Stories by WTTW News

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.

We look into the life and challenges of a homeless 11-year-old Chicago Public School student, and learn what the city's school system does to help. If you would like to help the family of Demarra Rutherford, you have two options: You can send a check made payable to the: Demarra Rutherford Fund C/O: Metropolitan Family Services 1 North Dearborn Chicago, IL 60602

While the federal government has had to bail out the nation's large banks, smaller and independently owned banks are doing just fine. Or are they? Regional banks did not take the same risks as the big banks, but a different kind of crisis may be headed their way.

We talk to the new head of the Better Government Association, longtime ABC7 political reporter Andy Shaw.

We have live music from Chicago's other award-winning symphony orchestra, the Chicago Philharmonic.

University of Chicago professor and author Richard Thaler tells us how policy makers can give people a "nudge" in the right direction. We talk to Thaler as part of our Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham series.

If you break it, the porcelain doctor can probably fix it. Eddie Arruza has the story of a local woman who has restored some objects that seemed beyond repair.

Hedy Weiss is here with three "highly recommended" theater reviews, including one for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee now on stage at the Marriott Theater. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee The Who's Tommy Once On This Island

Read the wiretap transcript of the conversation Roland Burris had in which he promises to raise campaign cash for Blagojevich. Read the transcript

Federal appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor is President Barack Obama's choice for the U.S. Supreme Court. Rich Samuels tells us about reaction to her selection, and Elizabeth Brackett and her panel discuss what her confirmation would mean for the nation's highest court.

There were more than 6,000 collisions between cars and pedestrians last year in Illinois. We show you some aggressive new tactics being used to crack down on motorists who fail to obey the law at crosswalks.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Lawmakers betting on video poker to pay for a massive statewide construction program; President Todd Stroger vetoes a sales tax roll-back by Cook County commissioners; Chris Kennedy set to run for the U.S. Senate; the Art Institute unveils the new Modern Wing as well as a hefty admission hike; Kiddieland amusement park closing at the end of the season; the Blackhawks skating for their playoff lives against the Red Wings tonight; and All-Star pitcher Jake Peavy turns down a trade to the White Sox. Guests: