In its final hours last night, the 112th Congress passed a carefully orchestrated fiscal cliff deal despite staunch House Republican opposition. We discuss the deeper meaning behind the deal, and the way it came together, with a panel of economists.

After four years, the Tribune Co. finally emerges from bankruptcy.

Cracking down on the misuse of handicapped parking and a so-called "skin tax" at strip clubs are two of more than 100 new Illinois laws that just kicked in. We tell you about some of the others you should know about.

A new study on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender youth zeros in on a number of health issues. We hear from one of the authors, and some young people.

We revisit the set of an international, big budget action film shot here in Chicago.

Tom Cruise stars as the Hollywood version of author Lee Child's character, Jack Reacher. We revisit a conversation with Child about his best-selling books, the new movie and the latest installment in the Reacher series.

Jay Shefsky introduces us to a suburban fisherman who began carving fish out of wood when his taxidermy collection filled his entire basement.

We revisit a conversation with Curb Your Enthusiasm's Jeff Garlin – and his mother. It's an interview you won't want to miss.

We continue our conversation with Jeff Garlin and his mother in our web-extra video.

Royal treasures of the Indian maharajas. We preview the new exhibition at the Field Museum.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists summarize the year in one word.

In the aftermath of the Connecticut tragedy, the nation's debate over gun ownership has gone from simmering to boiling. We hear from two men with differing -- and passionate -- views on the issue.

The Shedd Aquarium unveils three giant new Bighead Asian Carp. But just where were they caught, and what does it tell us about the battle to keep these invaders away from the Great Lakes?