Stories by WTTW News

Tomorrow marks the first meeting of the new Chicago City Council. One already-influential alderman is getting even more power: 40th ward Alderman Patrick O'Connor. We talk with O'Connor about the new Council -- and the new mayor. Ald. Patrick O'Connor's website

From Rod Blagojevich to former vice presidential chief of staff Scooter Libby, why are so many high profile officials lying? We talk to the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Tangled Webs, who believes it's an epidemic. More on the book

They're back... and that's not exactly fine and dandy with some Chicago residents. Chicago Tonight has the story of why there are more dandelions than ever, and why the Chicago Park District says that's a good thing. Chicago Park District press release

We have the latest on Father Michael Pfleger and other top headlines in religion news when the Chicago Tribune's religion reporter joins us. Catholic Charities, a major adoption provider for Illinois, is saying they will continue to turn away same-sex couples after the June 1 start of the Civil Unions law.

A new political era in Chicago has begun. Rahm Emanuel was sworn in today in as the city's 46th mayor, as the 45th mayor looked on. Eddie Arruza reports on what the new mayor had to say in his first public speech.

The baton passing between Mayor Daley to Mayor Emanuel is complete. There was plenty of pomp and circumstance today, but there's work to be done, including tackling the city's near $600 million deficit. Carol Marin and her panel take a look at the challenges Mayor Emanuel faces as he takes office.

What effect will the new mayor have on local business? WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us with that discussion and a look at the week's top business headlines.

Afternoon testimony in the Blagojevich retrial took a turn away from the Senate seat down Lincoln Avenue to Children's Memorial Hospital, as Children's CEO Patrick Magoon took the stand. Elizabeth Brackett takes us through the testimony. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, we look back at Richard M. Daley's biggest accomplishments and multiple scandals over 22 years as Chicago mayor. Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel releases a transition report, long on ambition and short on details. Sears threatens to leave Illinois, unless the state ponies up to keep thousands of jobs here. And in sports, Carlos Boozer and Derrick Rose dominate Thursday's game to win the series against Atlanta. Now the Bulls will feel the heat of Miami and LeBron James in the Eastern Conference Final on Sunday.

As the current mayor completes his long run in office, we take stock of two Mayor Daleys with our own Carol Marin. More on the Story: Timeline of Mayor Richard M. Daley's biggest moments

Dangerous hallucinogens and stimulants are being sold in area stores -- legally. Paris Schutz has more on the controversy over so-called "designer drugs."

Tonight, we hear about the heroic and historic journey of the "Freedom Riders." We hear from the filmmaker who documented the experiences of the diverse group of people who challenged the "Jim Crow" laws of the Deep South. "Freedom Riders" website

From Civil War manuscripts to baseball cards of the world champion Chicago Cubs, we look at some rare artifacts from The Newberry Library's priceless collection that are up for "adoption." Newberry Library 2011 Adoption Program More Cultural Connections online

Eliza Fournier is here from the Chicago Botanic Garden with tips on how to spice up your garden beds and keep the beauty blooming throughout the year. More on the Story: Gardening tips and how-to videos Chicago Botanic Garden website A Bloomin' Festival

Defense attorneys for Rod Blagojevich filed a motion for a mistrial this morning, saying that the numerous objections from prosecutors during cross-examination is preventing them from doing their job. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Do fewer City Council committees mean big savings for taxpayers? Carol Marin and her panel of veteran and incoming aldermen take up the issue, days before the beginning of the new term. More on the Story: Chicago City Council Reorganized Are you optimistic about the new political era coming to City Hall?

Whether you're a biking novice or a cycling pro, this new bike book is sure to give you some places to explore on two wheels. We sit down with the author of Where to Bike Chicago: Best Biking in City and Suburbs.

The Emmy-Award winning Grannies on Safari are here to tell us about their new adventures. Most recently, the grannies were stuck in Egypt right at the beginning of the revolution. Grannies on Safari website

Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel releases his transition report calling for cuts in government spending, consolidation of departments and a reorganization in the City Council. Ash-har Quraishi is here with the details. More on the Story: Emanuel Outlines Goals for First 100 Days More on the Story: Chicago City Council Reorganized

Is Gov. Pat Quinn's next state budget playing fast and loose with numbers? That's what the Civic Federation is saying. Eddie Arruza gets the latest from Chicago Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney. Then, he and his panelists take a look at the conflicting estimates in Illinois' 2012 budget.

Today in court, jurors for the Blagojevich trial heard the infamous "f***ing golden" tape and more of the ex-Governor's alleged efforts to trade the Senate seat. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Can chaos lead to happiness? A new book argues that we need -- and should embrace -- the rat race. We speak with the author, Todd Buchholz. More on the Story: Stress, Challenge and the Rat Race Do stress and competition help you achieve your goals? Todd Buchholz' website

Concerned about how much sugar is in your diet? Check Please! host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh breaks down which wines to avoid. More on Alpana's wine recommendations Watch more Ask Alpana segments and ask her your own question Alpana's Recommendations for wines that can be enjoyed without food:

Former Blagojevich chief of staff John Harris remained on the stand Monday for cross-examination from the ex-Governor's defense. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

A line of well-wishers thanked Mayor Daley for his 22 years in office today. Carol Marin and her panel look at Daley's last days -- still not immune from controversy -- and look ahead to the Emanuel administration. Daley's request for bodyguards

The "Home Alone" house is for sale. WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us with news-making Chicago real estate and a look at the week's top business headlines. And Illinois gets a bad grade for business.