Stories by WTTW News

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Mayor Daley put on the defensive again by Chicago's parking meter deal; Red-light camera ticket violations could cost $125 if Ald. Ed Burke has his way; Patti Blagojevich defends her husband on national TV in a Costa Rican jungle; slain Chicago police officer Alex Valadez caught in the crossfire of gang violence; Chicago cop Anthony Abbate guilty of aggravated battery for beating up a female bartender on video tape; the White Sox call up first-round draft pick Gordon Beckham; and Blues legend Koko Taylor dies.

Nearly 3 million additional people are expected in the region in the next three decades, and preparing for this increase is no easy task. The chairman of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning explains how the organization is planning for the region's future. Go to 2040

We hear your response to the city's parking meter mess when we read some of our viewer mail.

She was known as the "Queen of the Blues." Chicago's Koko Taylor died yesterday at the age of 80. We revisit Phil Ponce's 2007 interview with Taylor and hear some of her legendary music.

State Rep. Deborah Mell sits down with Carol Marin and talks about the special challenges of being Rod Blagojevich's sister-in-law during her freshman year in the Illinois legislature.

Elizabeth Brackett has the latest on accusations against LAZ Parking, the operator of the city's meters, for not complying with the city's minority and women-owned business requirements.

The Chicago school of economics was developed at the University of Chicago in the 1950s, but now some are saying the "Chicago approach" is to blame for the economic collapse. It's the focus of tonight's edition of The Bottom Line.

We have a performance from some heavenly singers from a small South Side church. They recently won a national competition and were crowned "the best church choir in America." Acme Missionary Baptist Church Chicago Gospel Music Festival

Chicago's Inspector General released a report on the city's parking meter lease today. The report claims that the parking meters were worth nearly twice the price -- almost $1 billion more -- than the amount for which they were sold. Rich Samuels goes inside the report and tells us what some angry aldermen had to say. Read the full report

The Sears Tower is getting a name change. Carol Marin sits down with the head of Willis Group Holdings, who plans to change the iconic building's name.

Lech Walesa helped loosen the communist grip on eastern Europe. We speak with the former President of Poland about Chicago, President Obama, and trade unions.

Patti Blagojevich is toughing it out in the rainforest of Costa Rica on NBC's reality show "I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" We hear what she had to say about her husband on last night's show.

Freshly indicted 29th Ward Alderman Isaac Carothers returned to City Hall today. Rich Samuels updates us on Chicago's latest public corruption scandal. Read the Carothers Indictment

There is no agreement in Springfield yet on how to make up a potential $12 billion budget shortfall, but some Republicans in the House have hinted they might support an income tax increase. Carol Marin and her panel of legislators have the latest on the ongoing budget negotiations.

What might the impact of GM's bankruptcy filing be on Chicago? Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780's Noon Business Hour joins us with some insights.

Conan O'Brien enters the spotlight this evening as the new host of the Tonight Show. We revisit our May 2006 interview with Conan when he brought his Late Night show to Chicago.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Senator Burris' wiretap recordings made public; Chicago Alderman Isaac Carothers indicted; state budget negotiations go down to the wire; President Obama nominates the first Hispanic to the Supreme Court; a bevy of housing figures out this week, are there any signs of a recovery?; the Blackhawks Stanley Cup quest comes up short; and Bulls rookie sensation Derrick Rose in the middle of a cheating scandal. Guests:

Alderman Isaac Carothers was indicted today on federal fraud and bribery charges. Rich Samuels was at the Federal Building and has the latest on this story.

Foreclosures reached an all-time high last month, but there are other signs that indicate the worst may be over. Eddie Arruza and his panel discuss whether or not there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel.

The music industry was turned upside down in ten short years. We talk about the seismic shift with the Chicago Tribune's music critic Greg Kot, author of the new book "Ripped: How the Wired Generation Revolutionized Music."

Christian Farr meets Chicago's other "boys of summer," the professional lacrosse players who play for the Chicago Machine.

Geoffrey Baer tells the intriguing story behind an old union hall -- and why there used to be so much power behind its walls -- when he answers your questions about Chicago architecture and history. IBEW Local Union 134 Chicago "L".org History of the University of Illinois at Chicago

There are 25 so-called "therapeutic riding" stables in Illinois, offering classes for people with disabilities. What are the benefits? We visit one Chicago area stable to find out. Strides Therapeutic Riding Program List of accredited Therapeutic Riding programs

Last night, we brought you a piece about an 11-year-old homeless Chicago Public Schools student, which prompted a number of viewers to write in. We share what you had to say.

Senator Roland Burris says the transcripts of secretly recorded telephone conversations prove that he did not offer former governor Rod Blagojevich money in exchange for his Senate seat. Rich Samuels has some reactions from local politicians. Roland Burris Wiretap Read the transcript

The state legislature is poised to vote on a 50% income tax hike. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a look at both sides of the debate over higher taxes.