Stories by WTTW News

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

Are modern urban planners keeping with Daniel Burnham's original vision of the city? Do the Bears have realistic expectations for Jay Cutler? A professor of strategy at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management tells us how to make goals and get results. Guest: Rich Horwath - Lake Forest Graduate School of Management

The Mayor admits that the city messed up when it came to implementing Chicago's parking meter lease deal. Rich Samuels tells us why Mayor Daley is still insisting it was a good financial move for the city.

The admission policies at Chicago's elite public high schools are being investigated by the feds. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a closer look at the role clout may play in getting into Chicago's most coveted schools. Guests: Stephanie Banchero - Chicago Tribune education reporter Celia Hensey - student Sarah Karp - associate editor at Catalyst

We talk to the director of a new documentary about the controversial Father Pfleger. Guest: Bob Hercules - director Additional Resources Gene Siskel Film Center

When he's not playing French horn with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, he has a rather unusual hobby. We meet Dan Gingrick and his Monarch butterflies.

The decision on the host city for the 2016 Olympics is a little over a month away. We find out the latest on the city's bid progress from Olympic insiders, including Chicago 2016 bid chairman and CEO Pat Ryan. We also find out if a dispute between the USOC and the IOC may have put Chicago's bid in jeopardy. Guests:

Illinois Republicans have a new chairman, and state Democrats are concerned about losing President Obama's old Senate seat. Our panel of journalists takes a look at the state's top political stories. Guests:

The Chicago Cubs have been sold to Chicago's Ricketts family for $845 million. Was it a fair deal? Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780's Noon Business Hour fills us in when she discusses the week's business news. Guest:

The H1N1 flu outbreak has affected younger people more than older ones. We talk with two doctors from the Chicago Department of Health about preparing students and schools for an influx of influenza. Guests:

We catch up with the Puppet Bike, a wandering puppet show that travels on the back of a bicycle through the streets of Chicago. Puppetbike.com WBEZ: Traveling with the puppet bike (06/05/09) Time Out Chicago: Puppet pedaler

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

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Politicians stumping at the state fair; Chicago's Uptown area: the latest neighborhood grappling with rising violence; Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. holds a town hall meeting on health care; Chicago learns its Olympic fate in just six weeks; Bears quarterback Jay Cutler hopes to rebound from his dismal pre-season debut; and the Cubs struggling down the stretch. Guests: