Live at Soldier Field
• We're live at the opening of the new Soldier Field as the Bears take on the Packers. Rich Samuels is on site.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Phil Ponce's guests are sports stadium consultant Mark Ganis and Allen Sanderson sports economist at the University of Chicago -- did the city get its money's worth?

Interview with Bob Sirott
• Carlos Zapata, architect of the new stadium will be in studio, together with Dan Meis, partner at NBBJ Sports and Entertainment, who designed the new stadiums for the Philadelphia Eagles (Lincoln Financial Field) and Cincinnati (Paul Brown Stadium) as well as Miller Field in Milwaukee for baseball's Brewers and Safeco Field in Seattle for the Mariners.

Friday Night Show Revisited
• Bob reprises his interview with Cubs radio broadcasters Ron Santo and Pat Hughes following the Cubs winning the National League Central Division and the team's retirement of Ron's #10 jersey yesterday.

Word of Mouth
• John Landecker on the new film, Luther.

Tuesday, September 30, 2003

Bears Alumni Club
• The Bears opened the new Soldier Field last night -- with a thud. Former Bears offensive tackle and current radio analyst Tom Thayer will review last night's defeat by the Packers.

New Koolhaas at IIT
• World-class architect Rem Koolhaas adds his touch to the IIT campus. Rich Samuels reports on the school's new campus center.

Chicago International Film Festival
• The film adaptation of The Human Stain kicks off this week's opening night gala at the Chicago International Film Festival.  Founder and director of the festival, Michael Kutza, joins us in studio.  Click here for daily schedule of films.

Chicago Stories
• The Pump Room is turning 65. John Callaway looks at the place that used to be "the place" for celebrity-watching in Chicago.

One More Thing...
...about the obituary page.

Wednesday, October 1, 2003

Something Stinks
• Elizabeth Brackett has the latest on today's garbage strike and how it may affect you.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Phil updates the story of the lost and endangered artifacts in Iraq and the Oriental Institute's key role in helping recover and protect these priceless objects. Donny George of the Iraq State Board of Antiquities in Baghdad will give a public lecture entitled "Counting the Losses-Six Months after the Iraq Museum Looting," Thursday, October 2, 8 pm, Mandel Hall, 5706 S. University, Chicago.

Al Franken
• Bob chats with Al Franken about his controversial new book, Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them

On Stage in Chicago
• Hedy Weiss reviews The Secret in the Wings at Lookingglass Theatre, The Play About the Baby at the Goodman Theatre and Mama Said There'll be Days Like This at Black Ensemble Theater.

Travel By Web
• Planning a big getaway this holiday season?   You better get booking!  Travel expert Johnny Jet is here with tips and tricks for saving on your next trip.

For Air Deals: SIDESTEP.COM (need to download their software) Searches like Orbitz but adds deep discounted airlines to major carriers.

For Hotels, Rental Cars: BIDDINGFORTRAVEL.COM shows on a chat board the amounts people are bidding at priceline.com & hotwire.com.

For Last-Minute Travel: SMARTERLIVING.COM compiles all airlines' weekend specials into one email for you.

For Package Deals: SITE59.COM or GO-TODAY.COM for incredible deals worldwide.

At Home With...
• Jerry Kleiner, the restaurateur who created Marché, Gioco and Opera.  He turned an old industrial garage into a luxurious near west side oasis.

One More Thing...
...about garbage

Thursday, October 2, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• A key membership component of Chicago public school teachers just nixed a proposed new contract with the Chicago Public Schools. Will the rank and file follow suit and threaten a strike this year for the city's 430,000 school children?  Deborah Lynch will discuss the viability of a deal crucial to her credibility as CTU president.

The Sportswriters Return
• The Cubs continue to be the big story in town.  We reconvene "The Sportswriters on TV" to get their smoke-filled perspective on the team's performance in the playoff race.

Molly Ivins
• Columnist Molly Ivins, author of Bushwhacked, talks about her sharply written political indictment of the president.

Artbeat Chicago
• Correspondent Victoria Lautman gets caught up in "Chicago Dreams," an unusual experience at the Chicago Cultural Center that blends art and sound technology.

Supper Club
• Fine Italian dishes from Caponies Trattoria

   Pizza Margherita

Friday, October 3, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
Chicago Teacher Delegates reject a union-negotiated contract. Area garbage collectors go on strike. A new transit study shows Chicagoans are stuck in traffic an average of 61 additional hours a year. The CTA names a new board chairman. Local sports teams sever their ties with Fox Sports Net as Channel 2 signs anchor Diann Burns. In sports, the Cubs continue to battle the Braves, the White Sox fire Jerry Manuel, and the Bears open the new Soldier Field with a loss.

Guests:
Andy Shaw - ABC 7 News; Bob McCoppin - Daily Herald; Steve Johnson - Chicago Tribune; Mike North - Score Sports Radio

The Friday Night Show
An encore presentation of Bob Sirott's interview with former Chicago police superintendent Terry Hillard.

MONDAY, September 22, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• The Maryville Academy controversy continues to boil over.  Gov. Blagojevich, the Catholic Archdiocese, Cardinal George and Father John Smyth are all involved in the governor's decision to remove 140 state wards from the campus.

Crain's Chicago Business
• Are more minor league baseball teams coming to the suburbs? Crain's Managing Editor Judith Crown will tell us.

Bears Alumni Club
• The Bears have the week off before opening the new Soldier Field against the Packers.  We'll be at a Bears Care cancer fundraiser tonight featuring current players.

The Rivals: Chicago & Green Bay
• Classic footage of TV shows featuring George Halas and Vince Lombardi are among the treasures included in a new documentary on the Bears-Packers rivalry.

Artbeat Chicago
• Jane Glover leads the Music of the Baroque Monday 9/22 at Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest, 8 p.m. and on Sunday 9/28, St. Paul's Church, 2335 N. Orchard St., 8 p.m.

Word of Mouth
• John Landecker reviews Woody Allen's new comedy Anything Else.

One More Thing...
... about last night's Emmy Awards

Tuesday, September 23, 2003

First Up
• Indictments were announced this morning as a result of February's E2 nightclub disaster that killed 21 people.   Elizabeth Brackett has the details.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Donald Trump came to town to unveil Trump Tower Chicago.  Phil and his guests look into the huge construction project on the site of what's now the Sun-Times building.

Sara Paretsky
• Chicago author Sara Paretsky is in studio to talk about her latest novel, Blacklist, the post-9/11 political thriller set in Chicago.

Sara's upcoming book events:
  10/8 – Chicago Public Library, 9523 S. Halsted
  10/17 – Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St.
  10/28 – Barnes & Noble, Old Orchard
  10/29 – Borders, Michigan Avenue

Artbeat Chicago
• Meet Evanston artist Richard Halstead, who painted the official portrait of George Ryan. It may not get a formal unveiling at the state capitol due to scandals swirling around the former governor.

Barbara's Bookstore
• How did a small bookstore survive against the big chains? We'll get the story of Barbara's Bookstore, which is thriving against long odds.

On Stage in Chicago
• Hedy Weiss reviews the Pulitzer prize-winning play Anna in the Tropics, on stage at Victory Gardens.   Also reviewed: Topdog, Underdog at Steppenwolf, and Rose Rage at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.

One More Thing...
... about french fries

Wednesday, September 24, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Father John Smyth says he'd resign his post at Maryville Academy if the children there are allowed to stay.  Phil speaks with DCFS director Bryan Samuels about the latest developments.

Chicago Stories
• Rodeos in Chicago in the 1920s - at Soldier Field!

Anne Garrels
• Six months ago, Baghdad was under siege. NPR's Anne Garrels was the only journalist from an American broadcast network to report from that city during the initial invasion.  She'll be in studio to talk about her wartime experiences and her new book, Naked in Baghdad.

The Press Table
• The first place Cubs will get lots of attention at our Press Table tonight from some members of the old "Sportswriters on TV" talkfest.

The Blues
• Martin Scorsese's landmark PBS series The Blues debuts this Sunday.  Peter Guralnick, editor of the companion book to the series will be in studio.

One More Thing...
... about Donald Trump's new Chicago tower

Thursday, September 25, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright talks with Phil Ponce about her new book, revelations about her time in the Clinton administration and her own fascinating personal life.

From the WTTW Vault
• The dawn of the electronic political age - the Nixon-Kennedy presidential candidates' debate at WBBM-TV in Chicago, which took place 43 years ago tomorrow.

Best Bosses
• Would you consider your boss one of the best? One local company looks for the best bosses in America and found one right here in Chicago.  We'll hear from the owner of Winning Workplaces and one of the country's Best Bosses, Mike Mulqueen of the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Arts Across Illinois
• The Jewish high holy day of Rosh Hashana begins tomorrow night. We'll meet a former Chicagoan who's returned from Israel to share what may be the largest private collection of Jewish artifacts in the world.  It's featured at Columbia College's Chicago Center for Book & Paper..

Back in the Day...
... of the Garlows: unique homes in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood.   Stan Lawrence shows us how special these houses are.

Supper Club
• Margies' Candies on Western & Armitage, a sweet shoppe that's been in business since 1921

Friday, September 26, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
Maryville Academy fights for survival, a grand jury indictments handed down in the E-2 Nightclub tragedy. The politically well-connected Duff family charged with fraud. Donald Trump unveils plans for a high rise. The Chicago Teachers Union agree on a new contract. In sports the Cubs and Houston fight for the division title, White Sox manager Jerry Manual may be on the way out and the Bears get ready to open up the new Soldier Field on Monday night.

Guests:
Bruce Dold - Chicago Tribune; Kate Grossman - Chicago Sun-Times; Dan Miller - Chicago Sun-Times; Dave Van Dyck - Fox Sports

The Friday Night Show
Chicago Sun-Times columnist and co-host of Ebert and Roeper, Richard Roeper joins Bob Sirott tonight.

MONDAY, September 15, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Gov. Blagojevich is looking into buying prescription drugs from Canada for state employees and retirees.  Phil's guests, Rep. Rahm Emanuel and Illinois Pharmacists Association president Chuck Sauer, look at this controversial proposal.

John Kerry in Chicago
• Elizabeth Brackett reports on Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's Chicago visit this afternoon.

Chicago Bears Alumni Club
• Former Bears quarterback Bobby Douglass joins us to talk about the team's losing effort against the Vikings last night.

Crain's Chicago Business
• Managing editor Judith Crown reports on the best seats in the Bears' new house and what they cost.

Billy Corgan
• Big news from Chicago rocker Billy Corgan - his latest band, Zwan, is calling it quits.  Also, this Wednesday, Corgan performs his own poetry and music at The Poetry Center of Chicago's 31st Annual Reading Series. Click here for details.

Word of Mouth
• John Landecker brings us Bill Murray's latest film Lost in Translation, in which he plays a fading movie star trying to make a comeback - in Japan.

One More Thing...
... about Johnny Cash

Tuesday, September 16, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Are screaming traders a thing of the past? Eurex, a new exchange from Europe, is moving into Chicago to challenge the trading marketplace. We'll hear from the heads of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade.

Chicago Housing Woes
• Illegal squatters in CHA housing face homelessness as the CHA moves forward in its $1.5 billion plan to transform public housing in Chicago.  Elizabeth Brackett reports.

Division and Western
• A new documentary looks at the changing neighborhood of Humboldt Park.  Filmmaker Rachel Rinaldo joins us to talk about her film, Division and Western.

On Stage in Chicago
• Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss reviews Dr. Sex, a new Chicago musical about the famous Kinsey Report, as well as Tintypes and Sweet & Hot.

Artbeat Chicago
• The 5th Annual World Music Festival Chicago starts Wednesday.  Phil Ponce talks to the man who has brought performers from more than two dozen countries to Chicago for the festival.

From the WTTW Vault
• On the anniversary of the very first TV episode of The Lone Ranger, we join Chicago native Clayton Moore on a visit to his old Edgewater neighborhood.

One More Thing...
... about Sex and the City in syndication

Wednesday, September 17, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• The Chicago Fire Department is establishing new procedures after the brief shut-down of nine ambulances forced by filthy conditions and crew members failing tests about emergency response. What needs to be done to improve city emergency medical services?

The Press Table
• The Daily Herald's TV and radio columnist Ted Cox and the Sun-Times' sports media columnist John Jackson dish about Chicago baseball broadcasters this week.

Movie Theater Closings
• Giant multiplex movie theaters are causing some well-known Chicago screens to close. We'll hear from an industry analyst, as well as the owner of Hollywood Blvd., an independent theatre that's bucking the the trend.

Chicago Stories
• The year was 1906 and the two teams in the World Series were the Cubs and the White Sox. This actually happened and Rich Samuels will have details.

From the WTTW Vault
• Thirty years ago, rising singer-songwriter Jim Croce appearance in concert on WTTW's series "Made in Chicago".  One month later, he died in a plane crash.  We'll show you the performance on this, the 30th anniversary of his death.

One More Thing...
... about getting it right in the Sun-Times

Thursday, September 18, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Joe Lieberman talks with Phil Ponce in our studio.

Peter Fonda
• Actor/director Peter Fonda talks on his career and the re-release of his directorial debut from 30 years ago, The Hired Hand

Hello Soldier Field!
• We'll go inside Soldier Field with Elizabeth Brackett as the Bears practice in their rebuilt stadium for the first time - tonight!

At Home With...
• Dutchie Caray

Negotiate This!
• Master negotiator Herb Cohen gained fame in the '70s for his book, You Can Negotiate Anything. 25 years later, he's written a sequel, Negotiate This, and joins us in studio.

Supper Club
• Steaks, chops and ribs from the Gale Street Inn on North Milwaukee

   Chicken Breast Vesuvio

Friday, September 19, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
Maryville Academy faces an FBI probe as the state threatens to pull out wards.
Governor Blagojevich unveils a regional economic plan as well as plans for purchasing cheaper Canadian drugs. A mother of seven is killed by a repeat DUI offender, the second road worker killed in the last two months. In sports, the Cubs hot on the heels of the Astros, the White Sox playoff hopes in jeopardy, and the Bears haave the week off.

Mike Flannery - CBS 2 News; Alysia Tate - Chicago Reporter; Julian Crews - WGN News; Bill Jauss - Chicago Tribune

The Friday Night Show
The Smashing Pumpkins were one of the most popular bands in the world, selling more than 30 million records. Tonight, the man behind that success, Billy Corgan, goes one-on-one with Bob Sirott.

Monday, September 8, 2003

Status of Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon
• The latest from Rich Samuels on the condition of Indiana governor Frank O'Bannon, who collapsed in a Chicago hotel this morning.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Rev. Jesse Jackson calls African-American community leaders together to appeal to Mayor Daley to widen the search for Chicago's top cop for Chicago.  Jackson and others are upset that no African-Americans and no women were included in the final three candidates sent to the mayor last week.

Chicago Bears Alumni Club
• Tonight we'll begin our Bears Alumni Club feature. Former Bears' wide receiver standout "Silky D" Dennis McKinnon joins us to talk about the team's opening day debacle in San Francisco.

Crain's Chicago Business
• Managing editor Judith Crown has the latest Chicago business headlines, including why Las Vegas bookmakers are rooting against a Cubs-Sox World Series.

Garrison Keillor
• Humorist Garrison Keillor has a new book called Love Me.  We'll talk with the longtime host of radio's A Prairie Home Companion.

Word of Mouth
• John Landecker reviews American Splendor, the story of an unlikely comic book hero.

One More Thing...
... about baseball no-hitters and the announcers who describe them - or don't.

Tuesday, September 9, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Is O'Hare secure enough to prevent a terrorist attack?  A new report by the Aviation Integrity Project says airport employees aren't being screened closely enough.

Illegal Music Downloading
• The case against illegal music downloads keeps growing as the Recording Industry Association of America is filing suits nationwide.  Music critics Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis join us for the latest on this and other music news.

   Catch Sound Opinions on WXRT-FM, Tuesdays at 10 pm, and Sunday     nights on WTTW-TV, starting Sept. 28.

Chicago Stories
• Rich Samuels profiles Music Arts School founder Mort Scheff, a pianist who refuses to grow old.

   Click here for information about Mort's 90th birthday celebration.

Carl T. Wright
• Carl Wright is a Chicagoan who's found a movie career in Hollywood.  He's one of the stars of Barbershop and Barbershop 2 - and he'll be in our studio live.

Artbeat Chicago
• Phil Ponce talks with acclaimed cartoonist, Jules Feiffer, whose new exhibit is on display at a downtown gallery.

One More Thing...
... about the anniversary of 9/11.

Wednesday, September 10, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Gov. Blagojevich announced today that the state office of Inspector General is open for business, ready to respond to ethics complaints from state employees and the public.

The Press Room
• There's controversy at the Pioneer Press suburban newspaper chain.  Our new "Press Room" feature will look into this and other media goings-on in town.  Tonight's guests: Chicago Reader columnist Michael Miner, and Chicago magazine columnist Steve Rhodes.

Chicago Stories
• A look back at 65 years of baseball at Thillens Stadium, Chicago's field of dreams.

On Stage in Chicago.
• Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss reviews the national production of the award-winning musical Chicago, now back in town.  Also: The Bicycle Men at Lakeshore Theater, and Graham Norton at the Royal George (call box office at 312-988-9000 for tickets).

Operation Pedro Pan
• DePaul University professor Maria de los Angeles Torres was six years old when she took part in Operation Pedro Pan, the massive airlift of 14,000 children from Cuba to the United States, to flee the Castro regime. She'll give us a first-person perspective on this historical event, as detailed in her new book The Lost Apple.

One More Thing...
...about Snapple becoming the official drink of New York.

Thursday, September 11, 2003

Remembering 9/11
• Somber remembrances of the September 11th attacks.  A look at how Chicago dealt with the day

• Phil Ponce talks with former Defense Secretary William Cohen and former Sen. George Mitchell, about how secure we are today.

• Plus, taking care of your mental health in a post-9/11 world (see resources below)

Cubs/Sox Pennant Fever
• It's a rare weekday in September -- Cubs and Sox fans glued to their TVs and radios as both teams play games that could lead to the post-season.  Rich Samuels examines this latest Chicago baseball phenomenon.

Arts Across Illinois
• The Natya Dance Theatre: An award-winning Chicago dance company that's drawing rave reviews.

Check Please Supper Club
• Hema's Kitchen on Chicago's far north side - an Indian restaurant that makes you feel right at home.

   Choosa Tikka Masala (Chicken Curry)

Mental Health Resources

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American Psychological Association, Science Directorate
American Red Cross
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Illinois Homeland Security
Shelter in Place
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
    (Office of Emergency Preparedness)
General preparedness

Friday, September 12, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
City safety official unveil new muti-million dollar communications equipment to be used in any crisis, a new report tells of lacking O'Hare security; Jesse Jackson protests the top cop search; a look at the local economy two years after 9/11; Chicago starts losing some of it's lucrative convention business, and in sports, the Cubs return home after losing two games in Puerto Rico, the White Sox split with the Twins, and the Bears try to bounce back against the Vikings.

Guests:
Chuck Goudie - ABC 7 News; Bill Cameron - WLS-AM; Carol Slezak - Chicago Sun-Times; David Greising - Chicago Tribune

The Friday Night Show
An encore presentation of Bob Sirott's conversation with Chicago broadcast legend Ken Nordine, the man know as "The Voice of Word Jazz."

The story of a unique pop phenomenon, How Chicago Rocked the '60s, as local bands got on the radio and became national hitmakers.

Plus, an encore presentation of Bob Sirott's conversation with WJMK radio's Dick Biondi.

Tuesday, September 2, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• It's back to school time.  We'll talk to Chicago Public Schools chief Arne Duncan and Chicago Teachers Union president, Deborah Lynch.

Crain's Chicago Business
• Managing Editor Judith Crown has the latest Chicago headlines from this week's Crain's

Artbeat Chicago
• The Art Institute of Chicago looks westward for a new exhibit, "Window on the West," about the artists who created lasting images of the American frontier.

Chicago Stories
• Why would two brilliant teenagers from wealthy families decide to commit a kidnapping and murder? We'll examine the motivation of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb.

Melissa Pinney Photography
• Rich Samuels profiles the work Evanston photographer Melissa Pinney, whose new book Regarding Emma shows off the subjects she likes to photograph most - women and children.

Word of Mouth
• John Landecker reviews Project Greenlight's The Battle of Shaker Heights.

Wednesday, September 3, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• W. Deen Mohammed, the longtime Chicago-based leader of the American Society of Muslims, stepped down from that post on Sunday. Phil and his guests look at his resignation and critical issues facing Muslims.  For more info: Muslim Journal and Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago

Shelley Berman
• HBO viewers now see Chicagoan Shelley Berman as Larry David's dad on Curb Your Enthusiasm.  Back in the '50s and '60s, he was one of the hottest comics in the country.  He'll visit us in studio.

On Stage in Chicago
• Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss reviews the Chicago production of Steve Martin's latest effort, The Underpants, as well as Language of Angels and Death and Harry Houdini.

Food for Thought
• While it looks good enough to eat, the food manufactured for packaging, print ads and TV commercials is strictly for show.  We'll meet the man whose company Kaleidoscope Chicago makes it all.

Chicago Stories
• Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb are sentenced for the  kidnapping and murder of 14-year old Bobby Franks in the concluding       segment of our Chicago Stories mini-series.

One More Thing...
...about pizza delivery

Thursday, September 4, 2003

City Hall Debrief
• Chicago's recent tragedies - the Wrigleyville porch collapse and the E2 nightclub stampede prompt the mayor to push the city council to take action.  Elizabeth Brackett has the details.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Pennant fever hits Chicago with full force. Phil and his guests talk about the success of this season's Sox and Cubs -- and the hopes for the Bears' pro football season.

Historic Logan Square
• Rich Samuels gives us an historic tour of Logan Square, including one of Chicago's most amazing backyards.

Artbeat Chicago
• A new exhibit features Chicago comic book artists who use the city as the backdrop for their stories. Phil Ponce talks with Archer Prewitt, one of seven artists in the exhibition.

Chicago Stories
• Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb are sentenced for the kidnapping and murder of 14-year old Bobby Franks, in the conclusion of our Chicago Stories mini-series on Chicago's 1924 crime.

Check Please Supper Club
• Tiparos Thai Cuisine and Noodle Boutique, 1540 N. Clark St., Chicago

   Pad Thai

Friday, September 5, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
The Cubs and White Sox fight for first place, the Bears open their season
this weekend; Chicago schools usher in a new year with record attendance as
the teachers are still without a contract.  State democrats start taking sides
in the presidential race; McDonald's launches a new global ad campaign and
Boeing's Pentagon bid is being probed.

Linda Lenz - Catalyst; Lester Munson - Sports Illustrated; Lynn Sweet - Chicago Sun-Times; David Greising - Chicago Tribune

The Friday Night Show
Two top Chicago baseball executives who are right in the thick of the action, Cubs President and CEO Andy MacPhail and White Sox Executive Advisor to the General Manager, Roland Hemond, are Bob's guests.

MONDAY, August 25, 2003

Fighting Computer Viruses
• With those nasty viruses disrupting computers and e-mail accounts around the world, what can we do to protect our computers at home? Computer expert Mike Pope has some tips.
    - For Microsoft updates, click here
    - For virus protection software: Symantec and Norton

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Baseball pennant races in Chicago? You bet. The Sox and Cubs are poised for the playoffs. Phil Ponce and his panel talk about the good fortunes of our baseball teams and what it might take for them to go -- dare we say -- all the way?

  Lumber Yard Night at U.S. Cellular Field, Sept. 20. For info, call 630-226-1429.

Crain's Chicago Business
• A Chicago hospital is planning a half-billion dollar expansion. Judith Crown, Crain's managing editor, will be here with that and other local business stories.

See For Yourself
• Rich Samuels looks at LS&S, a Northbrook company helping to make life easier for people whose eyesight or hearing is failing.  For more information, call 800-468-4789.

Chicago Stories
• An encore presentation of our Chicago Stories series on the Chicago crime of the century -- the Leopold and Loeb case

Word of Mouth
• John Landecker has the "word of mouth" on a film that's brilliant as well as troubling: The Magdalene Sisters.

One More Thing...
...about the Cubs still being in the race

Tuesday, August 26, 2003

Democrats Come to Town
• Democratic presidential candidates continue to look for early campaign support in Chicago. Rich Samuels has the story.
  Candidate Websites

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• As we gear up for the Labor Day weekend, gas prices have skyrocketed across the country. Phil Ponce and his panel will look at what's fueling the latest surge.

Chicago Underground Film Festival
• Chicago's Underground Film Festival gets rolling tomorrow. We'll preview several of the featured films. For advance tickets, Ticketweb.com or (866) 468.3401.

On Stage in Chicago
• Chicago actor Mike Nussbaum is starring in a new play at the Organic Theater. Chicago Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss reviews "A Kind Asylum," plus two other new productions.

Artbeat Chicago
• Ensemble Espanol is the country's leading Spanish dance theater. Phil Ponce talks with Chicago's first lady of Spanish dance, Ensemble Espanol's founder Dame Libby Komaiko, who is receiving the Ruth Page Award this week.

Chicago Stories
• Part two of our series "Leopold and Loeb" focuses on how the pair's "perfect crime" quickly unraveled.

One More Thing...
...about new homes and gender lines.

Wednesday, August 27, 2003

First Up
• Seven people died today when a disgruntled employee went on a shooting spree at a south side warehouse. Rich Samuels was on site and has details of the tragedy.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• The Chicago Park District has big plans for a prime piece of lakefront. But critics say it will ruin our view.  Phil and his guests debate the plan for Monroe Harbor.

At Home With: Rick Bayless
• A visit at home with Rick Bayless, who has his own restaurant, Frontera Grill, in Chicago and his own PBS series.

Chicago Stories
• In part three of "Leopold and Loeb," investigators close in on the notorious thrill killers.

Tate Brothers in Chicago
• Actor Larenz Tate and his brothers Lahmard and Larron are Chicagoans who have made it in Hollywood. They'll talk about their family success in the movie business and their charity fundraiser this weekend for La Rabida Children's Hospital.

One More Thing...
... about the smells of summer

Thursday, August 28, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Under a new city ordinance, most new housing developments in suburban Highland Park must include a portion dedicated to affordable housing. Phil and his guests look at this precedent-setting ordinance.

Live from Jazz Fest
• The Chicago Jazz Festival gets underway tonight. We'll head to Symphony Center live where we'll talk with one of tonight's headliners, trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard.

From the Vault
• Thirty-five years ago tonight Hubert Humphrey won the Democratic nomination for president while a stand-off between anti-Vietnam war protestors and police turned into a bloody riot on South Michigan Avenue.

Chicago Teamsters
• The story of the dramatic reform of a once-corrupt union local from Bob Bruno, author of Reforming the Chicago Teamsters.

Artbeat Chicago
• A tribute to folk musician Bucky Halker, a man who's been called the living heir to Woody Guthrie. His latest CD, Welcome to Labor Land, is a mix of protest songs from the early American labor movement.

Richard Younker's photos can be found in Chicago People, published    by the University of Illinois Press, (217) 244-4689.

Chicago Stories
• Part four of our encore presentation of the story of Leopold and Loeb and the murder that became Chicago's "crime of the century."

Supper Club
• Weiner's Circle: Chicago-style hot dogs on Clark Street

  Hot Dog recipe

Friday, August 29, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
A deadly shooting rampage leaves six dead on the south side; gas prices sour just in time for the labor day weekend; Operation Safe Road snares another Governor Ryan confidant and in sports the White Sox take 2 of 3 from the Yankees.

Guests
Abdon Pallasch, Chicago Sun-Times
Lilia Chacon, Fox News Chicago
Jon Hilkevitch, Chicago Tribune
Mike North, Score Sports Radio

The Friday Night Show
A conversation with writer, director, actor Harold Ramis. Among the topics his first screen-writing project Animal House that's just been released on a special 25th anniversary edition DVD.

MONDAY, August 18, 2003
"Chicago Tonight" is a half-hour this week due to pledge.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Could a severe blackout happen here? A new task force is formed to assess the state's energy infrastructure. We'll hear from the head of the task force, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn.

At Home With... Michael Essany
• After years of hosting a cable talk show in his parents' Valparaiso basement, college student Michael Essany has gone national with his second season on the E! network. We'll have an encore presentation of Bob & Marianne's visit.

Word of Mouth
• John Landecker reviews Kevin Costner and Robert Duvall's new wild west ride, Open Range

One More Thing...
... about how the title of "king of the road" no longer belongs to Dad

Tuesday, August 19, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Former U.N. Ambassador Rich Williamson has just returned to Chicago. He will discuss the death of his former colleague, Sergio Vieira de Mellow, the U.N. special representative in Iraq, and one of today's truck bomb attack victims in Baghdad.

Segways at IIT
• Rich Samuels shows us a fun, high-tech new way to get around at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Chicago On Stage
• Chicago Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss tells us about a big Sondheim weekend coming up at Ravinia Festival, where Passion is in the air. 
  Also reviewed:
  Doll at Ravinia's Bennett-Gordon Hall, Sept. 2-3
  The Ride Down Mt. Morgan, Breadline Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice

Remembering Father Brennan
• We'll look back at the life of Father Raymond Brennan, a Chicago priest who built a legacy helping the poor in Thailand.

Artbeat Chicago
• Taking it to the streets: "The American Burqa Project"
marches to Daley Plaza to give Chicagoans a look at
controversial fashion alternatives.

One More Thing...
... about new lavatories coming to an airplane near you

Wednesday, August 20, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• With a sweetheart pension deal for CTA executives and a possible fare hike looming, bus drivers picketed downtown late this afternoon. Meanwhile, their union and CTA officials continued contract arbitration today. Tonight's guests, including Greg Hinz of Crain's, look at the growing CTA crisis.

Chicago Stories: "Unshackled"
• It's the longest-running radio drama in American broadcast history. We'll learn about "Unshackled," based in Chicago and still going strong after 53 years.

Artbeat Chicago
• The Neo-Soul Explosion: The sounds of the '60s and '70s soul are getting an updated treatment at the DuSable Museum on the south side this summer.

One More Thing
• We'll update some issues raised in recent editions of "One More Thing"

Thursday, August 21, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• No criminal charges will be filed against the police or prosecutors for the wrongful convictions of the Ford Heights Four.  Judge Gino  Di Vito and Chicago Tribune columnist Eric Zorn will provide analysis of that decision and why the criminal justice system sent innocent men to death row.

Chicago Triathlon Preview
• Chicago hosts the largest triathlon in the country this Sunday.  Elizabeth Brackett will be competing - and reporting on the race.

Rare Auction Items
• Valuable vintage baseball cards and comic books are just a small part of Oak Brook auctioneer Bill Mastro's inventory.  He'll show us some of his rare items before they go up for bids online.

Check Please Supper Club
• Katsu, 2649 W. Peterson, Chicago

  Beef and Asparagus Roll

Friday, August 22, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
Former Mayor Jane Byrne blasts Mayor Daley; Barack Obama advances in
senate polls;CTA drivers currently without a contract go to the bargaining table;
the state forms a new energy task force and in sports the White Sox are in
first place, the Cubs struggle against Houston and the Bears trade Ted Washington.

Steve Neal - Chicago Sun-Times; David Greising - Chicago Tribune; Bob Herguth - Chicago Sun-Times; Barry Rozner - Daily Herald

The Friday Night Show
Bob Sirott talks to one of the city's most popular rock radio personalities from the 60's and a fixture on Chicago talk radio, Clark Weber, for the half hour.

MONDAY, August 11, 2003

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
• Chicago sets aside 25% of city contracts for minorities and 5% for women.  Some white contractors have taken the city to federal court.  Is affirmative action still needed to ensure diversity among city contractors?

Crain's Chicago Business
• Judith Crown has the latest on the fate of Chicago-based Jay's Potato Chips; New York's Carvel ice cream coming to town; and local support of democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean.

National Hardware Show
• The National Hardware Show is in town, but will it stay in years to come? Rich Samuels has the story on the future of one of the city's biggest national trade shows and the consequences for the local economy.

Beatles Fan Fest
• WXRT disc jockey Terri Hemmert, host of the Sunday morning program "Breakfast With The Beatles," will emcee the 27th Annual BeatlesFest, now known as The Fest for Beatles Fans, this weekend at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare.

Closer to Mars?
• The red planet Mars is closer to Earth than it has been in thousands of years.  A scientist from the Adler Planetarium will tell us how and where in the night skies to find the planet this month.

Chicago Stories: The Picasso
• This week marks the anniversary of the unveiling of the Picasso statue in Daley Plaza.  We'll look back at the day 36 years ago when Chicagoans got their first glimpse at the controversial work.

Tuesday, August 12, 2003

Conversation with the Cardinal
• A conversation with Francis Cardinal George: The head of the Chicago Archdiocese joins Phil Ponce in the studio to discuss several church-related issues in the news.

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
• The major fighting in Iraq may be over, but the fallout continues.  Meet a Chicagoan whose peace group, Voices in the Wilderness, has been fined $20,000 by the U.S. government for bringing medicine and toys to Iraq before the war.

Mort Sahl
• Satirist Mort Sahl honed his act in Chicago during the 1950s and still has plenty of edge.  Click here for information about Mort Sahl's local September 15 benefit performance for ARMDI.

Goose Island Brewery
• Take a tour of the Goose Island Brewery, the last of Chicago's breweries and find out where else in the Chicago area you can still go to find locally-brewed beers.  Click here for more on Chicago's brewing history.

Small breweries within 150 miles of Chicago:
  Goose Island Brewery (Chicago)
  Two Brothers Brewing Company (Warrenville, IL)
  Three Floyds Brewing Company (Munster, IN)
  Capital Beer (Middleton, WI)
  Huber Beer (Monroe, WI)
  New Glarus Brewing Company (New Glarus, WI)
  Sprecher Beer (Milwaukee)

Artbeat Chicago
• Meet a Chicagoan who has found a career after he went off to join the circus. Today he's a member of Cirque du Soleil.

Wednesday, August 13, 2003

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
• Who's watching local TV news? The ratings say fewer and fewer people are tuning in to primetime newscast in Chicago and nationally. We'll discuss the reasons for this trend.

Farewell, Maestro
• Maestro Christoph Eschenbach conducts his final concert at Ravinia Festival tomorrow as Music Director.  He'll talk about his tenure at Ravinia and why he now says he'd rather be in Philadelphia.

Restaurateur Extraordinaire
• Charlie Trotter is one of Chicago's most respected chefs.  He joins us as his restaurant celebrates an anniversary.

Chicago Stories: The Stroll
• It was the place for jazz during the 1920s and attracted musicians and celebrities from all over the world.  A look back on the area of south State Street known as "The Stroll."  Click here for August 23rd concert information.

   Recommended reading:
     - Chicago Jazz, by William Kenney
     - An Autobiography of Black Jazz, by Dempsey Travis
     - Esquire's 1946 Jazz Book
     - Black Beauty, White Heat, by Frank Driggs and Harris Lewine
     - Jazz: A History of America's Music, by Geoffrey Ward & Ken Burns

Word of Mouth
• John Landecker reviews the sexy summer sleeper Swimming Pool

Thursday, August 14, 2003

East Coast Blackouts
• Massive blackouts have hit the eastern portion of the country and parts of Canada. The Chicago area is essentially unaffected, although air travelers heading east aren't going anywhere soon.  We'll bring you up to date on the situation and talk with officials and experts locally.

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
• What is the situation in Liberia, and why should we in Chicago be concerned?  Tonight's guests, including Rev. Jesse Jackson, will address those issues.

Beware the Worm
• Computer users beware: A new worm snaking its way across the internet may render your computer useless. We'll get preventative advice from an expert.
  - Click here to prevent the worm
  - Click here to remove the worm

John Fountain
• Chicago reporter and author John W. Fountain, author of True Vine, has written of his experiences growing up on Chicago's west side.

Rich Samuels, Flying Ace
• Ahead of this weekend's lakefront Air & Water Show, Rich Samuels with a different perspective of one of America's classic aircraft and one of its pilots

Chicago Gone Wild
• A wildly popular TV show gets its own companion guide. We'll talk to host Will Clinger and producer Harvey Moshman about favorite people and places they discovered on Wild Chicago over the years.

Supper Club
• D & J's Bistro, Lake Zurich
    Braised Lamb
    Tuna Tartare

Friday, August 15, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
Illinois Democrats are less than unified at the state fair. Area casinos
feel the pinch of steep tax increases. Jewel warehouse workers avoid a strike.
City public schools to fight truancy with incentive programs, while the Chicago
Teachers Union is still without a contract. In sports the Cubs take 3 of 4
from Houston and White Sox are hot on the heels of first place Kansas City.

Guests
Mike Flannery
CBS 2 News

Linda Lenz
Catalyst

Dan Miller
Chicago Sun-Times

Bill Jauss
Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tonight: The Friday Night Show
As Tom Skilling celebrates 25 years on Chicago Television, we'll replay our conversation with one of the nation's top weatherman.

MONDAY, August 4, 2003

First Feature
• Gov. Blagojevich today called on Illinois judges to give up the idea of pay hikes. We'll update this simmering feud between the executive and judicial branches of Illinois government.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Cardinal George lashed out at the Chicago Sun-Times for telling a "lie about the pope" in a headline about the church and homosexuals. Phil and his guests look at that and other issues facing the Roman Catholic church.

Crain's Chicago Business
• Judith Crown is here with a look at Curves, the area's leading health club for women.

Surge in Hispanic Radio
• Hispanic radio is making large strides in the Chicago market. Spanish-language stations are gaining audience -- but are sponsors signing up as well?  Among our guests, general managers from Chicago's WOJO-FM and WLEY-FM.

Buddy Baseball
• Elizabeth Bracket visits Thillens Stadium on the north side to report on "Buddy Baseball," an inspirational baseball game that's making a difference in the lives of some area kids.  For more information, contact Dean Klassman at 847-714-0606

Artbeat Chicago
• Gallery 37 teens get down to the "nitty gritty" again with entertainer Oscar Brown , Jr. in his musical Great Nitty Gritty, targeting gang violence.

One More Thing...
... about all those gnats that drove us crazy around Chicago the last few days.

Tuesday, August 5, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• All nine Democratic candidates for president are in town tonight for a debate at Navy Pier. We'll find out what some of them were doing today, and Phil and his guests will take a look at the Democratic presidential field.

Remembering Robert Davis
• We'll review the career of one of the city's best political reporters, the Chicago Tribune's Bob Davis, who died this weekend at age 61.

Chicago Stories
• The Palmolive Building is one of Chicago's most famous structures. Rich Samuels looks back at the history of the Michigan Avenue skyscraper that Playboy magazine once called home.

Reel Moms
• Take your infant to the show!  Some Chicago-area theatres are offering a new type of movie experience that encourages parents to take their babies with them when they see a film.  Click here for details and locations.

On Stage with Hedy Weiss
• Chicago Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss reviews the musical Mamma Mia!, as well as Menopause, The Musical and Up Until Now.

One More Thing...
... from a viewer who thinks Bob's not being fair to his favorite baseball team

Wednesday, August 6, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Raising chicago property taxes may be a last resort, but Mayor Daley hasn't ruled it out. Just how will the city close it's budget gap without affecting city services? The mayor's budget director and others will talk with Phil Ponce.

Terry Hillard
• Retiring Chicago Police Superintendent Terry Hillard is Bob's guest this week on The Friday Night Show. We'll have a preview and hear from the man who holds one of the most difficult jobs in the country.

From the Vault
• We remember Jack Brickhouse on the fifth anniversary of his death. We'll show you some rare broadcast clips of the the legendary WGN announcer.

Remembering Hiroshima
• Today is also the anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan. We'll hear from a local WWII veteran who flew over Hiroshima to scout the target ahead of the bombing. Click here for atomic bomb information links.

Talking Tabloid
• Author Barbara Sternig is here to talk about her new book, Secrets of a Tabloid Reporter, stories from her twenty years working at the National Enquirer.

Inner-City Farming
• Rich Samuels introduces us to Growing Power, the father-daughter team looking to bring farming to Chicago's inner city.  Click here for info on Chicago and suburban farmers markets.

Artbeat Chicago
• Members of the Muntu Dance Theatre kick up their heels as they prepare for the ground-breaking of a new performance space on historic 47th street.

One More Thing...
... about a nuisance worse than intrusive telemarketing calls

Thursday, August 7, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Cook County Board President John Stroger is being sued by two board members for alleged heavy-handed measures in a board meeting last month.  Does democracy rule at the county board?

What's up, Dock?
• A long-simmering feud has erupted over the right of north side homeowners living on the north branch of the Chicago River to keep their backyard decks and docks.  Elizabeth Brackett tells us why the city wants the structures torn down.

Grammar Queen
• Since 1906, the Chicago Manual of Style has helped us speak and write correct English.  We'll talk with one of the editors of the last edition.

Chicago for Kids
• What are some of the best places in Chicago to take the kids? Chicago with Kids by local author Laura Tiebert offers destinations that appeal to the whole family.

Happy 40th, WVON
• For four decades, WVON radio has been one of the most powerful black voices in the country.  We'll revisit our chat with legendary personalities Herb Kent, Wesley South, Pervis Spann and Lucky Cordell.

Supper Club
• Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop, 5225 S. Harper Ave.

Traditional Bread Pudding
Red Beans

Friday, August 8, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
O'Hare expansion is locked into state law, but the FAA sees flaws in the plan.
All nine Democratic Presidential candidates come to town, Senate hopeful
Barack Obama in a war of words with Congressman Bobby Rush. Why is
New York safer than Chicago? In sports the White Sox are hot on the trail of
the first place Royals and the Cubs sweep San Diego.

Guests
Jon Hilkevitch
Chicago Tribune

Mary Mitchell
Chicago Sun-Times

Jack Conaty
Fox News Chicago

Jim Litke
Associated Press

Chicago Tonight: The Friday Night Show
As he approaches his final days as Chicago's Top Cop, police superintendent Terry Hillard joins Bob Sirott for the half hour.

MONDAY, July 28, 2003

Remembering Bob Hope
• Legendary entertainer and comedian Bob Hope died last night at age 100.  We'll remember him and hear about his strong Chicago connections.

News Analysis
• Can the big bats of Frank Thomas and Sammy Sosa carry their teams to the play-offs? Phil Ponce and guests talk baseball as the trading deadline approaches.

Crain's Chicago Business
• Managing Editor Judith Crown has the latest business headlines, including sour notes at Ravinia, Chicago scaffolds that don't seem to go away and pricier lunches.

Chicago Stories
• On the anniversary of Chicago's 1919 race riots, the story of how the worst race riot in Chicago history got started

Seabiscuit in Chicago
• A Chicago jockey shares his memories of witnessing the legendary race between War Admiral and Seabiscuit, and what it was like to ride against Seabiscuit's jockey, Red Pollard.

  For more on Seabiscuit, watch American Experience tonight at 9 pm on WTTW

Word of Mouth
• Seabiscuit

One More Thing...
... about Bob Hope

Tuesday, July 29, 2003

Church Sexual Abuse Scandal
• Elizabeth Brackett has the latest on the Catholic church's sexual abuse scandal.  She'll tell us what the Catholic Review Board had to say today.  Click here to read the report.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Last month, millionaire businessman Blair Hull entered the race for U.S. Senate.  Phil talks with the Chicago democrat, who some say will put $40 million of his own money into the campaign.

Chicago Stories
• We'll reopen the history books on a bizarre 19th century museum, the Libby Prison Museum.

At Home With
• Ald. Ed Burke and his wife, Appellate Court Judge Anne Burke

Parenting from A to Z
• Chicagoan Gail Reichlin, author of The Pocket Parent, dishes out simple yet effective parenting advice

Artbeat Chicago
• A musical benefit for singer-songwriter and playwright Alejandro Escovedo, an honorary Chicagoan who is getting by with a little help from his friends

One More Thing...
... about taking babies to the movies  (Click here for list of cities participating in the "Reel Moms" program)

Wednesday, July 30, 2003

Salmon Health Hazard?
• A new report says salmon may be hazardous to your health.  We'll find out just how worried we should really be.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• New terrorist threats and long security delays at Midway Airport have sparked complaints from the Daley administration.  Phil and his guests look at air travel problems in Chicago.

Chicago's Tall Ships
• The Tall Ships Show has sailed into Chicago. They'll be docked in the river and at Navy Pier for the weekend.   Elizabeth Brackett has the story.

Best Chicago Grocery Stores
• Looking for the best grocery store in the area? We'll tell you what the Chicago Consumers' Checkbook magazine discovered about which supermarkets had the best prices and best quality.

Deep Throat Revealed
• New revelations this week about the Nixon White House. We'll revisit our interview with former Chicago Tribune reporter - now a University of Illinois professor - who said his students identified Deep Throat.

   Watch "Watergate Plus 30: Shadow of History," tonight at 9 pm on WTTW.

One More Thing...
... about school supplies and summer slipping away

Thursday, July 31, 2003

Street Corner Cameras
• A Chicago Police blue light special designed to stop the sale of drugs and other illegal activity.  Rich Samuels will explain how it works.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• A roller coaster day on Wall Street. Phil and his guests will look at what caused all the activity.

On Stage in Chicago
• Chicago Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss is here with her reviews of Cirque du Soleil, Steppenwolf's Homebody/Kabul and Marriott Lincolnshire's Forever Plaid.

Inside Chicago
• We'll preview the program "Inside Chicago's" behind-the-scenes tour of Brookfield Zoo.

   Catch the full episode of Inside Chicago tonight at 8 pm on WTTW.

Chicago Stories
• They closed 32 years ago today - Chicago Stories remembers the Union Stockyards.

Artbeat Chicago
• Outdoor Shakespeare festivals are growing in popularity.  Here's where to catch the best of the Bard this summer:
   Shakespeare on the Green, DePaul University Barat Campus, (847)574-4758
   Oak Park Festival Theatre, (708)660-0636
   Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, (312)595-5600
   Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Bloomington/Normal, (309)438-5732

Check Please Supper Club
• Ambria, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, (773) 472-5959

Friday, August 1, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
The city puts surveillance cameras into use. Midway Airport delays blamed on the Feds by city official. Iron fencing goes up separating relocated Cabrini Green residents from affluent neighbors, State Street public housing revitalization announced while Ikea is set to anchor a giant south side project. In sports, the White Sox sweep the first-place Royals and the Cubs take 2 of 3 from the Giants.

Guests:
Bob McCoppin - Daily Herald; Mike Flannery - CBS 2 News; Kate Grossman - Chicago Sun-Times; Dave Van Dyck - Fox Sports

The Friday Night Show
She's one of the City Hall press corps young veteran reporters; Fran Spielman joins Bob Sirott for the half hour.

MONDAY, July 21, 2003

 News Analysis
• Is the music industry's crackdown on file-swaping the best way to deal with illegal downloading? Or is it a slap in the face to devoted music fans?

Alzheimer's Developments
• Could more fish in your diet ward off Alzheimer's disease?  And what's the new link between Alzheimer's and obesity? Experts are meeting in Chicago this week to talk the latest news on the disease that afflicts five million Americans.
      Alzheimer's Association: 800-272-3900
      Mather InfoPlus: 888-600-2560
      Powerful Tools for Caregivers: 888-600-2560

Beatles Exhibit in Evanston
• Original lyrics to Beatles songs scrawled on bits of paper and the back on an envelope. We'll look at these and other rare Beatles materials which are part of a new exhibit at Northwestern University.

Artbeat Chicago
• Summer is the best time to enjoys Chicago's outdoor art. Artbeat's Fawn Ring takes us to the annual Navy Pier Walk and other places to enjoy public sculpture.

Chicago Stories
• More than 800 people died 88 years ago this week, when the pleasure boat Eastland capsized at its dock in the Chicago River.

One More Thing...
... about bicycles

Tuesday, July 22, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Should you have to get an architect to repair or replace a back porch? That's the plan being floated in the wake of the deadly Lincoln Park porch collapse.  Phil Ponce and guests look at the pros and cons.

New Jahn Building at IIT
• An extreme makeover on the south side continues at Illinois Institute of Technology. IIT's latest building is designed by Chicago's foremost living architect Helmut Jahn.  He'll join us in studio.

Marshall Field's Marketing Makeover
• Marshall Field's flagship store on State Street is undergoing a floor-by-floor makeover designed to lure new brands and more customers.  We'll talk to Field's about the company's radical new marketing strategy.

Outdoor Film Festival
• The city's free outdoor film festival continues tonight in Grant Park. Rich Samuels will be there with thousands of other movie-goers as the Marx Brothers take to the screen.

The Chicago Outdoor Film Festival
Movies in the Park (click on "Events")
Outdoor Films at Northwestern (click on "Block Cinema")

Artbeat Chicago
• We'll tell you about the Midwest Young Artists, a local youth orchestra with a unique rehearsal space -- the old Fort Sheridan stockade.

One More Thing...
... about a revolutionary DVD that could mean more money for Hollywood studios

Wednesday, July 23, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• The battle over slavery reparations rages in a Chicago courtroom. Should descendants of African slaves be compensated?

At Home With
• Former Illinois Governor James Thompson. Get a private look at his extensive collection of antiques.

Brown's Chicken Massacre
• The infamous Brown's Chicken murders of 1993 are the subject of a new book (The Brown's Chicken Massacre) by Chicago Tribune crime reporter Maurice Possley.

Artbeat Chicago
• Award-winning playwright Tony Kushner's new Homebody-Kabul is now playing at Steppenwolf.

Word of Mouth
• John Landecker reviews How to Deal

Inside Chicago
• Behind the scenes at the Chicago Board of Trade
See the full episode of Inside Chicago, Thursday at 8 pm on WTTW

One More Thing...
... about disappointing news about a favorite summertime dessert

Thursday, July 24, 2003

Prostate Cancer News
• A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that prostate cancer screening is missing a majority of cancer cases. The director of Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Prostate Cancer Program joins us with his findings.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Some Cook County homeowners are getting shocking news in their mailboxes in the form of property reassessments.   Assessor Jim Houlihan will tell us what can be done.

  Cook County Property Tax refunds
  "Understanding Your Assessment"
  Filing an appeal and other filing information

More Beach Closings
• Most Chicago beaches are open after yesterday's closings due to high levels of bacteria.  What is causing this summer's swimming bans and what can you do to help? We'll hear from the Lake Michigan Federation, live from Montrose Beach.

Dr. Frances Horwich Estate Auction
• "Miss Frances" Horwich originated NBC's "Ding Dong School" from Chicago in the 1950s.  Rich Samuels has the story of her pioneering career and what's happening to some of her prized possessions.

  For information on the auction click here
  To view the items on sale click here

Artbeat Chicago
• For several years treasured buildings in historic Bronzeville have been restored.  This summer, the Chicago Public Art Group has brought together two local artists to restore a mural once known for bringing unity to this historic district.

Soundstage
• Michael McDonald, Ashford and Simpson and the Doobie Brothers all star on the latest Soundstage premiering tonight.   We'll preview the concert.

  The full episode of Soundstage airs tonight at 9 pm on WTTW.

Check Please Supper Club
• Lakeview's La Creperie

  French Onion Soup
  Ratatouille Crepe

Friday, July 25, 2003

Chicago Tonight - The Week in Review
Governor Blagojevich is criticized for use of prison workers. Two new advice columns debuted this week. Chicago's eighth-grade reading scores are among the best for big-city districts, statewide however is not as promising. In sports the White Sox on a seven-game winning streak, the Cubs trade for pennant help and Scottie Pippen rejoins the Bulls.

Guests

Dick Kay
NBC 5 News

Jeremy Mullman
Crain's Chicago Business

Linda Lenz
Catalyst

Mike North
Score Sports Radio

Chicago Tonight - The Friday Night Show
One of television's first weatherman, Harry Volkman, joins Bob Sirott for the half hour.

MONDAY, July 14, 2003

News
• It's that state's largest home for abused and abandoned children. How good a job is Maryville Academy doing? Phil Ponce will talk with the Academy's long-time director, Father John Smith.

All-Star Game
• Baseball's All-Star Game at Sox Park gets ready to take the international stage tomorrow night. We'll talk with a couple of former all-stars very familiar to Chicagoans: ex-Cub Andre Dawson and ex-Cub-killer Steve Garvey of the Dodgers and Padres.

Negro League All-Star Game
• 70 years ago, the Negro Leagues held their first All-Star Game in Chicago - the day after Major League Baseball held theirs. We'll look back at the history of the Negro League All-Star Game.

Crain's Chicago Business
• Bob Reed, editor of Crain's Chicago Business, will look at the dissention at McPier. the agency that operates Navy Pier and McCormick Place.

History Detectives
• Does a Wisconsin woman have 5 of the bullets that killed Bonnie and Clyde? A new PBS series that starts tonight will look into the authenticity of artifacts that may have historical value. Rich Samuels will have a preview.

Candace Bushnell
• HBO's hot 6-year old hit "Sex and the City" was based on the novel by New York writer Candace Bushnell. She'll talk about that book and her latest one, "Trading Up."

One More Thing
... about baseball and the All-Star Game.

Tuesday, July 15, 2003

News
• Americans are getting fatter. Some say trans fatty acids are to blame. Phil Ponce and his guests will discuss what Kraft and other food companies are doing to make their products healthier.

Marshall Field's
• Marshall Field's flagship store on State Street is undergoing a floor-by-floor makeover designed to lure new brands and new customers. We'll hear what to expect from this radical marketing strategy.

At Home With...Rich Melman
• He's the Chicagoan who created all the Lettuce Entertain You restaurants. Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano are "at home" with Rich and Martha Melman.

Camp
• Summer camp with a twist: it's for future chefs. Rich Samuels will have the story of the campers and the projects they are making this summer.
Summer Culinary Camp at Kendall College

Artbeat: Barbara Crane
• The rush of commuters, summer beaches, and the city itself are at the heart of photographer Barbara Crane's work. Artbeat's Fawn Ring talks with Barbara Crane about the images she captures on film.
More on Barbara Crane and her work

The Vault: 1945 World Series
• It was 58 years ago - just after World War II - that the Cubs made their last World Series appearance. From our vault tonight, rare footage of the deciding 7th game.

One More Thing
... about snack foods

Wednesday, July 16, 2003

News Analysis
• It's been a tough week for Gov. Rod Blagojevich. He's been exchanging barbs with fellow Democrats over budget cuts as he defends controversial pay raises.

• Having your name in lights is one thing - but John Malkovich will have his image light up all over the Museum of Comtemporary Art.  We'll talk with him about the project.

• Want to get your kids excited about going to the bank? Washington Mutual has new ways to make banking fun for the whole family.

• Peter Cetera is getting ready to tape a concert for Soundstage here at Channel 11.  He'll stop by our studio to talk about his career and life after "Chicago."

Artbeat Chicago
• Award-winning Chicago director Gary Griffin is bringing Shakespeare to Navy Pier this summer.  Phil Ponce talks with him about his latest projects.

One More Thing...
...about the ratings of last night's All-Star Game

Thursday, July 17, 2003

News Analysis
• Governor Blagojevich has signed into law six bills designed to eliminate problems in Illinois' criminal justice system.  Illinois is now the first U.S. state to require the recording of all interrogations and confessions in homicide cases. 

From the Vault
• The Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz, has died of a brain tumor.  We'll look back at her 2002 performance at the Chicago Theatre's 80th Anniversary Gala.

White House Crafts
• An historic exhibit, "The White House Collection of American Crafts," on display at Northwestern University's Block Museum of Art illustrates the richness and diversity of the handmade craft.

Outdoor Dining in Chicago
• We'll show you some of the city's hottest spots for dining al fresco this summer

Featured Restaurants:
Ammo, 2601 W Leland, Chicago
Moody's Pub, 5910 N Broadway, Chicago
La Vita, 1359 W Taylor, Chicago
Bob Chinn's Crabhouse, 315 N LaSalle, Chicago
Slow Down, Life's Too Short, 1177 N Elston, Chicago
Avenue Al House, 825 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park

Soundstage Preview
• A preview of tonight's Soundstage performance by Alison Krauss + Union Station, who've been instrumental in bringing bluegrass music to its widely popular status

Check Please Supper Club
• Blackbird

West coast mussel soup with fennel, tomato, saffron and garlic

Seared maine diver scallops with caramelized cauliflower, honshimejis,picked chioggia beets and hazelnut vinaigrette

Breast of guinea hen with baby turnips, green olives, cilantro, ginger and preserved lemon

Friday, July 18, 2003

Chicago Tonight:The Week in Review
Democrats do battle with the governor; dissecting the United Airlines debacle. The Illinois Tollway gets tough on cheaters, and baseball's All-Star game is played in Chicago.

Mike Flannery - CBS 2 News; Bob McCoppin - Daily Herald; David Greising - Chicago Tribune; Julie Swieca - Score Sports Radio

The Friday Night Show
Longtime Chicago anchorman and reporter John Drury joins Bob Sirott for the half hour.

MONDAY, July 7, 2003

News
• Today is the first day Chicagoans can call a toll-free number to get on the national telemarketer "Don't Call" list.  Elizabeth Brackett and her guests will tell you if the list will really get telemarketers off your back.

To get on the "Don't Call" list, call toll-free 1-888-382-1222 or register online.

Vince Lloyd
• Legendary Cubs broadcaster Vince Lloyd died late last week at the age of 86.  Bob Sirott will talk with long-time Cubs broadcast producer Jack Rosenberg about the life of this Chicago sportscasting legend.

Crain's Chicago Business
• We'll look at the city's financing deal for new runways at O'Hare Airport, plus more headlines from Crain's Chicago Business.

Chicago Stories: Cap Anson
• Everyone knows Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color line.  But who drew the line in the first place?  That ugly chapter in baseball history involves Chicagoan "Cap" Anson.  Our Chicago Stories tells the tale.
Website for the new "Cap" Anson biography

Online Movie Tickets
• Millions of movie buffs have discovered the magic of buying their movie tickets online to avoid long lines at the box office.  WGN radio movie reviewer Nick Digilio (http://wgnradio.com/shows/digilio_nick/index.html) will join us to talk about the pros and cons of buying movie tickets online.  
The top three online ticket websites:   
Fandango
MovieTickets
MovieFone

Word of Mouth
• We'll go beyond the hype and see if Arnold Schwarzenegger should have come back for another Terminator movie.  John Landecker will give us the "Word of Mouth."
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

One More Thing
• And Bob Sirott will have one more thing about Vince Lloyd and turning on the lights at Wrigley Field.

Tuesday, July 8, 2003

Weather Update
• Strange and frightening weather continues in the Chicago area.  Elizabeth Brackett spent the day at the Weather Bureau trying to get some answers about what's causing such violent conditions here these days.

News
• Cubs Manager Dusty Baker is taking a little heat for his hot weather comments over the weekend.  Are his comments racist?  Joel Weisman and his guests will discuss the controversy.

Lost Black Chicago
• We'll explore some of "Lost Black Chicago" with Stan Lawrence as he takes on a tour of the home of the blues and other fondly remembered Bronzeville sites.

Theater Reviews with Hedy Weiss
• Hedy Weiss, theater critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, joins us with her review of The Sign of the Four at Apple Tree Theatre and looks at Chicago's Theater on the Lake.

Humor Convention
• What makes something funny?  Rich Samuels investigates the art and history of jokes at a Chicago humor convention.

Artbeat: The Lonesome Organist
• He's a one-man band good enough to impress David Bowie.  We'll meet The Lonesome Organist.

One More Thing
• And Bob Sirott has "one more thing" about not being able to go the distance, with help from Chicago Cub relief pitcher Joe Borowski.

Wednesday, July 9, 2003

News
• Mayor Daley announced the city's financing package for O'Hare expansion today.  Elizabeth Brackett and her panel look at how it's going to work.

Joyce Gallagher
• The city's new Commissioner on Aging has quite a story of her own to tell.  We'll meet Joyce Gallagher, a single mom with 10 children.

Inside Chicago at Sox Park
• The latest episode of the documentary series "Inside Chicago" takes us behind the scenes at Sox Park.  We'll have a preview and talk with the producer.

"The Voice Above the Crowd"
• "The Voice Above the Crowd" is a tribute to the legendary announcers who broadcast all those baseball games we listened to.  We'll meet the retired judge who wrote the song that will be played at next week's All-Star Game.

Latino Theater Festival
• The Goodman is featuring a festival of Latino theater over the next two weeks.  We'll show you some of what's in store.

One More Thing
• And Bob Sirott will have "one more thing" about all the new places that are now "computer friendly."

Thursday, July 10, 2003

News Analysis
• Video cameras to catch criminals - video cameras to catch dangerous drivers.  Is technology making Chicago safe? Or is "big brother" taking over?  Joel Weisman and his guests explore the question.

Ask Amy
• The Chicago Tribune has picked a successor to Ann Landers. Now readers will be asking Amy Dickinson for advice. We'll meet her in the studio tonight.
Email Amy!

Chicago By Web
• Want a virtual tour of nearly anywhere in Chicago? Our man on the web, Rich Samuels, will show you where you can find pictures of the city by the thousands.

Picturing Chicago: the website of Carla Surratt
Chicago in the Year 2000
Chicago Images from the Farm Security Administration
Chicago Daily News Photo Archive

From the Vault
• This weekend marks the anniversary of one of Chicago's most heinous crimes, Richard Speck's murder of eight student nurses in 1966.  We'll have recollections from legendary newsman Joe Cummings, the first reporter on the scene.

All-Star Fan Fest
• All-star events you can enjoy around town and how baseball's all-star game next week will help the city

Soundstage: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
• Our national PBS music series, Soundstage, features part two of the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers concert. We'll have a sneak preview of tonight's performance.

Check, Please! Supper Club
• The Kit Kat Lounge, known for its atmosphere as well as its food

Top Hat Sirloin
Little Miss Saigon
Big Daddy Shrimp

Friday, July 11, 2003

The Week in Review, 25 years.

Bob Sirott interviews Bernie Mack  repeat

=======  end of week of july 7, 2003

MONDAY, June 30, 2003

News Analysis
- The city says tougher regulations may be in order after this weekend's deadly porch collapse.  We'll hear from city officials and talk with one of the first people on the scene.  A grief counselor will also join us as we bring you in-depth coverage of the tragedy.    

Crain's Chicago Business
- Gery Chico's clout-heavy law firm is planning to dissolve.The story behind the closing of Altheimer & Gray, plus other news from the latest issue of Crain's

Chicago Stories
- You know summer is in full swing when Chicago softball diamonds start filling up.  A bit of history about the unique Chicago 16-inch game

Word of Mouth
- John Landecker has the Word of Mouth on the independent film, Whale Rider, that's playing to standing ovations and leaving audiences in tears

One More Thing…
… about a network star, and a neighborhood hot dog stand owner--who both left us this month--with unique legacies.

Tuesday, July 1, 2003

Porch Tragedy Update
• Family and friends begin to say goodbye to the victims of Sunday's porch collapse.  25-year-old Julie Sorkin was the first to be buried.  We'll hear from Chicago paramedics sent to the scene of the disaster that killed 13 young adults.  

News Analysis
• George Ryan's top lieutenant in the Secretary of State's office,  Scott Fawell is facing a six-and-a-half year prison sentence.  Elizabeth Brackett and her guests will assess the political fallout from the Fawell case.

Sox Get Alomar
• The White Sox make a trade for Mets second baseman Roberto Alomar.  Does the play signal a new seriousness on the part of the Sox?

Hedy Weiss Theater Review
• It was eight years in the making, but Stephen Sondheim's musical Bounce debuted over the weekend at the Goodman Theatre.  Chicago Sun-Times Theater Critic Hedy Weiss will be here with her opinions about this world premiere.
Blind Tasting

At Home With...Dennis DeYoung
• Marianne Murciano and Bob Sirott are "at home with" former Styx frontman Dennis DeYoung and his wife Suzanne.  DeYoung will be appearing tonight at the Petrillo Bandshell with the Grant Park Orchestra and on Channel 11's Soundstage later this summer.

Chicago Stories
• In Part 2 of our look at Chicago softball, we'll explore the passion of Chicago's softball fanatics, and look ahead to the future of the 16-inch game.

One More Thing
• Bob Sirott has "one more thing" about summertime charity events.

Wednesday, July 2, 2003

Porch Tragedy Follow-Up
• The city is suing the building's owner and managers, saying that the porch wasn't built to code.  Bob Sirott will talk with Mara Georges, City of Chicago Corporation Counsel, about the city's lawsuit.

News
• Chicago's gay community has a lot to celebrate.  Elizabeth Brackett and her guests will look at the county's move to certify gay couples and at other measures energizing the gay and lesbian community.

The City Celebrates the Fourth of July
• We'll hear about what's going on this weekend.

Grant Park Music Festival
• The Grant Park Music Festival is moving to a new home next summer at brand new Millennium Park.  We'll look back at the history of this cultural treasure.

The Perfect Ribs?
• He's a veteran reporter, but what you don't know about Rich Samuels is that he loves to cook.  Tonight he'll show us how to make what he says are nearly perfect ribs.

Artbeat: Richard Kind
• TV sitcom actor Richard Kind stars in the new musical Bounce at the Goodman Theatre.  Phil Ponce talks with Kind about Bounce, his TV career, and how he almost became a lawyer. (You can read a transcript of the interview here.)

Soundstage Preview with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
• WTTW11's critically acclaimed music series Soundstage returns tomorrow night at 9.  We'll have a sneak preview of the debut act: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

For more information on Soundstage, including how to get tickets for the second season, beginning July 17, please visit our Soundstage website.

One More Thing
• Bob Sirott has "one more thing" about holiday weekend barbecues.

Thursday, July 3, 2003

To kick off the big summer holiday weekend, a baseball special:

Veeck: A Man for Any Season
First, from our vault, the intimate 1985 portrait of Bill Veeck.

The Friday Night Show
A replay of Bob Sirott's recent Friday Night Show half-hour interview with Pat Hughes and Ron Santo.

Friday, July 4, 2003

Pre-empted.

=========  end of week of june 30

MONDAY, June 23, 2003

News Analysis
· The U.S. Supreme Court rules in the University of Michigan affirmative action cases. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel will have local reaction and look at the potential impact in Illinois of today's rulings.

First Feature
· Seven of the nine potential democratic presidential nominees were in Chicago yesterday. We'll look at who may have pulled ahead of the field as a result.

Crain's Chicago Business
· Chicago's latest business news headlines

Also Tonight
· The Terra Museum of American Art is closing its doors next year. What will happen to the artwork? And what kind of hole will the museum's closing leave in Chicago's art scene?

Artbeat Chicago
· Kids get in on the act at the Second City's summer improv youth camp. we'll look in on some of those who could be the comedy stars of tomorrow.

Word of Mouth
· The Hulk

Tuesday, June 24, 2003

News Analysis
- Mayor Daley goes after gangs and the rising homicide rate with new, high tech ways of deploying the police. Elizabeth Brackett and her guests look at the program the mayor hopes will cut down murder and other violent crimes.

First Feature
- Robert MacNeil, the journalist and former PBS anchor is here tonight. We'll talk about the Canadian-born MacNeil's new book, Looking for My Country, on his decision to become an American citizen.

Also Tonight
- Now that the new Cook County Hospital is up and running, what's to become of the old hospital building? Rich Samuels takes a look at a proposal to save the former hospital from the wrecking ball.

- For 16 years, the New Regal Theater has been the place to watch live performances on the south side. Now it's scheduled to shut its doors at the end of this month. Why is that happening, and what's at stake?

- Who is Henry Brown? He's a Chicagoan with a funky new show - Raw Fusion - set to debut on Channel 11 this weekend. We'll meet him!

Wednesday, June 25, 2003

News Analysis
· Bank One is giving the Chicago Bears millions of dollars to become a so-called "presenting sponsor." is this smart marketing or a team stepping over the line into over-commercialization? Will the team be known as the "Bank One Bears"? just what does the bank get for its money?

First Feature
· The Federal Reverse cut short term interest rates a quarter point today to boost the sluggish economy. It's the thirteenth cut since January 2001, and the rates are at a 45-year low. WGN-TV Financial Reporter Ilyce Glink, and Senior Vice President and Chief Economist for LaSalle Bank/ABN-Amro Mortgage Carl Tannenbaum explain who will and won't benefit.

Also Tonight
· Employers look to hire day laborers each morning on a Chicago street corner, but the city is looking to put an end to this practice at one location. Rich Samuels will have details of the controversy.

Artbeat Chicago
· Chapungu: A remarkable exhibit of stone sculptures that have traveled all the way from Zimbabwe to Chicago

On Stage in Chicago
· Chicago Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss reviews Pants on Fire at Second City, Steppenwolf's We All Went Down To Amsterdam, and Don't Drink the Water at the Noble Fool Theater.

Arts Across Illinois
· Illinois artists perform on Arts Across Illinois: Centerstage - we'll preview the program that airs tomorrow night.

Thursday, June 26, 2003

First Feature
• Who will the Bulls pick in tonight's NBA draft? We'll take you live to the team's Deerfield headquarters and find out.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Should the government regulate what you read at the library? The Supreme Court says yes, but many Illinois librarians say no. What will this decision mean for the future?

Also Tonight
• Le Francais was once one of the country's most honored restaurants. But the landmark dining establishment in Wheeling will close in a few days. Rich Samuels was there when it was the hottest, most exclusive spot in town. And he was there today to find out what happened.

Chicago Watercolors
• Beautiful watercolor paintings of Chicago's "El" are on display in lake view. We'll talk to Bill Bartelt, the artist behind them, and show you his unique works tonight.

Artbeat Chicago
• We'll also have the story of photo flipbooks and photographer Matthew Gilson, who uses them to show off products that are all "Made in Chicago".

Check, Please! Supper Club
• Nuevo Leon: great Mexican cuisine in Pilsen (1515 W 18th Chicago, 312-421-1517)

Asado de Puerco
Especial Cazuela

Friday, June 27, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review:
Mike North, Carol Slezak, Lester Munson, Cori McFerrin

Friday Night Show:
Roger Ebert

=============== end of week of june 23

MONDAY, June 16, 2003

Bob Sirott is on vacation

News Analysis
• From the outside, the controversial new Soldier Field looks nearly done. As Chicagoans head to the museum campus this summer and get their first look at the new stadium, will they like what they see?

Crain's Chicago Business
• Bob Reed has the latest Chicago headlines

Also Tonight
• The Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville holds its first commencement today. Rich Samuels looks back at the founding of the school and the significance of this graduation day.

• The Bush administration says most of the artifacts looted from museums and archeological in Iraq during the war have been recovered. But several Chicago scholars who recently toured these sites dispute the claims. We'll hear from them.

• Chicagoan Sidney Blumenthal - former advisor to President Clinton is back home to talk about his new Clinton memoir, The Clinton Wars. We'll visit with him in the studio.

Word of Mouth
- A mesmerizing and arresting documentary, Capturing the Friedmans

Tuesday, June 17, 2003

News Analysis
• Chicago judge Anne Burke will be taking over as head of the national group investigating the Catholic church's sex abuse scandal. Justice Burke will talk with Elizabeth Brackett about her new responsibilities.

First Feature
• Ravinia is losing its music director, Christoph Eschenbach, at the end of the summer. We'll explore what that means for the popular north shore music venue with Ravinia's president Welz Kauffman as well as WXRT's Terri Hemmert and WFMT's Andrew Patner.

Artbeat
• David Schwimmer. the star of Friends has come back to Chicago and to his theatre roots by directing Race, a new play based on a book by Studs Terkel.

On Stage in Chicago
• Chicago Sun-Times theatre critic Hedy Weiss reviews Race - and gives her take on two other new productions, Journey's End and Miss Saigon

Chicago Stories
• Camp Douglas: A civil war POW camp on Chicago's south side that once held 30,000 confederate soldiers

Wednesday, June 18, 2003

Bob Sirott is on vacation.

First Feature
• The city of Benton Harbor, Michigan, hopes for calm tonight after two nights of rioting. Rich Samuels has a report on the situation while noted journalist and author Alex Kotlowitz gives us some perspective on the history of racial tensions there.

News Analysis
• The American Medical Association met in Chicago and approved human cloning for research purposes. Joel Weisman and his panel will discuss this controversial action, one the bush administration opposes.

Also Tonight
• The City of Chicago has chosen Pennsylvania-based TheatreDreams as the new owner and operator of the historic Chicago Theatre. For more information on theatre offerings in Chicago click here.

• We'll hear from Chicago Public Radio's Al Gini on why it's so critical to give yourself time to do nothing. He's the author of the new book, The Importance of Being Lazy.

Artbeat Chicago
• There's unusual art on a farm. Artbeat takes us to an artists' colony called the Fields Project west of Chicago you can visit this weekend.

Thursday, June 19, 2003

Bob Sirott is on vacation

News Analysis
• The White Sox and Cubs are set to meet six times over the next two weekends. Joel Weisman and guests will preview the series between these cross-town rivals.

Shoreline Controversy
• Promontory Point: a battle of concrete versus limestone as the city and Hyde Park residents continue a battle over how to save the shoreline

Harry Potter Mania
• Chicago braces for the new Harry Potter invasion. How local stores -- and Potter fans -- are getting ready for J.K. Rowling's latest book

Golden Apple Awards
• Some of Chicago's top elementary school teachers get their Golden Apple "excellence in teaching" awards tonight

What is a Female Athlete?
• A tribute to the female athlete: Elizabeth Brackett tells us about an exhibit at the Chicago Historical Society that hits close to home

Check, Please! Supper Club
• Carlos' of Highland Park - a gourmet restaurant where everyone feels at home

Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Pave with Honeydew Melon Gazpacho, Watermelon and Tuna Tartare and a Red Onion Creme Fraiche

Herb Crusted Kobe Beef Filet with Root Vegetables, Baby Spinach, Purple Potatato Rosette and a Blood Orange Reduction

Roasted Vegetable, Hearts of Palm and Carrot Mousse Terrine with Carmelized Popcorn Coulis

Friday, June 20, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review

A look at the riots in Benton Harbor. Chicago wants community service for parents of teen curfew violators. A new plan to ease rail congestion in unveiled and in sports the cross-town classic begins as the Cubs and White Sox square off at Wrigley Field this weekend.

Mary Mitchell - Chicago Sun-Times; Jon Hilkevitch - Chicago Tribune; Andy Shaw - ABC 7 News; Dave Van Dyck - Fox Sports

The Friday Night Show
A rebroadcast of Bob Sirott's conversation with CBS 2 anchor Antonio Mora.

======== end of week of june 16

MONDAY, June 9, 2003

Bob Sirott is on vacation

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett

• Pet prairie dogs sold in a Chicago suburb are tied to cases of a rare virus in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. We'll hear from the pet seller and learn about the extent of the monkeypox problem.

Crain's Chicago Business
• Editor Bob Reed on the effect of Sammy Sosa's corked bat on his image and marketability

Also Tonight
• Why plans to open a new Second City theater in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood are creating some controversy

Word of Mouth

• Winged Migration

Tuesday, June 10, 2003

Bob Sirott is on vacation

News Analysis with Joel Weisman
• Sammy Sosa plead his case to Major League Baseball officials today, to have his eight-game suspension reduced.

Also tonight
• What kind of problems could a 38-pound carp found in a Chicago Park District lagoon mean for the area's ecosystem?

• A new documentary explores obsessive-compulsive disorder, an illness that millions of people struggle with. The film was made with Chicagoan Terry Spencer Hesser (author of Kissing Doorknobs), who will be here in our studio.

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago
773-880-2035

Artbeat Chicago
• It's bubble trouble at the Chicago Cultural Center. We'll tour "Thin Skin", an exhibit of inflatable art.

Wednesday, June 11, 2003

Bob Sirott is on vacation

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
• President Bush comes to town to talk about Medicare reform but winds up dealing with an explosive situation in the Mideast.

Also Tonight
• On the eve of the U.S. Open golf championship, Rich Samuels looks into the rich golf history of Illinois.

• Author John Feinstein talks about his new book Open: Inside the Ropes at Bethpage Black, and he offers his views on other sports issues of the day.

Thursday, June 12, 2003

Bob Sirott is on vacation

News Analysis
• Remembering David Brinkley: The pioneer TV journalist died overnight. We'll look back on some memorable Brinkley moments in Chicago.

Also tonight:
• Bike the Drive: 18,000 cyclists are going to enjoy a morning bike ride on Lake Shore Drive this Sunday.

• Chicago native and Second City alum Jeff Garlin is a star and the co-creator of HBO's groundbreaking comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm. He's come home to perform this weekend. We'll talk with him in our studio.

Supper Club
Sabatino's Restaurant and Lounge

Chicken Diavolo
Filet Sauce
Tiramisu

Friday, June 13, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week In Review
President Bush comes to town to push Medicare reform, infected pet Prairie Dogs are the source of a monkeypox outbreak, a federal judge blocks the SBC rate hike and in sports the U.S. Open starts up in Olympia Fields.

Guests:
Steve Neal - Chicago Sun-Times; Dr. Mary Ann Malloy - NBC 5 News; Bob Reed - Crain's Chicago Business; Jim Litke - Associated Press

The Friday Night Show
An encore presentation of an interview with radio personality Steve Dahl.

========= end of week of june 9

MONDAY, June 2, 2003

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
• Gov. Blagojevich pushes his budget through the state legislature. We'll hear from Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie and Sen. Steven Rauschenberger on the process and what it means to you

Crain’s Chicago Business
• Crain's Chicago Business first hit Chicago newsstands 25 years ago this week. We'll look back and look ahead with editor-in-chief Rance Crain and editor Bob Reed.

Word of Mouth
• Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo

One More Thing…
… about the downsizing of the American shopping mall

Tuesday, June 3, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• An editorial cartoon in last Friday's Chicago Tribune has unleashed a storm of criticism and controversy.

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• How to protect yourself against mosquitos that carry West Nile Virus

Also tonight

• Jim Griffith, author of The Official eBay Bible, with some tips on how to save money -- or make money -- with on-line auctions

One More Thing...
... about summer's most popular food going upscale

Wednesday, June 4, 2003

The Sammy Sosa Corked Bat Controversy
• Sammy Sosa's shattered corked bat has the public and the media talking all over town and all over the country. We'll hear from sportswriters and a former White Sox player on the event and its effect on Sammy's image -- and baseball's.

From the Channel 11 Vault
• Martha Stewart, now under federal indictment, talks with John Callaway about ethics -- the ethics of serving a turkey -- on this 1986 Chicago Tonight broadcast.

One More Thing...
... about the corked bat controversy

Thursday, June 5, 2003

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• The resignation of two top editors at the New York Times has shaken journalism around the country.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Cancer researchers met in Chicago this week and announced a number of promising findings. Dr. Kathy Albain, a local doctor on the cutting edge of cancer research, joins us.

Chicago Stories
• On the eve of the Cubs series with the Yankees, remembering the most memorable moment between the two teams: Babe Ruth's "called shot" in the 1932 World Series

Artbeat Chicago
• A new Chicago production of the children's opera Brundibar, designed by the author and illustrator of Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak

Check Please Supper Club
• Zia's Trattoria

Maile con Pancetta
Cozze Pomodorro

Friday, June 6, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
We look at the fall-out to the Sammy Sosa corked bat controversy, Governor Blagojevich wields his veto pen, and the Bears sign Brian Urlacher to a lifetime contract.

Dave Van Dyck - Fox Sports; Craig Dellimore - WBBM-AM; Eric Zorn - Chicago Tribune; David Greising - Chicago Tribune

The Friday Night Show
Bob talks with Q101 shock-jock Mancow Mueller.

======== end of week of june 2

MONDAY, May 26, 2003

Chicago Stories
• Top Guns of ’43: Sixty years ago, navy pilots trained for war in the Pacific by learning takeoffs and landings using makeshift aircraft carriers on Lake Michigan.

The Friday Night Show encore presentation
• Jack Mabley - Columnist, Daily Herald

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Late last week, Congress voted to cut your taxes. They're also sending more than $700 million dollars to Springfield. Rep. Danny Davis and Rep. Mark Kirk talk about what the tax cut bill means to Illinois and to your pocket book.

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• It's time to dust off the motorcycle and take it for a spin--no helmets required. What are the changing demographics of motorcyclists? And why the lack of safety helmet laws in Illinois?

The Vault
• We’ll look back at Dr. Daniel Q. Posin, a physics professor who won six Chicago Emmys explaining science to Chicagoans on WTTW and WGN.

Also Tonight
• A Chicago factory that manufactures pinball games – plus, a legion of local fans who still prefer the old games to the video variety

Artbeat Chicago
• A new play written and performed by Chicago teens and the Albany Park Theater Project explores the world of immigrant workers.

Word of Mouth
• Bruce Almighty

One More Thing…
… about buying music at the store

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• Remember when Chicago was the scene for major Hollywood films like The Blues Brothers? We'll talk to the heads of the city and state film offices who want to see Chicago become "Hollywood by the lake" once again.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Hormone replacement therapy is under fire again, as a new study shows that women taking HRT double their risk of dementia.

Also Tonight:
• Jack Ryan: A fresh face with a large bankroll joins the Illinois Republican race for the U.S. Senate.

• Thursday is Bob Hope's 100th birthday. We'll preview of some of the rare clips of him that will be shown at Thursday’s celebration at the Museum of Broadcast Communications.

On Stage in Chicago
• At Wit's End, a bright new musical at the Northlight Theatre, is one of three new Chicago productions reviewed by Chicago Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss.

Artbeat Chicago
• A leadership change is coming at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Phil Ponce talks with retiring CSO manager Henry Fogel.

One More Thing…
… about people who get depressed by nice weather, and live for gloomy, rainy, days.

Thursday, May 29, 2003

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• Elizabeth Brackett tracks Annika Sorenstam, who’s in town to play in this week's women's pro golf tournament

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• How will the FCC’s changes in broadcast ownership rules affect Chicago's broadcast landscape? Rev. Jesse Jackson is among Phil’s guests tonight.

Also Tonight
• It's Bluesfest time in Chicago. We'll explore the state of the blues and the state of the Chicago Blues Festival on its 20th anniversary

• The Chicago connection to the Wright Brothers' historic Kitty Hawk flight 100 years ago.

Artbeat Chicago
• Chicagoan Gioia Diliberto, author of I am Madame X

Check, Please! Supper Club
• Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap, 1073 W. Vernon Park Pl., Chicago, (312) 733-3393

The chef doesn't offer exact measurements; he just knows it tastes good!

Shells and Broccoli
shells, broccoli, olive oil, chopped garlic, red pepper seeds, salt and pepper, chicken broth.
Cook shells until al dente. Boil or steam broccoli, then sautee in olive oil and garlic. Add red peppers, salt and pepper and a touch of chicken at the very end. Cook for about 10 minutes, then add shells.

Pork Chops and Peppers
olive oil, chopped garlic, salt and pepper.
Cook about ten minutes on each side, sautee red and green peppers.

Tufano's Lemon Chicken
2 3/4 chicken, olive oil, chopped garlic, salt and pepper, oregano, fresh lemon.
Cover chicken with olive oil. Add garlic, salt and pepper, oregano and fresh lemon. Cook for about 25 minutes in broiler.

Friday, May 30, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
Governor Blagojevich considers a new casino license, Mayor Daley demands city union concessions. Five Chicago Public Schools are set to close and in sports Sammy Sosa is back in the Cubs lineup and golf pro Annkia Sorenstam comes to town.

Jack Conaty - Fox News Chicago; Jody Becker - WBEZ-FM; Dan Miller - Chicago Sun-Times; Mike North - Score Sports Radio

Chicago Tonight: The Friday Night Show
Former member of Second City, actor, producer, director and writer of some of Hollywood's most successful comedies Chicagoan Harold Ramis is in the studio.

==== end of week of may 26

MONDAY, May 19, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Momentum is gathering in Springfield for a massive gambling expansion. Is Chicago ready for a downtown casino?

Crain’s Chicago Business
• Is Illinois passenger rail service in jeopardy? Crain's editor Bob Reed has the latest on a federal plan that could make states responsible for funding and operating Amtrak.

Chicago Stories
• Wilmette's famous Bahá'í Temple turns 50 this month. We'll tell you how the sacred site ended up here.

Also Tonight:
• The latest news and trends from the National Restaurant Association convention in town this week

Artbeat Chicago
• Heavenly music in a heavenly place – the Music Institute of Chicago’s new education and performance center in an old converted church

Word of Mouth
• Down with Love, starring Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor

One More Thing…
… about how restaurants can attract more customers

Tuesday, May 20, 2003

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• Gov. Blagojevich promised that Illinois won't get hooked on gambling. Elizabeth Brackett explains why a Chicago casino is still a good bet.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Despite yesterday's big losses on Wall Street, some economists say the bull market is back. What will that mean for your wallet in the coming months?

Also Tonight:
• Robert Logan, author of More Tales from the Cubs Dugout

• Tips and tricks for what to do all the pictures you’re taking, now that you’ve got that digital camera

On Stage in Chicago
• Three new productions from Chicago Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss

Artbeat Chicago
• Twelve Chicago teenagers are the subject of a new exhibit by photographer Dawoud Bey at the Smart Museum of Art

One More Thing…
… about growing up with Buicks

Wednesday, May 21, 2003

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• Charges have been filed against two adults in the Glenbrook North hazing incident.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• The nation's terror alert has been raised to orange. How prepared is Chicago for an attack?

Also Tonight
• Some of Chicago’s noted restaurateurs, the owners of Carson’s Ribs, BJ’s Bakery & Market, and Rosebud will talk about trends and problems in their industry.

• Joe Shanahan, owner of Metro, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary

• An update on this season's Chicago farmers markets. (Find your community’s farmers market here.) And learn how to make ricotta cheese, one of the items seen in tonight’s story!

1 G. whole buttermilk
2 C. buttermilk

Put milk and buttermilk into a heavy stainless pot and bring to a slight boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Ladle the cheese through cheesecloth and let it hang until dry. Use immediately and refrigerate. This will last two days.

For soft ricotta into a mold, spoon cheese while warm into shapes.
For ricotta that can be served cold or warm crumbled, just let cool and place into a plastic container.
Can also be made with fresh goat's milk for an even richer flavor!

Thursday, May 22, 2003

First Feature with Phil Ponce
• Illinois is poised to become the first state in the nation to totally ban Ephedra. We’ll look at this controversial dietary supplement.

Also Tonight
• A 91-year-old Chicago landmark and home for women artists is closing its doors. Why are the residents of the Three Arts Club being told they must move?

• The new African Journey exhibit is finally open at the Lincoln Park Zoo – we’ll take you there!

From the Vault
• Back in the 1940s and ‘50s, Ted Mack and The Original Amateur Hour gave hopeful talent their first big break on TV. We'll open our vault to look back at the predecessor of "American Idol."

Chicago Stories
• Top Guns of ’43: Sixty years ago, navy pilots trained for war in the Pacific by learning takeoffs and landings using makeshift aircraft carriers on Lake Michigan.

Check Please Supper Club
• Top-Notch Beefburger, 2116 W. 95th St., Chicago, (773) 445-7218
• Great grilling tips

Friday, May 23, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
Governor Blagojevich puts the brakes on gambling expansion, Senate
President Emil Jones has his records subpoenaed. City security becomes
a big issue this week after the nation's terror alert is raised. Two moms are
charged with providing alcohol in the high school hazing incident in the northern suburbs.

In sports the Bulls get the number seven pick in the upcoming NBA draft, Cubs
slugger Sammy Sosa still on the disabled list and Annika Sorenstam impresses
in PGA Tour play.

Dick Kay - NBC 5 News; Jon Hilkevitich - Chicago Tribune; Charles Thomas - ABC 7 News; Julie Swieca - Score Sports Radio

The Friday Night Show
The Chicago icon who won a Pulitzer Prize for "The Good War", a story of World War II. Studs Terkel joins Bob Sirott for a one-on-one interview about his life and body of work.

====== end of week of may 19

MONDAY, May 12, 2003

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• School discipline and criminal charges are the latest fallout from the Glenbrook North hazing incident. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• A major win in Springfield for SBC. What does the new legislation mean to consumers?

Also tonight:
• Mayor Daley on the offensive to ensure neighborhood safety by controlling gun violence

• In light of the Glenbrook North story, what are today's teens doing right? Author Barbara Cooke (Teens Are Not a Disease) tells us.

Crain’s Chicago Business
• Were there other reasons for Jim Edgar declining a presidential request to run for the U.S. Senate? Crain’s editor Bob Reed reports.

Word of Mouth
• City of Ghosts starring Matt Dillon and James Caan

One More Thing…
… about how Glenbrook North should handle the hazing incident from here

Tuesday, May 13, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Illinois doctors stage a rally in Daley Plaza today to fight for limits on malpractice settlements

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• The city is offering a vast selection of mini-tours of Chicago this weekend -- a chance for those of us who live here to learn more about our city

Also tonight:
• We'll meet Caroll Spinney, the man behind Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird

• Stephen Sondheim's new musical Bounce opens in Chicago at the Goodman Theatre in June

Artbeat Chicago
• Amateur poker player Jim McManus has a best-selling book about his quarter-million dollar winnings in Las Vegas.

