Stories by WTTW News

The city had the first of three reduced service days this year. Will these furlough days help close Chicago's budget gap? Elizabeth Brackett and her panel of aldermen discuss this and more. Guests:

The Chicago area finally saw a big surge in home buying. Sales were up 68 percent in the second quarter. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio's "Noon Business Hour" joins us with more on that story plus the rest of the week's business news. Guest: Kris Kridel - WBBM

Earlier this year, the Vatican began what's called a "visitation" of American nuns, but some are labeling it an investigation. What is the Vatican looking for and how are Chicago nuns reacting to it? Eddie Arruza will report. Leadership Conference of Women Religious Apostolic Visitation of Institutes of Women Religious in the United States

A new study says you are probably overpaying for cell phone service. We show you how to dial back on your phone bill. Guest: David Kolata, Citizens Utility Board Could you be saving dollars?: Analyze your own cell phone bill Read the Citizens Utility Board's report (PDF)

Geoffrey Baer takes you on a ride aboard Chicago's last surviving private commuter rail car.

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Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: The heated health care debate is raging all across the country; state political races starting to take shape; legalized video poker a tough sell in some locales; Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman calls for a property tax hike; a Chicago alderman uses clout to get his daughter into a coveted magnet school; a Wrigley Field bleacher bum dumps beer on an unsuspecting outfielder; and Blackhawk superstar Patrick Kane charged with felony robbery in a violent car fare dispute. Guests:

For the rest of the summer we'll be replaying the best of John Callaway's interviews over the years. As the Cubs and Sox each battle to make it into the playoffs, we thought it would we be the perfect time to look back at a 1986 conversation with broadcasting legend Jack Brickhouse. Guest: Jack Brickhouse - sportscaster

News Analysis with Eddie Arruza Earlier this week Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke declared that the worst of the recession is over. But new economic data released today showed that retail sales fell unexpectedly in July. Is a recovery underway or not? Eddie Arruza and his panelists take the pulse of the economy. Guests:

Leaders of the University of Illinois met yesterday to discuss ways of reforming the admissions process. University of Illinois President B. Joseph White tells us what changes to expect. Guest:

The decision to invade Iraq shocked retired four-star General Anthony Zinni. He has written a book about lessons in leadership, and he joins us to talk about the challenges facing leaders in the battlefield and the boardroom. Guest:

Have you ever seen the Joffrey Ballet perform? How about the Alvin Ailey Dance Company? Want to see them for free? We tell you how when we sit down with Around Town editor Madeline Nusser from Time Out Chicago magazine. Guest:

They helped create some of the most popular music of the last 40 years. We have a live performance from Bob Marley's legendary back-up band, The Wailers. Guests: Aston Barrett, Elan Attias BobMarley.com Windy City Ribs Festival: Wailers play on Friday, 08/14 Music Blogging Hive Mind on The Wailers

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Mayor Daley wants an apology from a Chicago media outlet but as of today he has not received it. Eddie Arruza will tell us who Daley believes wronged him and what exactly they did.

Mayor Daley is proposing a modest property tax increase as a way to help plug the budget deficit at the Chicago Public Schools. Critics contend that's throwing good money after bad. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a closer look. Guests:

It's official: Cheryle Jackson is running for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by President Barack Obama. But what does the political rookie bring to the table? She joins us tonight. Guest: Cheryle Jackson - Chicago Urban League Additional Resources Offical Senate campaign site

Geoffrey Baer shows us what lies beneath the city when he takes us on an underground tour of Chicago. Info on restoration of Buckingham Fountain

Almost half of those living with HIV or AIDS are African American. We talk to a young doctor known for her frank talk to the African American community about a traditionally taboo subject: sex. Guest: Dr. Rachael Ross Additional Resources Chicago Tribune: The next Dr. Ruth (07/27/09)

Chicagoan and self-proclaimed "porch pop" musician, Dick Prall performs live in studio. Guest: Dick Prall Additional Resources Listen to songs and get more info at Dick Prall's blog Schubas, where Dick performs every Monday in August

DuPage County voted to ban video gambling, a major source of revenue for the state's capital bill, within unincorporated parts of the county. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest details on the decision and how much money the county may lose. Read the complete ordinance banning video gambling (PDF) DuPage County press release announcing decision

A car that gets 230 miles per gallon--that's the claim General Motors is making regarding the highly anticipated Chevy Volt. The Volt will run partially on electricity, but is it the vehicle that will revolutionize the way we drive? Eddie Arruza and his panel take up the future of the electric car.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver died today at the age of 88. She founded the Special Olympics, which debuted in Chicago in 1968. We look back at her life and legacy.

There's a new way to treat Iraq War veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. It's a 3-D simulator and it's the first of its kind in Illinois. We see how it works and how it's helping.

How young is too young for a child to have a cell phone? We talk with experts about this new reality. Read more trends from the report (PDF) C&R Research, the firm which conducted the study

What's more than 6 feet tall, twisted, and full of hot air? We introduce you to a young Chicagoan who crafts giant sculptures made entirely of balloons. WillyChyr.com Photos of work from a University of Chicago exhibit