Stories by WTTW News

The Cook County Sheriff's office will no longer have to comply with the Shakman Decree. Sheriff Tom Dart and his court-appointed monitor join Eddie Arruza to talk about this major development.

A monument on the Midway Plaisance honors a man who was both a professor in Chicago and a president in Europe. We find out more in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

The Illinois Senate passed legislation today that would allow civil unions for same-sex couples. Chicago Sun-Times Springfield bureau chief Dave McKinney joins us to talk about this historic development, and other news from the state capitol. Read the bill

We get an update on the state of AIDS on this World AIDS Day. AIDS Foundation of Chicago

Should midwives, without training as a doctor or nurse, be allowed to deliver babies in Illinois? We have more on the growing debate.

Medical marijuana goes up in smoke in Springfield. We have the latest on this, civil unions, and pension reform from the state capitol.

Elizabeth Brackett and her guests take up the debate over police and firefighter pensions. The Commercial Club of Chicago Illinois Public Pension Fund Association

We hear a performance from a dynamic cello and piano duo. WarnerNuzova gives us a taste of their recent CD of Russian classical music. Other links mentioned on the show: Chicago's Winter Nighttime Parking Ban

Carol Marin talks with Rahm Emanuel about his bid for mayor. Rahm Emanuel's campaign website

Tonight marks the premiere of Geoffrey Baer's newest show at 7:30 pm on WTTW. We get a sneak preview, and chat with Geoffrey about his experiences Biking the Boulevards. Discover Chicago's boulevards, parks, and neighborhoods on the Biking the Boulevards interactive website

The fall veto session is set to wrap up next week in Springfield. We talk with Chicago Sun-Times Springfield reporter Dave McKinney about whether or not lawmakers are planning any major action.

Cash and favors are allegedly "pouring" into many Chicago bar owners' pockets. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have more on a Crain's Chicago Business investigation that found pay-to-play practices involving Chicago's beer industry.

The Pope's Maestro We talk with the Maestro who conducted concerts for Pope John Paul II for 17 years.

We show you how to give your Thanksgiving meal a side of soul. Army & Lou's recipes for bread pudding and lemon sauce Army & Lou's

Former Governor George Ryan's attorneys press for his release from jail. Elizabeth Brackett has the details.

Mayoral candidate Gery Chico unveils a new plan to ensure transparency and accountability in government. Carol Marin talks to him about this and his vision for the city. Gery Chico campaign website

She was one of Chicago's treasures. Margaret Burroughs -- artist, activist and founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History -- died yesterday. We revisit a 2001 profile of the great lady in which she offers her thoughts on art, Chicago and the women of the world.

This Friday, a lot of stores will be opening their doors before consumers even have a chance to digest their Thanksgiving turkey. How can you find the very best Black Friday deals? We talk to the founder of a popular Black Friday website.

Want to raise chickens in your backyard? Why some are flocking to an "urban chicken consultant." Find out about Jennifer Murtoff's urban chicken consultant business and read her blog

We hear what you have to say about some of our recent stories when we read our viewer mail. Link also mentioned on the show: Chicago Board of Elections Unofficial Candidate List

On this week's edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week In Review: Speaker Mike Madigan shoots down Governor Pat Quinn's tax hike in the veto session. Congresswoman Melissa Bean finally concedes the election. Mayoral candidates file their petitions, and Mayor Daley reacts to mayoral candidate and former CPS school board president Gery Chico's criticism of the city's schools. Facing a half-billion-dollar deficit, Cook County President-Elect Toni Preckwinkle orders all Cook County offices to slash their budgets by 21%.

A new drug is being called a potential "game changer" in the battle against heart disease. Eddie Arruza and his panel have more on the latest findings in heart health. American Heart Association explanation of cholesterol

Is an aging population remaking the world? We talk with the author of a new book who says it definitely is and will explain how. Find out more about the book

Actor and painter Martin Mull talks about the suburban dreamscapes he captures on canvas. Carl Hammer Gallery (Chicago) Stellan Holm Gallery (New York City) Samuel Freeman Gallery (Los Angeles)

Are you overwhelmed or even addicted to Facebook, MySpace or Twitter? An increasing number of people are opting out of social media. We look at who's quitting and why.

What does a kids show from the 1950s have to do with an important part of Chicago Bulls history? We find out in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey. More information on Bronko Nagurski and the Bronko Nagurksi Museum Interview with Ted Drake Kukla, Fran and Ollie on DVD