offering" one of her children to replace her as a Cook County board commissioner. We'll ask Commissioner Forrest Claypool what he thinks of this and the pension pay raise Steele will be getting along the way. Bears Alumni Club The Bears blow their last chance to win yesterday's game. We'll talk about the second loss of the season with Super Bowl Bear Gary Fencik on tonight's Bears Alumni Club.

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman The day after Thanksgiving means one thing, it's officially shopping season and a good time to take the temperature of Chicago's economy. Guests:

Chicago Tonight has the night off and will return on Friday with The Week In Review and Friday Night with John Callaway. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

News Analysis with Eddie Arruza Actor Michael Richards loses it on stage during what was supposed to be a comedy routine. Will his racist rant impact Chicago's comedy scene? Eddie Arruza and his panel take a look at a story making local and national headlines. Chicago: The New Epicurean Epicenter Fine dining in Chicago is getting lots of national buzz. We'll be joined by three of the hottest young chefs in the Chicago area to talk about what this new generation has to offer.

1-on-1 with Rahm Emanuel Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel is credited for the Democratic sweep of Congress. We'll chat with him about the political process, the priorities, and the press. News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett What do Chinese business people know about Chicago? Not as much as some local civic and business leaders would like. We'll hear what might be done to market Chicago in China.

News Analysis In 1994, Newt Gingrich led a Republican revolution in Washington. Tonight, we'll talk with him about the recent Democratic victory, the upcoming presidential race, and his own ambitions for the White House. Senator Barack Obama today laid out his strategy for Iraq. He calls for a gradual and substantial reduction of troops. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel talk about what else he said and whether or not his plans are viable.

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman Lawmakers back in Springfield, Chicago's Olympic chances improving, Cook County budget woes, Dan Ryan rehab ahead of schedule, a school play about the mob sparks a lawsuit, the Bears ready to ground the Jets, and the Bulls put on the road by the circus. Guests:

News Analysis with Eddie Arruza Milton Friedman, the legendary Nobel Prize-winning Chicago economist, died today at age 94. Eddie Arruza and his panel will look at the legacy of one of the world's most influential economists. Guests: Sam Peltzman, Leo Melamed and Joseph Bast

News Analysis with Carol Marin Judy Baar Topinka not only lost her bid for governor, the Republican party also lost its only constitutional officer seat in the state. In the wake of the Democratic sweep, what is the state of the state's Republican party? Carol Marin and her panel look at the future for the Illinois GOP. Guests: State Representative Brent Hassert, Paul Caprio, Greg Baise

Medicare Senior Hotline Medicare Part D Open Enrollment begins Wednesday November 15. For assistance or eligibility information, seniors can call the state's Senior Hotline at 1-800-252-8966. News Analysis with Christian Farr Chicago's Olympic dreams got a big boost when San Francisco dropped out of the competition this week. Christian Farr and his panel weigh in on Chicago's chances. Guests: Marc Ganis, Philip Hersh

News Analysis with Carol Marin Out with the old, in with the new... Carol Marin will talk transition with outgoing Cook County board president Bobbie Steele and incoming president Todd Stroger.

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman Election Day analysis, we digest the results, all signs point to Mayor Daley running again, Best Buy wants to open on the Magnificent Mile, Block 37 taken over by a new owner, and the Bears prepare to rebound against the Giants. Guests:

News Analysis with Eddie Arruza The political landscape continues to shift not only in Washington but also here in Chicago. Eddie Arruza talks to two members of the newly elected congress, one of whom had considered running for mayor of Chicago. Guests: Rep. Luis Gutierrez and Rep. Judy Biggert Voting Troubles There are still questions surrounding the slow vote count in Cook County Tuesday night. Phil Ponce talks to Clem Balanoff, Cook County Director of Elections, about what happened and how he plans to fix it.

County Board Todd Stroger claims victory and his opponent acknowledges defeat. Rich Samuels will be here with the details. News Analysis with Carol Marin Governor Blagojevich is victorious. Carol Marin and political pundits Joel Weisman and Robert Starks weigh in on all the key races. Melissa Bean We'll talk with Democrat Melissa Bean about her plans for her second term as the representative for Illinois's 8th Congressional district.

Election Day 2006

Obama/Campaign Update Sen. Barack Obama admits his real estate dealings with the indicted Tony Rezko were a blunder. Rich Samuels has the latest on the man whose star power Democrats hope will push them over the top at the polls tomorrow. News Analysis with Carol Marin Candidates in tomorrow's midterm elections have been citing newspaper endorsements in their TV ads. Carol Marin will pick the brains of the editorial page editors behind those newspaper endorsements. Guests: Bruce Dold, Steve Huntley and David Beery

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman Just four days until the election, we'll analyze all the top races, United Airlines back in the black, the Tribune Company disappointed in bids for its media empire, the unbeaten Bears take on the Dolphins, and the Bulls open a new season. Guests:

Political Update The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Wilmette businessman Tony Rezko, who now faces a federal indictment, owns a vacant lot next door to Senator Barack Obama. Rich Samuels tells us more about the relationship between a rising star and a possibly sinking ship.

News Analysis with Carol Marin Voting for judges may seem like a daunting task with more than 70 up for retention. But you don't have to walk away from the bottom of your ballot. Carol Marin and her panel will tell you who the 11 bar associations agreed should ...not... be sent back to the bench. Bird Hospital We'll take you to an ER whose only patients are birds injured while migrating. Learn more about Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation.

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Tonight's edition of Chicago Tonight is abbreviated to be able to present Candidate Free Time during our second half hour.

Campaign Update The charges continue to fly in the tight race for Cook County board president. Rich Samuels has the latest on that and other key races that voters will decide on November 7th. News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Elizabeth Brackett and her panel of journalists take a look at the top stories of the past month and those we spent too much time paying attention to. Guests: Dawn Turner Trice, Lester Munson, Neil Steinberg

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman Election countdown, we'll look at all the hot races, Mayor Daley scraps blue bag recycling program, housing prices continue to slump, the undefeated Bears back in action, and the Bulls set to tip off a new season. Guests:

Note: Governor Rod Blagojevich originally accepted our invitation to join tonight's candidate forum. Several weeks ago, he backed out of that commitment, saying he couldn't reach an agreement with his opponent on when or where to appear. Race for Governor of Illinois Phil Ponce talks one-on-one with Republican candidate Judy Baar Topinka about her vision for Illinois.

Blagojevich Clout Connection? A ride in a private jet chartered by indicted political operative Stuart Levine was the issue of the day in the race for governor. Rich Samuels tells us why. News Analysis with Carol Marin The candidates for Illinois treasurer will be here talk about how they'd handle the state's money. Guests: Democrat Alexi Giannoulias, Republican Christine Radogno, and Green Party candidate, Dan Rodriguez Schlorff