Stories by WTTW News

WLS-AM broadcaster and frequent Chicago Tonight contributor Tom Roeser has passed away. We take a moment to remember his work. ABC News obituary

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Rod Blagojevich, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. take the stand in the Blagojevich retrial. The Mumbai terror trial here gets international attention. ComEd gets its controversial rate hike approved. The legislative session is scheduled to end soon with redistricting and the state budget still unsettled. And in sports, a late game collapse dooms the Chicago Bulls' season. Guests:

Blagojevich took the stand today in his retrial, telling stories from his childhood through to adulthood. He reminded jurors, "I used to be your governor, and I'm here to tell the truth." Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Bertocchi and Defense Attorney Joseph Lopez join us to discuss the former governor's testimony and what it can do for his case. Will Blagojevich's testimony help or hurt him?

A house in the McKinley Park neighborhood of Chicago is a relic from when the area was home to an explosive industry. Geoffrey Baer tells us about the history and uncertain future of this landmark home, in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

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

It's almost "Summertime," and we'll hear a live performance from a new re-telling of George Gershwin's musical masterpiece, Porgy and Bess. More on the Story: The opera's history

We hear what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer mail. Send Chicago Tonight your comments

The defense of Rod Blagojevich kicks off with a bang of high-profile witnesses. But the action doesn't last very long. What and who can we expect next? Elizabeth Brackett takes us through the possibilities. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Convicted terrorist David Headley testified today that Tahawwur Rana praised the gunmen from the attacks in Mumbai. Headley said Rana wanted the gunmen to receive Pakistan's highest posthumous military honor. Ash-har Quraishi has the latest on Rana's trial. Chicago Sun-Times article

The EPA this month ordered state officials to make the Chicago River clean enough for swimming. Paris Schutz has more on the decision and why many aren't happy about the river's new direction.

A GPS that gets you there by the most fuel efficient route, a mass extinction of fish that paved the way for human evolution and a nose that can smell bacterial infections are just three of the science stories we're keeping an eye on in tonight's installment of Scientific Chicago.

Author, TV and radio personality Tavis Smiley discusses his new book, how past mistakes have helped him succeed, and much more. More on the Story: Excerpt from the book More on the book, Fail Up Tavis Talks website

David Headley continued his testimony today in the trial of Tahawwur Rana, a Chicago businessman charged with taking part in the Mumbai terrorist attacks. Headley testified that Rana told him India "deserved" the violence. Ash-har Quraishi has the latest. CBS News article

Gov. Quinn's plan to withhold money from local governments has been dubbed the "stealth tax." We talk to a number of Chicagoland mayors about the proposed Springfield legislation and how it could impact you. More on the Story: Background on the plan Should the state continue to give income tax revenue to local governments?

He made sculptures with Frank Lloyd Wright, and for 50 years worked on Chicago area landmarks that still showcase his creativity. Find out about the long forgotten artist Alfonso Iannelli and his efforts to make art for everyone on today's Artbeat.

From humble beginnings, she eventually became one of the most famous -- and richest -- women in the world. We revisit Oprah Winfrey's August 1984 appearance on Chicago Tonight when she took on critics who were calling her show "sensationalist" and more. Oprah's website

Opening arguments began today for Tahawwur Rana, a Chicagoan charged with organizing terrorist attacks on two Mumbai hotels and a Jewish center in 2008. Ash-har Quraishi has the latest from the courthouse. More on the Story: Details on the attacks and the trial

Carol Marin gets the latest on the political remap battle from Springfield. And then her studio panel analyzes Rahm Emanuel's first week in office, as well as Joe Berrios' latest nepotism news.

The Blagojevich retrial is delayed until Wednesday, when the defense will begin presenting their case. Who will they call to testify? Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Oprah Winfrey wanted to make her program number one. Mission accomplished. We have an extended cut from John Callaway's February 1984 conversation with the Queen of Talk. Are you sad to see Oprah go?

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Joel Weisman and his panel of guests look back at Rahm Emanuel's first week as mayor: his swearing in, his move to cut $75 million from the budget, and appointment of several familiar aldermen on City Council to lead committees. Also, the prosecution in the Blagojevich retrial rests as talk swirls about the former governor himself taking the stand in his own defense. Oprah ends her historic run with a star-filled sendoff at the United Center.

Chicago's new mayor is ordering an audit of the city's controversial TIF program. Eddie Arruza talks with the mayor's budget director about what's being uncovered as the new financial team looks into the city's books. Chicago Tonight's Rahm Emanuel page More on the Story: Emanuel's finance team

This home is believed to be one of the most energy-efficient homes in the country. But not everyone is ecstatic about the eco-friendly home's impact on the surrounding environment. Ash-har Quraishi reports on the growing pains of going green in the city.

Longer school days in Chicago and teacher layoffs based on performance not seniority. Those are just two of the changes in a school reform bill sitting on Gov. Quinn's desk. We find out how it will affect students and teachers throughout the state. More on the Story: Read more about the reform bill Contact Gov. Quinn

The Chicago History Museum is putting its final touches on its newest exhibit. We talk to the curator of "Out in Chicago," a history of Chicago's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.