Stories by WTTW News

Bill Kurtis and Walter Jacobson were back on CBS 2 Friday, but how many people were watching, and what does it mean for the local news landscape? Kris Kridel from WBBM Newsradio 780's Noon Business Hour joins us with that story, and the week's other top business headlines.

Space enthusiasts have had plenty to cheer about lately, from the discovery of significant amounts of water on the moon, to another shuttle mission today, to a magnificent meteor shower this evening. We talk to an astronomer about all the exciting developments. Adler Planetarium

Journalists Rick Kogan and Charles Osgood offer reflections on Chicago. Sidewalks Volume II: Reflections on Chicago

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: The CTA avoids fare hikes but service cuts and layoffs are still looming; Jeanine Nicarico's killer, Brian Dugan, gets the death penalty; Governor Quinn decides to release prisoners early; Congressman Danny Davis bows out of the race for Cook County Board President; Chicago's magnet school admission policies are revamped; and another devastating loss puts the Bears season on the brink. Guests:

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

According to a new research study from the Pew Center on the States, Illinois is one of ten states in fiscal peril. Can anything be done to get the state out of its current mess, and do lawmakers have the political will to do it? Eddie Arruza and his panel take a look. Beyond California: States in Fiscal Peril -- Download a PDF of the report

We talk with a wildly popular Harvard professor whose moral philosophy class is getting national attention. Justice with Michael Sandel

We fly on a fully restored World War II bomber and meet a man who flew 35 missions as a tail gunner. The Collings Foundation Collings Foundation Schedule

Geoffrey Baer fills us in on the shrewd political move, in 1818, that kept Chicago in Illinois, instead of Wisconsin. Curtiss Candy Co. Illinois v. Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb

Time Out Chicago's kids editor tells us about the current production at the Chicago Children's Theater, plus other events this weekend just for kids.

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

Thanks to a deal with the state, CTA fare hikes have been averted. But, there still could be service cuts. Rich Samuels brings us the good news and the bad.

The Dow closed up 44 points today and at a thirteen-month high this past Monday. Is it a positive sign for the economy as a whole? Elizabeth Brackett finds out from her panel of economists and investment strategists.

We take a look at some new ideas in technology and design that are making it easier for older people to live in their homes longer.

A simple blood test can determine a disease that often goes undiagnosed. We speak with experts from the nation's first celiac disease center, based here in Chicago. The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center

Some Iraq war veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder are being treated with a 3-D war simulator, the first of its kind in Illinois. We see how it works and how it's helping. The Vet Center at Alexian Brothers Medical Center Campus

There are big changes in the way Chicago school kids will be accepted into magnet schools and selective enrollment high schools. Elizabeth Brackett has the details. Upcoming CPS community meetings on the new policies

A new study finds that two-thirds of Chicago police officers accused of misconduct have actually kept their jobs. Carol Marin sits down with the study's author and the head of the Chicago Police Board. Chicago Police Board: A 10-Year Analysis--The Chicago Justice Project Read the executive summary of the study

Chicago has become a world center of "cloud computing." As we continue our Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham series, Rich Samuels explains what "cloud computing" is and how you probably already use it on a daily basis.

Houses of worship and private schools have been receiving state tax dollars, and this has reignited the church-state debate. We talk with a state representative who has helped send money to a Jesuit-run high school and an ACLU member with concerns about the practice.

On the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street, we revisit our 2007 visit with one of its biggest stars: Elmo!

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger and one of his challengers, Dorothy Brown, launched battles to have each other knocked off the February Democratic primary ballot. Candidate Danny Davis quit the county race to instead run for re-election to Congress. Rich Samuels has the latest on the race for Cook County Board president.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a health care reform bill over the weekend by a very narrow margin. Carol Marin and her panel, including Rep. Peter Roskam, take a close look at what is inside the legislation and the challenges it could face in the U.S. Senate. Read the bill passed by the House of Representatives

Chicago-based Hyatt Hotels made its public trading debut Thursday to great success. This comes despite a lackluster economy and a family feud among the Pritzkers, who own the hotel chain. WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us with the details, plus the rest of the week's business news.

Chicago freelancers could work from home, but we show you why more and more are spending money to get back to the cubicle.