Stories by WTTW News

Some radio stations are playing holiday tunes around the clock...but our sister station WFMT is devoting its entire programming this week to one great composer. WFMT's Program Director Peter Whorf joins us to explain why.

As the election primaries inch closer, recently released poll numbers show surprising numbers. Carol Marin breaks down the races for Senate, Governor, County Board President and much more.

There was talk recently of turning a building that used to house the Three Arts Club in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood into a columbarium. Kris Kridel joins us with the latest on that story, plus the rest of the week's business news.

The Bears' slim playoff hopes are officially dead thanks to interceptions, penalties, and a costly coaching move. We recap yesterday's defeat at the hands of the rival Packers with former Bear Glen Kozlowski.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Cook County Board President Todd Stroger's re-election bid suffers a set-back after a new poll of Democratic primary voters shows him in third place; Governor Quinn signed a sweeping law this week that limits campaign donations; Illinois now has the second-worst bond rating in the nation; Chicago is battling the bitter cold; and Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro is on the hot seat after the team loses 9 of their last 10 games. Guests:

There were fewer job losses in November than initially feared. Does that mean the recession is over? Eddie Arruza and his panel have more on that and whether a second stimulus package might be needed.

A wind turbine in your backyard? We show you how some residents are generating -- and running on -- wind power.

We have some of your thoughts on Cook County Board President Todd Stroger when we read our viewer mail.

Governor Quinn signed Illinois's first campaign finance reform legislation on the one-year anniversary of Governor Blagojevich's arrest. Rich Samuels has the details.

What does it mean when the State of Illinois's bond rating is lowered? It happened yesterday, and Carol Marin and her panel discuss the impact. Moody's lowers Illinois's bond rating

Do you have room in your life for a retiring greyhound? We tell you about the closing of Wisconsin's last greyhound-racing facility and its dozens of dogs now in need of new homes. Greyhound Adoption Greyhounds Only, Inc.

We show you why a cutting-edge Chicago improv duo is now the subject of a documentary. TJ & Dave Trust Us, This is All Made Up Trust Us, Host a Screening

Prosecutors in the case against former Governor Rod Blagojevich are revising their indictment because the anti-fraud law they are using is facing a Supreme Court challenge. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a closer look at the impact this may have on the upcoming trial.

We meet a Chicagoan who is making major breakthroughs in breast cancer research focused on minorities. Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool Funmi Olopade

The search for Asian carp continues even closer to Lake Michigan than last week as Illinois braces itself for a lawsuit from Michigan. Rich Samuels has the latest on the carp hunt. Then, Carol Marin and her guest look for a solution that will save the Great Lakes from this and other invasive species.

A once wildly popular televangelist whose revelation about hell sparked controversy, Carlton Pearson is now the interim head minister at a prominent South Side church. We learn more about him and the new storm brewing.

The good news: the Bears won. The bad news: their opponent was the lowly St. Louis Rams. We recap the game with former Bears offensive lineman Dennis Lick.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Dueling Democrats turning up the rhetoric in the governor's race; Illinois trying to stave off an Asian carp invasion; Cook County commissioners slash president Todd Stroger's controversial sales tax hike; Chicago's rainy-day parking meter fund is nearly depleted already; Brian Urlacher has some harsh criticism for the Bears woes; and the Tiger Woods saga is drawing worldwide attention. Guests:

Members of an international rapid response team are removing poisoned fish by the thousands from the Sanitary and Ship Canal. Will Asian carp be among them? And are there better ways to stop the spread of invasive species? Rich Samuels brings us the latest on a growing controversy.

In an exclusive interview with the Chicago News Cooperative, Todd Stroger talks about racism, what he feels is a biased media, and a silent Mayor Daley. Eddie Arruza talks to the reporter who got the interview.

Will Bonnie Hunt become the new Oprah? Elizabeth Brackett talks to the Chicago-born talk show host about her future, and the future of her show.

We hear your thoughts on our conversation with PBS travel expert Rick Steves when we read some viewer mail.

Extreme measures are underway to keep Asian carp out of Lake Michigan. Rich Samuels has the details.

The City Council passed Mayor Daley's $6.1 billion 2010 budget today. It includes no new taxes thanks to a dip into reserve funds. Carol Marin and her panel take a look at how the city is spending its money. 2010 budget summary

Heading abroad this holiday season? Rick Steves shares travel tips and much more.

Her voice has been compared to Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland. We have a performance from Broadway and pop star Linda Eder. Linda Eder tour schedule