Stories by WTTW News

While Rahm Emanuel prepares for a mayoral run, one progressive author says he was an ineffective White House chief of staff and caused President Obama to alienate his liberal base. We talk with the author of Herding Donkeys: The Fight to Rebuild the Democratic Party and Reshape American Politics.

Another Sunday, another Bears loss. But who's to blame? Embattled franchise quarterback Jay Cutler or offensive coordinator Mike Martz? Former Bear player turned broadcaster Jim Schwantz joins us on our Bears Alumni Club.

With only 11 days until the election, the candidates for Governor and U.S. Senate come out swinging in their debates; nasty campaign ads are flooding the airwaves and we look at how they may affect voter turnoff and turnout; Tribune CEO Randy Michaels is on the way out in the wake of the alleged frat-house atmosphere at the venerable newspaper. And in sports, the Cubs sign Mike Quade as club manager, bypassing fan favorite Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, and the Bears' porous offensive line spells trouble for quarterback Jay Cutler. Guests:

The campaign ads for the 14th Congressional District seat have been fierce; tonight, we hear from the candidates behind them. We continue our series of candidate forums with the hotly contested race for Illinois' 14th Congressional District between Democrat incumbent Bill Foster and his Republican challenger, Randy Hultgren.

We hear from Illinois Treasurer candidates Republican Dan Rutherford and Democrat Robin Kelly. Links to candidate websites (in ballot order): Dan Rutherford Scott K. Summers Robin Kelly James Pauly

Elizabeth Brackett takes us inside a new exhibit at The Field Museum that is worth its weight in gold. Find out more about the exhibit

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

The frontrunners for the statewide elected office of Comptroller face off. Links to candidate websites (in ballot order): Judy Baar Topinka David Miller Erika Schafer Julie Fox

Has the priest sex abuse crisis caused Chicago Catholics to lose their faith? The results of a new study may surprise you. We have more on that and on the study's author, the ailing sociologist and priest Father Andrew Greeley.

Blackhawks Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane talk about growing up focused on hockey, handling stardom, and winning the Stanley Cup.

Cubs interim manager Mike Quade was officially named the next manager of the Chicago Cubs. But is he the right man at the right time? We get the opinion of one sportswriter.

We focus on the hotly contested 10th Congressional District, where the seat is being vacated by Congressman Mark Kirk so he can run for U.S. Senate. We meet Republican Bob Dold and his opponent, Democrat Dan Seals, who has twice run for the seat. Links to candidate websites (in ballot order): Robert Dold Dan Seals

It's one of the biggest mysteries of the universe -- and Chicago's Fermilab thinks it may have the key to solving it. We delve further into this and other top stories from Chicago's scientific community when we talk with University of Chicago paleontologist Neil Shubin.

From star athlete to drug dealer to Hollywood? Yes, it's the unbelievable true story of James Keene. He and his co-author Hillel Levin discuss their new book, In with the Devil: A Fallen Hero, a Serial Killer, and a Dangerous Bargain for Redemption.

The race for Cook County Assessor has garnered lots of attention this year. Two candidates who want the job square off: Democrat Joe Berrios and Independent Forrest Claypool. Links to candidate websites (in ballot order):

We find out what major landmark could be facing foreclosure when we speak with Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel.

With only two weeks to go before Election Day, we talk with Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Lex Green about his platform and more.

Devin Hester's last-minute heroics couldn't help the Bears win. We break down the game with Bears great Doug Buffone on our Bears Alumni Club.

Tonight's viewer mail tackles merit selection of judges, compromised voting machines, and Riccardo Muti.

On tonight's edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week In Review: Vice President Joe Biden in Chicago to campaign for Governor Quinn who trails his GOP challenger, Bill Brady, by 9 points in the most recent poll; First Lady Michelle Obama stops here to raise money for Senate hopeful Alexi Giannoulias. Mayor Daley's final budget address to the City Council focuses on closing the budget shortfall by raiding the last of the reserves fund and using TIF funds; murder charges dropped against Lynwood cop Brian Dorian who was released from jail as the hunt to for the honeybee killer resumes.

He was the first out of the gate in announcing a mayoral bid and in creating a campaign ad, but now City Clerk Miguel del Valle is part of a crowded and ever-increasing field. Eddie Arruza talks to Clerk del Valle about the challenges facing the next Mayor of Chicago.

Elizabeth Brackett has the latest on a controversy over affordable housing units in Lake Forest.

The Golden Apples have been honoring Chicago-area teachers for 25 years. We talk with the founders of this inspirational program as it celebrates its silver anniversary. WTTW's Golden Apple website

We have a Chicago News Cooperative story about a Chicago high school that's re-tooling vocational training. Austin Polytechnical Academy

Our own Jay Shefsky has a new show that premieres tomorrow night at 7:30 pm. He gives us a preview of some of the types of stories you can expect to see on Jay's Chicago. Jay's Chicago website

Acclaimed baritone Thomas Hampson is the star of the Lyric Opera of Chicago's Macbeth. He talks about his ever-evolving career and performs for us.