Stories by WTTW News

Chicago Tonight is abbreviated this evening for pledge programming. Indictments in Nicarico Case State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka threw her hat in the ring today, the fifth Republican to announce for the March gubernatorial primary. Rich Samuels has the latest on the GOP's efforts to unseat Rod Blagojevich.

Chicago Tonight is abbreviated this evening for pledge programming. Indictments in Nicarico Case Ten-year old Jeanine Nicarico was murdered more than 22 years ago. Today, fresh indictments are being handed down in this tragic and controversial case. Rich Samuels has the latest. News Analysis with Phil Ponce Retailers pulled out all the stops to get holiday shoppers to spend. Phil Ponce and his guest Will Ander examine how successful they've been.

Chicago Tonight is abbreviated this evening for pledge programming. News Analysis with Phil Ponce The debate over a smoking ordinance in Chicago restaurants and bars continues to smolder. Phil Ponce and his panel tackle this hot issue. Neil Steinberg Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg is back in print as of this morning. He'll talk to Bob about his road back from alcohol rehab and domestic abuse charges.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review Holiday shopping season in full swing, what will the hot trends be? Will it be a merry time for merchants? We'll take a closer look at the city's overall economy and we'll grade Chicago's business beat. Guests:

It's a holiday edition of Chicago Tonight. Our 50-year history Rich samuels takes a look back at the 50-year history of channel 11. Famous Windows Then it's the Chicago Story of Marshall Field's famous christmas windows.

Bob Sirott is off tonight. News Analysis with Eddie Arruza Tempers are flaring in Washington on both sides of the aisle as the debate to pull troops out of Iraq escalates. Rep. Jan Schakowsky and Chicago Tribune's Jim Warren are on tonight's panel. Chicago's Grand Hotels We'll get a taste of Chicago history as seen through its historic hotels - the Drake, the Hilton and the Palmer House. Author Robert Allegrini is here with his new book Chicago's Grand Hotels. For more information: Arcadia Publishing or (888) 313-2665.

This week on Chicago Sunday: Ready or nor its time to start shopping because the holiday rush is just about here. Phil Ponce talks with retail consultant Carol Gies (http://4insights.com/) about what the hot gifts are this season and what kind of pressures retailers are facing. Then, we'll take a tour of a 19th century mansion that's being auctioned off to benefit the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review Media tycoon Conrad Black indicted for looting the Chicago Sun-Times, George Ryan's $10 million legal tab waived, the Archdiocese unveils plans to save more Catholic schools, the Black middle-class the focus of an in-depth Sun-Times series, and the FBI probes the Bears punch-out cover-up Guests:

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett The FBI and the Bears: An investigation looks into a brawl between two Chicago Bears team members that broke out after a visit to an FBI shooting range. The Ice Harvest The Ice Harvest is the new movie starring John Cusack, directed by Harold Ramis. Cusack and Ramis sit down with Bob for a closer look at the darkly ironic story about a mob lawyer who steals from his employer.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce A flurry of candidates have thrown their hats in the ring. Phil Ponce and his panel look at some key candidacies and at a potentially big development at City Hall. Guests: Laura Washington, Mike Flannery and Paul Green.

Medicare Confusion Today was the first day for seniors to sign up for one of the government's new Medicare prescription programs. Rich Samuels talked to House Speaker Dennis Hastert and some seniors today. Plus, Terry Savage will try to help us sort out the complicated new options.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce A sign that asks parents to have their kids use "indoor voices" while at a north side cafe has angered local parents and touched off an international story. Phil Ponce and his panel, which includes the cafe's owner, take a look at what it means to run a family-friendly business.

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Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review Judy Baar Topinka jumps in the governor's race, Chicago aldermen allotted more pork for their wards, the CTA hikes fares to $2, newspaper circulation numbers plummet, and Ozzie Guillen named manager of the year. Guests:

News Analysis with Phil Ponce The advocacy group Preservation Chicago just announced that the entire neighborhood of Pilsen is one of the seven most threatened historic places in the city, since entire blocks of historic buildings are being torn down for newer more upscale homes. Phil Ponce talks to Ald. Danny Solis, who represents Pilsen, about his efforts to have the state designate the neighborhood a historic landmark district.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce His books have tackled everything from the Gettysburg Address to Ronald Reagan to the Catholic Church. Now Garry Wills is looking into the age-old Catholic practice of the Rosary. Phil Ponce sits down with best-selling Pulitzer Prize-winning author Garry Wills.

Oberweis Accusations Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Oberweis is accused of having illegal immigrants working in his ice cream stores. Eddie Arruza reports on who exactly these workers are and what the candidate had to say in response. News Analysis with Phil Ponce Consumer advocate Marty Cohen failed to get state senate approval to head the Illinois Commerce Commission. He's blaming politics for his rejection. Tonight he tells phil ponce how his rejection came about.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce Judy Baar Topinka is eyeing the governor's mansion. Phil Ponce and his panel of political pundits assess her chances. Guests: Craig Dellimore, Greg Hinz and Carlos Hernandez Gomez Terry Hillard Chicago's former police superintendent Terry Hillard has written a new book, Chicago Police: An Inside View. We'll talk to him about his work, his legacy and the city's changing crime numbers.

This week on Chicago Sunday: Cook County Board President John Stroger has just announced he will run for a fourth term amid talk of budget deficits, tax increases, cronyism, and in-fighting on the board he leads. Phil Ponce talks with him about his chances for re-election.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review Mayor Daley unveils $5 billion budget, Governor Blagojevich feeling the heat of federal hiring probe, Rosa Parks remembered, an allegedly racist dorm party embarrasses the University of Chicago, another O'Hare project over budget, and the Bulls off to an exciting start. Guests:

Washington Notebook Chicago's U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has been a busy guy lately. Today he was in Washington for the arraignment of former vice presidential aide Scooter Libby. Sun-Times Washington Bureau Chief Lynn Sweet has the latest on Fitzgerald's case and other notes from D.C.

Mayor's Proposed Budget A 20-cent-a-pack hike in the city's cigarette tax awaits smokers if Mayor Daley has his way. Rich Samuels briefs us on the mayor's proposed 2006 Chicago budget and tells us why aldermen may not rubber stamp it.

City Alleges Fraud Chicago news media late this afternoon flocked to the loop office of a company the city claims falsified medical tests for city employees. Rich Samuels reports on the city's allegations and the actions it's taking.

President Bush's High Court Nominee Four days after Harriet Miers told President George Bush she was withdrawing her name from consideration for Supreme Court Justice, the President today nominated another potential successor to Sandra Day O'Connor. But if the Republican right had problems with Ms. Miers, now it seems Senate Democrats have some reservations over the new nominee, federal judge Samuel Alito. Rich Samuels has the reaction to the nomination from Senators Dick Durbin and Barack Obama.

This week on Chicago Sunday: The Chicago White Sox official historian talks with Phil about the 2005 World Champion Chicago White Sox and whether or not it's the start of a new sports dynasty. Then, Eddie Arruza takes us on a tour of the new home for one of the oldest culinary arts schools in the country - Washburne Culinary Institute. The school has just moved into the South Shore Cultural Center and has opened a new restaurant that is open to the public.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review Chicago erupts after White Sox sweep, Governor Blagojevich feels the heat of state hiring probe, O'Hare expansion back on track, big changes on the Chicago radio landscape, and will the Tribune company have to sell the Cubs? Guests: