Stories by WTTW News

We tell you about some events guaranteed to entice you out of the house this holiday season.

A venerable holiday classic comes to life just across the border in Indiana. We show you how the town that inspired the film A Christmas Story is saluting its movie heritage. A Christmas Story Comes Home

Todd Stroger, Dorothy Brown, Terrence O'Brien, and Toni Preckwinkle join us to discuss the issues facing the county and their campaigns for Cook County Board President.

Although Governor Quinn has suspended a controversial early release program for Illinois prisoners, another program remains in effect. Rich Samuels tells us who hopes to get out, and why corrections experts think it's a good idea.

We meet the leader of a local interfaith group that has the ear of the White House. Interfaith Youth Core

Will Lovie Smith survive this year? Will the Bears even win another game? We talk about yet another Bears blowout loss with former running back Mike Adamle.

We hear some of your thoughts about our recent stories when we read our viewer mail.

On tonight's program, Joel and his panel look back at the biggest stories of 2009. From the shocking fall of former Governor Rod Blagojevich to Chicago's stunning 2016 Olympic defeat to a sour economy, the year was packed with plenty of news. Be sure to tune in to our annual year-in-review edition of the Week in Review. Guests:

Endorsements came out today for Democrats seeking to become the party's candidate for President of the Cook County Board. Rich Samuels tells us who got the nods.

Is housing terror suspects at Illinois's Thomson prison a good move? Will health care reform pass? Eddie Arruza gets some perspective from Illinois's newest congressman, Mike Quigley.

Some say Chicago's garbage pickup procedures waste millions of dollars a year -- at a time when the city is already dipping into its reserve funds. We take a look.

Where are Chicago's oldest buildings? Our resident Chicago expert Geoffrey Baer has tracked down some of them.

We take a sneak peek at the documentary Make No Little Plans: Daniel Burnham and the American City, which airs tonight at 8:00 on WTTW.

We are joined by Homer Bryant, an inspiring dance teacher on Chicago's South side, who calls himself a teacher of life.

An expert from the Chicago Botanic Garden joins us with last minute tips on holiday greenery. Chicago Botanic Garden Events

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

Senate candidates Alexi Giannoulias and David Hoffman had an unusually sharp exchange at a debate this morning at the Union League Club. Rich Samuels has the details.

Illinois nursing homes are not just for the elderly -- some are also populated by the mentally ill, criminals, and sex offenders. And for many of Illinois' elderly, it's proven to be a dangerous mix. Carol Marin and her panel weigh in on this troubling situation.

John Musker, the Chicago-born director of the latest Disney hit, The Princess and the Frog, stops by. Web Exclusive: More of our interview with John Musker

Tired of the same old Christmas songs? A Chicago-based internet radio site is offering up thousands of holiday songs for every mood and interest, from heavy metal Christmas to smooth jazz Hanukkah. Eddie Arruza tells us about AccuHolidays, where you can choose from more than 40 radio stations to help you get into the holiday spirit.

From classic to campy, there is something for everyone in Chicago's holiday theater offerings. A panel of theater critics offers their recommendations for shows you cannot miss.

He's shared the stage with Mick, Keith, and company for the better part of two decades. We have a performance from Rolling Stones bass player and Chicago native Darryl Jones. Musician's Network MECCA

Some Guantanamo Bay detainees will be heading to Thomson Prison, in northwestern Illinois, under orders from the federal government. Rich Samuels was in Thomson today and shares how local residents were reacting to the news.

Elizabeth Brackett goes one-on-one with State Comptroller and Democratic Gubernatorial hopeful Dan Hynes.

Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis talks about violence in the city, the missing persons reporting system, and other items on the police beat.

We've convened a panel of book lovers to help you choose the best books to give -- and read -- this holiday season. Al Gini's List