Stories by WTTW News

Her controversial tactics as Washington, D.C. schools chief were chronicled in the documentary Waiting for Superman earlier this year. Now Elizabeth Brackett talks with Michelle Rhee about the challenges faced by Chicago Public Schools and what she thinks the district should be doing for its students. Students First

Could Illinois Republicans agree to a tax hike? We talk to a panel of lawmakers about how they plan to solve a state budget crisis that is among the worst in the nation.

Election officials have thousands of petition signatures to sort through and hundreds of ballot challenges to deal with. Now Mayor Daley calling on the Feds to investigate fraud. We take a closer look at the ballot challenge process.

An exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium will have you looking in the air instead of below the surface. We get an inside look at the birds of prey on display at the Shedd. Find out more about the Shedd Aquarium

The season for eggnog is upon us. What is the best spirit to spike your wintertime "nog"? Alpana Singh has the answer in tonight's edition of Ask Alpana. Recommendations for wines to enjoy with Belgian chocolate:

There are five fewer candidates for mayor today. Elizabeth Brackett tells us who is off the ballot and why.

The United Neighborhood Organization Charter Schools is one of the major charter school operators in Illinois with long lists of students wanting to get in. Eddie Arruza tells us why the organization's political ties have made them controversial.

The Bears overcame a sluggish first half to claw past the toothless Detroit Lions. So what did Lovie Smith say at halftime to change the course of the game? We talk about it with this week's Bears alumnus, former running back and Northwestern star Darnell Autry.

On this week's edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week In Review: legendary Cubs third baseman and broadcaster Ron Santo dies in Arizona; the Illinois legislature passes Civil Unions, granting same-sex couples some of the same rights as those currently married; police and firefighter pension reform also passes; Mark Kirk is sworn in as Illinois' junior U.S. senator; and controversial Cook County Board President Todd Stroger is out. Chicago-based Groupon is targeted to be gobbled up by Google for more than $5 billion.

The Illinois Senate passed a bill permitting civil unions for same-sex couples -- now what? We speak with a law expert on the particulars of this historic bill. Read the bill

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