Stories by WTTW News

The H1N1 flu outbreak has affected younger people more than older ones. We talk with two doctors from the Chicago Department of Health about preparing students and schools for an influx of influenza. Guests:

We catch up with the Puppet Bike, a wandering puppet show that travels on the back of a bicycle through the streets of Chicago. Puppetbike.com WBEZ: Traveling with the puppet bike (06/05/09) Time Out Chicago: Puppet pedaler

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

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Politicians stumping at the state fair; Chicago's Uptown area: the latest neighborhood grappling with rising violence; Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. holds a town hall meeting on health care; Chicago learns its Olympic fate in just six weeks; Bears quarterback Jay Cutler hopes to rebound from his dismal pre-season debut; and the Cubs struggling down the stretch. Guests:

For the rest of the summer we'll be replaying the best of John Callaway's interviews over the years, tonight we take a look back at a 2006 conversation with Broadway star Elaine Stritch. Guest: Elaine Stritch

New credit card rules take effect today. But what will this landmark overhaul mean for consumers? Eddie Arruza and his panel discuss this and more. Guests:

A destructive species of fish has been spotted in the waters close to Chicago. Rich Samuels tells us why the Asian carp poses a great threat to commercial and recreational fishing and how the region is working to keep the fish out of Lake Michigan. And we hear from the acting president of the Alliance for the Great Lakes about other possible permanent solutions to the Asian Carp problem. Guest:

The newest member of Chicago's public art family is a reflection of the city's earliest inhabitants. We learn how the mural on Foster Avenue was created. Chicago Public Art Group Schudule of Aug. 22 mural dedication (PDF)

We find out about a peaceful meadow that was once a POW camp in tonight's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

We take a look back at another classic John Callaway interview -- his July 2006 conversation with Broadway star Elaine Stritch. Elaine Stritch's entry in the Internet Broadway Database

No need to run away and join the circus when you can spend the night with one instead. Time Out Chicago is here with suggestions for the weekend. Guest:

A viewer blows the whistle on the nomination process for new trustees for the University of Illinois when we read some viewer mail.

The Independent Voters of Illinois Independent Precinct Organization filed a lawsuit today against Chicago, claiming the deal to lease the city's parking meters is illegal and should be voided. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a look at the suit and the parking meter deal. Guests:

With a bold ad campaign and marketing savvy, the Chicago Young Republicans organization is growing by the hundreds. We have members of the organization here to tell us why it's not easy being "right" in the city. Guests:

The cash-strapped Robbins Public Library may have to close at the end of the month. Rich Samuels tells us who will be hurt most. Encyclopedia of Chicago: Robbins, Ill.

It's been an exciting summer for online Chicago news as the Chicago Tribune launches ChicagoNow blogs and Everyblock.com is bought by MSNBC. Northwestern University's Kristian Hammond joins us for an update on local online news. Guest:

Moviemakers love the world beneath the streets of Chicago. Tonight, Geoffrey Baer shows you subterranean spaces even Hollywood hasn't discovered in the conclusion of his series Under Chicago. Watch the first segment of Under Chicago (08/12/09)

Cellist Sara Sant'Ambrogio talks about her latest project, Expressions of Artistry, and performs in our studio. Guest: Sara Sant'Ambrogio Watch the complete video of Sara playing George Gershwin's Summertime

Some University of Illinois Trustees are bristling at the Governor's call for their resignations. Rich Samuels caught up with two trustees today and fills us in on what they had to say. WEB EXCLUSIVE: Extended video of trustees Frances G. Carroll and James Montgomery Sr.

Eddie Arruza and his panel take a close look at the advantages and disadvantages of the much-talked-about public health care option versus a health care cooperative. Guests: Dr. Claudia Fegan - Physicians for a National Health Program Tomas Philipson - Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies at the University of Chicago

We hear from a former political speechwriter about the meaning behind certain words and phrases that have come to define the health care debate. Guest: Jason Desanto - law and communications professor at Northwestern University New York Times: False 'death panel' rumor has some familiar roots (08/13/09)

Crushing clunkers is a recession-proof business. We speak with a local auto recycler who gives us the pros and cons of the government's Cash for Clunkers program. VictoryAutoWreckers.com CashforClunkersFacts.com: Info about Chicago Cash for Clunkers program

A controversy has intensified over a proposed wind farm in DeKalb County. Rich Samuels tells us why, as we continue this year's Chicago Matters series. NextExtra Energy Rhodes School Wind Turbine blog

Longtime Chicago Sun-Times columnist Robert Novak died this morning after a battle with brain cancer. We take a look back at his 2007 appearance on this show to promote his recently-published memoir. Guest:

Gov. Quinn signed legislation today that he says will make Illinois government more transparent, but is the governor using his personal Blackberry to skirt the Freedom of Information Act? Rich Samuels fills us in. Read Gov. Quinn's press release on government transparency