Stories by WTTW News

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

Mayor Daley's proposed 2010 budget is already generating controversy. Rich Samuels tells us why. City of Chicago's press release regarding the 2010 budget

Elizabeth Brackett and her panel of aldermen discuss whether the City Council will rubber stamp the mayor's controversial budget.

Dozens of earth-like planets were recently found, leading us to re-examine the question: are we alone? We talk to an expert from the Adler Planetarium. "32 New Exoplanets Found" -- European Southern Observatory

The printed newspaper may be approaching extinction, but there still seems to be an endless variety of magazines. We visit what could be Chicago's best-stocked magazine stand.

The Harding Affair Sex and politics intersect once more, this time in the steamy affairs of our 29th President. We speak with the authors of a new book that re-evaluates Warren Harding. The Harding Affair: Love and Espionage during the Great War

Virtuoso performer Robert Gruca treats us to the seductive sounds of the Spanish classical guitar. Robert Gruca's upcoming performances

Rod Blagojevich's former chief of staff pleaded guilty today to corruption charges and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in their case involving the former Governor. Elizabeth Brackett has the details.

British Petroleum's $3.8 billion dollar refinery expansion plan in northwest Indiana was dealt a major blow this week. The Environmental Protection Agency says the permit, issued for the project in the last months of the Bush administration, must be rewritten. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have the latest developments.

Teacher turnover is high in many urban schools. We visit a teacher training program that is trying to reverse the trend. Urban Teacher Education Program

Fashion Focus Chicago, which showcases Chicago's burgeoning fashion scene, kicks off this week. We get a preview with the city's fashion guru Melissa Gamble, plus two local designers who will be showcasing their work on the runway. Elda de la Rosa Couture Abigail Glaum-Lathbury

There are some amazing new inventions coming out of Chicago area technology labs, and they could help get the economy back on track. We meet some local inventors who are dreaming up the products of the future.

One photographer calls the Calumet region of northwest Indiana a "bewilderingly complex" yet "visually striking 'American place.'" We talk to the man behind the new book The Calumet Region: An American Place. The Calumet Portfolio by Gary Cialdella

Former Governor Rod Blagojevich will be allowed to compete on Donald Trump's reality show "Celebrity Apprentice." A federal judge asked today that his legal team and prosecutors discuss the terms of his appearance. Elizabeth Brackett has the details of what he may and may not be allowed to say on the reality show.

Lawmakers are back in Springfield and there's already a lot to discuss. Carol Marin and her panel of Illinois lawmakers look ahead to what the public can expect from this legislative session.

A surprising rise in Illinois's unemployment rate in September tops the week's business headlines. WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us with the details on that plus the rest of the recent business news.

Since opening its doors in 1969, Misericordia has had only one director. We catch up with Sister Rosemary Connelly as she celebrates some professional milestones.

Some schools do major fundraising to make up for what they don't get from taxes. Eddie Arruza shows us how some parents and teachers transformed Nettelhorst School a few years ago. The transformation is now the subject of a new book. How to Walk to School: Blueprint for a Neighborhood School Renaissance

Jay Cutler's last gasp attempt falls short. Former Bears quarterback Bobby Douglass joins us to recap last night's prime-time heartbreaking loss to the Falcons.

Phil Ponce shares some thoughts about our fascination with Balloon Boy.

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

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines; The CTA proposing $3 fares and service cuts; Mayor Daley urges lawmakers to repeal free senior transit rides; 90 African-American ministers endorse Cook County Board President Todd Stroger's re-election bid; downtown office vacancies at a 3-year high; Playboy hoping their new CEO can spark a revival; and the Bears getting ready for the Falcons. Guests:

Phil Ponce sits down with world-renowned paleontologist Paul Sereno to talk about a recently unearthed precursor to Tyrannosaurus rex, called Raptorex kriegsteini. Project Exploration -- Paul Sereno's science outreach organization

Mayor Daley is promising no new taxes or fees in the 2010 budget he unveils next week. But how is he going to close a more than half-billion dollar shortfall? Rich Samuels brings us the latest on the city budget.

A thousand college students from across the state came to Springfield to lobby lawmakers not to cut their student funding. They are just one of many groups that have a gripe with this year's budget. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel look at what kinds of options Illinois has to close the gap.

Some two-wheeled riders are racking up parking tickets they say they don't deserve. We show you why they say the new privatized parking meter system isn't working for them.