Stories by WTTW News

Last week the Chicago Tribune revealed that city aldermen have access to a secret, unsupervised payroll that many have been using to pay family members and friends. Carol Marin and her panel, which includes some aldermen, discuss this secret fund. "Chicago City Council uses stealth payroll for family, operatives, those with heat"--Chicago Tribune 11/19/09

Elizabeth Brackett takes a look at the battle over the $3.8 billion dollar expansion of BP's Whiting, Indiana refinery.

If Oprah Winfrey leaves Chicago, how will it impact local businesses? WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us for a look at this and other business headlines.

The Bears' season is slipping away. We recap last night's painful loss to the Eagles with former Bear Jim Schwantz.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Oprah Winfrey ending her talk show in 2011; Chicago School Board President Michael Scott's apparent suicide shocks the city; the Cook County Board votes to roll back the controversial sales tax hike; major conventions continue to leave McCormick Place for less expensive locales; and the Bears season on life support. Guests:

We get an exclusive look at the Chicago News Cooperative's investigation into the profits of the city's parking meter deal.

Foreclosure filings in Illinois went up 56 percent in October., We look at the housing crisis and explore what homeowners at risk can do.

City and state policy makers had a chance to eyeball some of Chicago's premier urban farms today. Rich Samuels takes us on part of their tour.

What do urban myths featuring an elephant and a lakefront sledding hill have in common? Geoffrey Baer explains in tonight's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

We explore a 44,000 square foot estate and its world-class collection of antique technological wonders. The Sanfilippo Foundation

Less than one week before Thanksgiving, Black Friday and the official start of the hectic holiday shopping season are almost upon us., Madeline Nusser of Time Out Chicago is here with some ideas for your weekend.

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

Mayor Daley stormed out of a City Hall press conference after questions about the death of School Board President Michael Scott. Rich Samuels tells us what was said.

New guidelines about mammograms from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force seem to contradict everything women have been told about breast cancer screening and mammography. Carol Marin and her panel take a closer look. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Screening for Breast Cancer

DePaul student Frankie Valencia was shot and killed at a Humboldt Park Halloween party, and it happened in a condo that had been rented just for the party. Many properties around the city are being rented out by the night or week. We hear from an alderman and the owner of a vacation rental agency about the controversial practice.

Promising art in every home, the Arts and Crafts movement migrated from England to Chicago. We have the latest on a new show at the Art Institute. Apostles of Beauty: Arts and Crafts from Britain to Chicago

A new report says Chicago women remain a minority in high-ranking positions at the city's largest public companies. Three local executives join us to discuss the findings. The Chicago Network

We hear how a renowned sax player and some local college students are turning the music of the Rolling Stones into jazz. Tim Ries Tim Ries performing at Jazz Showcase

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger says he will veto the half-cent sales tax rollback Cook County commissioners passed today. Rich Samuels has the latest.

Questions continue about the death of Chicago School Board President Michael Scott. Friends and family do not believe Scott took his own life, though the Medical Examiner again today called Scott's death a suicide. More than 33,000 suicides are committed each year in the United States. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have some important suicide prevention information.

We talk to the CEO of U.S. Cellular about changes to the wireless industry and his Chicago-based company.

Carol Marin sits down with David Plouffe, the campaign manager for President Obama's historic election. Watch Carol Marin's entire interview with David Plouffe

One of the stars of the PBS series America's Test Kitchen joins us with his best recipes for turkey, pumpkin pie, and other holiday favorites.

Don't let your Thanksgiving feast leave you and your guests thirsty this year. Check, Please! host and master sommelier Alpana Singh is back with a list of affordable Thanksgiving wines and spirits. Alpana's Thanksgiving Drink Recommendations Web Exclusive: Alpana's Thanksgiving Beer Recommendations

The body of Chicago School Board President Michael Scott was discovered early this morning in the Chicago River near the Apparel Center. His death has been ruled a suicide. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest details.

Guantanamo Bay detainees could be headed to Illinois. The Obama administration is considering purchasing the Thomson Correctional Center in Thomson, Illinois to house terror suspects currently being held in Guantanamo Bay. Federal officials toured the facility today and Rich Samuels has the details of their visit. And Carol Marin and her panel discuss the pros and cons of bringing terror suspects to Illinois.