Stories by WTTW News

The Week in Review Governor Blagojevich revealed as public official 'A,' controversy over public school closings, Tribune eager to sell Wrigley Field naming rights and county budget deadline looms.

Cook County Board Latest There were fireworks at the Cook County building as Todd Stroger and Cook County commissioners try to agree on the budget before tomorrow's deadline. Rich Samuels has a live report. News Analysis with Eddie Arruza Governor Blagojevich proposed $40 million in state funds to tear down Cole Hall, the scene of the deadly shooting at Northern Illinois University. Eddie Arruza and his panel of legislators and NIU students weigh in.

Cook County Budget With a Friday deadline looming, Cook County Commissioners today rejected a proposal to raise the sales tax to balance the 2008 budget. Rich Samuels will update us on the county's fiscal crisis as the possibility of a county government shut down approaches.

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger The Cook County Board of Commissioners has until Friday to pass a balanced budget or face a partial shutdown of the county government. So far the gridlocked board has been unable to reach a consensus. Cook County Board President Todd Stroger joins us to talk about the budget debate.

Cook County Tax Members of the Cook County Board met today to discuss President Todd Stroger's sales tax plan. We have the latest. Deepak Chopra Who is Jesus? It's a question that's been asked for thousands of years. Spiritual leader Deepak Chopra joins us to share his take on the question, the topic of his new book "The Third Jesus: The Christ We Cannot Ignore."

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7pm Presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton square off at a debate in Texas, Governor Blagojevich lays out lofty budget proposals, Todd Stroger's stalled county budget due next week, Northern Illinois University victims laid to rest, Northwestern University's journalism dean in hot water after using anonymous quotes, and the Bulls trade Ben Wallace. Guests:

Transit Funding Update Two local congressmen claim Governor Blagojevich's proposed budget will cost billions in lost federal transit funds. Rich Samuels tells us why they are asking state legislators to take matters into their own hands. News Analysis with Eddie Arruza Critics say the Governor's budget proposal is laden with spending programs the state cannot afford. Eddie Arruza and his panel take a closer look. Guests: State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and Fmr. Governor Jim Edgar

Cook County Update The Cook County Board of Commissioners has set a date to determine whether to raise your taxes. Rich Samuels tells us about the imminent moment of truth. Live Report from Springfield Governor Rod Blagojevich today proposed major capital spending and tax cuts as part of his 2008 budget. Carol Marin joins us live from Springfield with more on how the 2010 gubernatorial campaign may already be swinging into gear.

The Works of Edward Hopper, 1882 - 1967

Gun Control Laws Citing recent fatal shootings in Tinley Park and at Northern Illinois University, Mayor Daley and other legislators today called for stiffer gun control laws. Rich Samuels has details. News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Elizabeth Brackett talks one-on-one with Chicago's new police superintendent, former FBI man Jody Weis.

Tinley Park Shooting Update An impassioned plea today to a mass murderer still at large. Rich Samuels has the latest on the search for the man who killed five women in Tinley Park 16 days ago.

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7 pm Elizabeth Brackett reports from Dekalb with an update on the Northern Illinois University shootings, Presidential hopeful Barack Obama on a delegate roll, Midway Airport for sale, layoffs announced at the Chicago Tribune, Sears cutting 200 jobs, Donald Trump sued by more disgruntled condo buyers, Red Line loop service trimmed, Chicago parking meters put on the block, and spring training opens. Guests:

NIU EMERGENCY HOTLINE FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS 815-753-1573 815-753-6143 815-753-1574 815-753-1575 815-753-9564 815-753-6257 News Analysis with Eddie Arruza As health care costs rise, so is the prevalence of companies offering employees healthy habit incentives. But are some businesses taking illegal measures if workers don't comply? Eddie Arruza and his panel take a look at a trend that could affect you.

News Analysis with Carol Marin Convicted former city clerk James Laski just finished an 11-month prison sentence. He used the time to write "My Fall from Grace: City Hall to Prison Walls." In it, he claims Mayor Daley knew more about the "Hired Truck Scandal" than he admitted. Carol Marin sits down with James Laski.

The Works of Winslow Homer, 1836 - 1910

Mexico's President Mexican President Felipe Calderon is visiting the U.S. for the first time since his election in 2006. He spoke in Chicago this afternoon and Eddie Arruza tells us what the President - and some of his opponents - had to say. News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Pollution from Midwest oil refineries could increase by 40% over the next decade. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a closer look at the high cost of our nation's addiction to the so-called "black gold."

News Analysis with Carol Marin Barack Obama won big this past weekend and Hillary Clinton shook up her campaign leadership. Carol Marin and her panel take a closer look at what lies ahead. GrubHub.com On a cold night like tonight, you can bet some restaurants will be making more delivery runs than usual. We find out how two locals founded GrubHub.com and is changing how Chicago does take-out. Guests: Matt Maloney and Mike Evans

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7pm Presidential hopeful Barack Obama surges on Super Tuesday, new vehicle stickers proposed to help balance the Cook County budget, the Chicago City Council approves a hefty real estate transfer tax as part of the CTA bailout plan, Anita Alvarez is the surprise winner of the Democratic nomination for State's Attorney, the Chicago Sun-Times put on the block this week, United Airlines merger talks heating up again, and the Bulls standing pat as the NBA trade deadline nears. Guests:

Democratic State's Attorney Candidate Anita Alvarez won the Democratic primary for Cook County State's Attorney on Tuesday. She joins us tonight to discuss running against Republican candidate Tony Peraica in what may become a long and challenging campaign. News Analysis with Eddie Arruza Delegates, super delegates, disqualified delegates... It's a complicated affair to become a party's presidential nominee. Eddie Arruza and his guests will sort out the confusing delegate allocation process.

Weather Watch Mother Nature just won't quit. We have the latest details of our treacherous weather saga from the National Weather Service. Transfer Tax Update Strong words were exchanged at today's City Council meeting during a vigorous debate over the real estate transfer tax hike. Rich Samuels has the latest.

Live Primary Update The city and suburbs went to the polls on this Super Tuesday. Rich Samuels has a live update on voter turnout. News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett After slashing operating costs by $50 million following massive layoffs, the Chicago Sun-Times parent company is now for sale. Elizabeth Brackett sits down with the paper's publisher, Cyrus Freidheim.

PRIMARY PREVIEW SPECIAL Primary Update Rich Samuels tells us what's at stake in a "Super Tuesday" primary without precedent. Talk of the Blogosphere What is the blogging world looking for in the Super Tuesday results? Do blogs and social networking websites shape the race? Carol Marin asks her panel of Chicago's top political bloggers.

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7 pm Super Tuesday set to shape the race for the White House, we'll take a closer look at the hot local political races, indicted Barack Obama fundraiser Tony Rezko sent to jail this week, Sears dumps its CEO, the real estate market still in a deep freeze here, spring training just two weeks away, and the Bulls season quickly slipping away. Guests:

Republicans on the Issues

Chicago Foreclosures Chicago had about 14,000 foreclosures last year. Rich Samuels has details on what the city is doing to help. Democrats on the Issues We focus on the issues of concern to voters in the presidential election. Surrogates for the Democratic presidential candidates join Carol Marin. Guests: J.B. Pritzker for Sen. Hillary Clinton and State Comptroller Dan Hynes for Sen. Barack Obama.

Cook County Sales Tax Update Cook County Board President Todd Stroger took his quest for a sales tax hike to the county morgue today saying without new revenue, there will be a major backlog of dead bodies. Eddie Arruza has reaction from county commissioners.