One More Thing…
… about the latest junk coming into our homes, designed to fool you (which it usually does)

Wednesday, May 14, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Anybody want to run for the senate? Yet another dilemma for the Illinois GOP

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• Tony-nominated director Robert Falls

Chicago Stories
• Leopold & Loeb, Part 5: Why would two brilliant teenagers from wealthy families decide to commit a kidnapping and murder? Tonight - the motivation of Leopold and Loeb

Artbeat
• The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is getting a new president. Deborah Card, one of the most prominent women in the world of classical music, talks to Phil about the CSO's future.

Also Tonight:
• A sneak peek at Chicago's new lakefront skateboard park

One More Thing…
… about the late Red Mottlow

Thursday, May 15, 2003

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• New guidelines for blood pressure and how to avoid hypertension

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Chicago’s bio-terrorism drill winds up tonight. How did the week go?

Also Tonight:
• Chicago actor John C. Reilly on his Chicago roots and his work in three Oscar-winning films this year

• A toast to legendary journalist Irv Kupcinet, who is celebrating 60 years of column-writing

Chicago Stories
• Leopold & Loeb, Pt. 6: In tonight’s conclusion, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb are sentenced for the kidnapping and murder of Bobby Franks

Check Please Supper Club
• Southside soul food from BJ’s Market & Bakery, 87th & Stony Island
Rotisserie Smoked Chicken
Smothered Turkey Wings

Friday, May 16, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
Punishment is dealt in the Glenbrook North hazing incident, Chicago hosts a week-long terrorism drill, Jim Ryan the latest Republican to turn down a Senate run, and the red-hot Cubs win without Sammy Sosa.

Mark Suppelsa - Fox News Chicago; Andy Shaw - ABC 7 News; Anna Davlantes - NBC 5 News; Jim Litke - Associated Press

The Friday Night Show
Washington-based senior correspondent for ABC News and anchor of World News Tonight Sunday, Carole Simpson.

====== end of week of may 12

MONDAY, May 5, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Mayor Daley and the City Council were sworn in for their new terms this afternoon, and all will get pay raises. Analysis of the new council and disclosures about the outside income of several aldermen.

Also tonight:
• On the 98th anniversary of the Chicago Defender – now in new hands – what does the future hold?

• "Melanoma Monday" - designed to create public awareness about the dangers of melanoma -- the deadliest form of skin cancer. Click here to learn how to enjoy the warm days ahead safely.

Chicago Stories
• The real significance of Cinco de Mayo in the Mexican community – and the founding of Chicago's first Mexican church

Crain’s Chicago Business
• Will the original owners of Dominick's buy the food chain back?

Word of Mouth
• X-2: X-Men United

One More Thing…
… about why baseball games do not need to be sped up

Tuesday, May 6, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• One of the world’s leading voices on Middle Eastern studies, the University of Chicago’s Rashid Khalidi

City Talk with Bob Sirott
• Elizabeth Brackett reports on a possible casino for Chicago and the city’s preparations for next week’s mock terrorism event

On Stage in Chicago
• The Lion King opens at Cadillac Palace

Artbeat Chicago
• Chicago theater icon Frank Galati

Also tonight:
• New foods take center stage at the Fancy Food Show at McCormick Place

• A preview of the Israel Film Festival which opens Thursday, May 9

• Moving day for the oldest house in suburban Cook County

One More Thing…
… about the way we watch television today

Wednesday, May 7, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• What do the telecom wars mean for the consumer?

City Talk
• The growing possibility for a land-based casino in Chicago, plus Mayor Daley’s upcoming trip to Springfield to smooth the way for O’Hare expansion

Chicago Stories
• Leopold and Loeb, Part 3 – Investigators close in on Chicago’s notorious “thrill killers”

At Home With…
• Linda Schwartz, Chicago photographer to the stars

Artbeat
• Piven Theatre Workshop, launching pad for several famous actors and training ground for many others who are not so famous, celebrates its 30th anniversary

One More Thing…
… and some of the mail we’ve been getting here at Chicago Tonight

Thursday, May 8, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• The horrific scene involving Glenbrook North High School girls and some of the possible reasons for it

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• Fawn Ring, live at Art Chicago, the city’s biggest art event of the year

Chicago Stories
• Leopold & Loeb, Part 4 – The most famous lawyer in America is hired to save the teenagers from the death penalty

Also Tonight:
• J. J. Sedelmaier, the Chicagoan behind “Fun with Real Audio” and other quirky cartoons on Saturday Night Live and Comedy Central.

Check Please Supper Club
• Kendall College Dining Room

BBQ Shrimp with Vermont Cheddar Grits and Chorizo Sausage
Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Andouille Sausage and Bread Pudding
Sun-Dried Cherry Glazed Grilled Salmon with Roesti Potato

Friday, May 9, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review

The hazing in Northbrook by Glenbrook North High School girls gains national attention. Jim Edgar decides not to seek the Illinois U.S. Senate seat, Mayor Daley now open a casino in Chicago. May sweeps and local television. In sports the Washington Wizards let go of Michael Jordan, Jerry Manuel's job security on the line as the Sox struggle and the Cubs head for a weekend showdown with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Dick Kay - NBC 5 News; Charles Thomas - ABC 7 News; Phil Rosenthal - Chicago Sun-Times; Lester Munson - Sports Illustrated

The Friday Night Show

The men behind the WGN Radio microphones for every Cub game, Pat Hughes and Ron Santo join Bob Sirott tonight.

======== end of week of may 5

MONDAY, April 28, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce:
• Just back from the front line in Iraq, WBBM’s Jay Levine and his photographer Dave Fox -- the only Chicago team to cover the war from inside Iraq – are here.

Also tonight:
• Comedian Richard Lewis -- in town performing at Zanies – joins us to talk about his act and his life.

• In commemoration of Holocaust Remembrance Week, meet survivor Ben Golden – a pharmacist turned photographer, who went back to photograph Auschwitz and Krakow.

Crain’s Chicago Business
• Is the local travel industry finally picking up?

Word of Mouth
• It Runs in the Family, featuring the Douglas family: Kirk, Michael, Diana and Cameron

One More Thing…
… about the books that are lying around the house

Tuesday, April 29, 2003

First Feature with Bob Sirott

• Unlocking the mysteries of bi-polar disorder: new findings from

the University of Chicago on the problem-causing genes

News Analysis with Phil Ponce

• Newsweek senior editor and Chicagoan Jonathan Alter

From the Vault

• Columnist Mike Royko - who passed away six years ago today - on topics from Chicago aldermen to the Chicago Cubs

Also Tonight
• Why does Chicago have the highest death rate from asthma in the U.S.?  We'll hear from a doctor dedicated to this medical mystery.

• Superman lives ...at Great America anyway.  We'll unveil the ultimate roller coaster named after the man of steel.

On Stage in Chicago
• Chicago Sun-Times theatre critic Hedy Weiss reviews The Violet Hour and The Romance Cycle

One More Thing...

... about how the newest video toys affect can your love life

Wednesday, April 30, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Analysis of the relationship between Governor Blagojevich and Mayor Daley, who went to Washington today to lobby for increased funds for the city and state

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• The latest on the city’s new traffic "spy-cam" experiment – run a red light and get a ticket in the mail. Yikes!

Chicago Stories
• Did two wealthy Chicago teens commit the "perfect" crime nearly 80 years ago? Tonight, part one of our Chicago Stories mini-series, "Leopold and Loeb: Love and Murder in Chicago.”

Also Tonight:
• What's happening to the city's landmarks? The Chicago Tribune's architecture reporters talk about Chicago's lost buildings.

• Elizabeth Brackett on the work of Drs. Jennifer & Laura Berman – sisters who are experts in female sexuality and sexual dysfunction

One More Thing…
… about a mysterious difference between men and women.

Thursday, May 1, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Cook County Public Guardian Patrick Murphy is retiring after 25 years representing the county’s abused and neglected children and wards of the state

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• A 12-year old from Glenview has earned a full scholarship to medical school at the University of Chicago.

Chicago Stories
• Part two of our series on the notorious Chicago murderers Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb

Artbeat:
• Second City’s improvisation masters of the future

Also Tonight:
• A look back at the life and legacy of Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African-American to win the Pulitzer prize, which she did on this date 53 years ago today

• Local clutter control expert Jim O’Connor shows us how to make sense out of all that clutter in our homes and offices

• The glory days of the automobile road map

Supper Club
• Kabul House

Friday, May 2, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
Mayor Daley fumes at the city's soaring murder rate, Governor Blagojevich hiking auto fees; Pfizer cutting 1,500 local jobs and the Fighting Illini land a new coach.

Guests
Mike Flannery - CBS 2 News; Mary Mitchell - Chicago Sun-Times; David Greising - Chicago Tribune; Steve Rosenbloom - Chicago Tribune

The Friday Night Show
Bob Sirott's guest tonight is Bernie Mac. His stand-up comedy led him to the big screen as one of The Kings of Comedy. But even with a hit T.V. show and booming movie career, home is still Chicago.

====== end of week of april 28

MONDAY, April 21, 2003

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• One of Chicago's biggest stars of stage and screen, John Malkovich, in studio

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• The ethics and economics of the college coaching carousel, as basketball coach Bill Self leaves Illinois for Kansas

Crain’s Chicago Business
• A major shopping mall gets a facelift

Word of Mouth
• John Landecker on A Mighty Wind, plus an interview with one of the film's stars, Harry Shearer

One More Thing…
… about Iraqi war collectibles

Tuesday, April 22, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• The successes and failures of the first 100 days of the Blagojevich administration

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• A frightening moment captured on film -- Sammy Sosa beaned by a Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher over the weekend. We'll talk by phone to the photographer who caught this dramatic moment on film.

Also tonight:
• Elizabeth Brackett reports on the new medical privacy standards

• The challenges of Chicago traffic from Chicago Metropolis 2020’s Charlie Wheelan (Click here for information on hearings led by Chicago Area Transportation Study)

• Windfalls for area artists and scholars -- Rich Samuels introduces us to two Chicagoans who've won prestigious Guggenheim fellowships.

• The former chairman of Chicago-based Motorola on how American business can help rebuild Iraq

One More Thing…
… about throwing out old stuff

Wednesday, April 23, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Illinois' senior senator Dick Durbin, live in studio

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• The University of Illinois professor Bill Gaines says he and his students know the identity of Deep Throat. He’ll be here to talk about his conclusion and research on this key figure in the Watergate scandal.

Also Tonight:
• Operation Iraqi Freedom has turned into an online merchandising dream - from the Iraq's most-wanted playing cards, to t-shirts, bumper stickers, and mugs, it's all for sale and up for auction on the world wide web.

• The struggles, challenges and benefits of women entrepreneurship – meet two women who are doing it well!

Artbeat Chicago
• The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago brings the death penalty centerstage in a new work by co-founder and artistic director Gerald Arpino

One More Thing…
… about why your mobile phone bill may be going up soon – along with your blood pressure

Thursday, April 24, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Tales from the front: war reporters home from the Persian Gulf talk about their experiences covering the war in Iraq.

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• Chicago's murder statistics are up again. Elizabeth Brackett tells us what's behind the increase, and what authorities plan to do about it.

Also tonight:
• The Chicago Outfit - a new book on the Chicago mob scene with some rare photos from the world of organized crime

• Teaching children the importance of saving and investing with the help of Money Savvy Generation and a very special pig

Artbeat Chicago
• A behind the scenes look at some of Chicago's most inventive performance companies

Check, Please! Supper Club
• Pepper Lounge

Ahi Tuna
Lamb Tenderloin
Pork Chop

Friday, April 25, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week In Review
President Bush urges Jim Edgar to run for the U.S. Senate, Governor Blagojevich continues the death penalty ban and now favors gambling expansion. American Airlines CEO Donald Carty resigns. Cases of SARS continue to grow, should Chicagoans worry? In sports Illinois loses basketball coach Bill Self to Kansas, the Bears prepare for the NFL Draft and the Cubs early season surge has them in first place.

Guests:
Andy Shaw, ABC 7 News
Dr. Mary Ann Malloy, NBC 5 News
Bob Reed, Crain's Chicago Business
Mike North, Score Sports Radio

Chicago Tonight: The Friday Night Show
After nearly four decades as a Chicago reporter and columnist and a brief stint in City Hall, Michael Sneed has become one of the most recognizable names in the paper; she joins Bob Sirott for a one-on-one interview.

======= end of week of april 21

MONDAY, April 14, 2003

First Up:

• John Paxson named new Bulls general manager

News Analysis with Phil Ponce:

• The devastating loss of ancient artifacts in Iraq

From the Vault:

• Geraldo Rivera and "The Mystery of Al Capone's Vaults" from 1986

Crain's Chicago Business:

• Impact of SARS on Chicago businesses

• Feel-good spending in a gloomy economy

• Business perspective on Paxson as Bulls GM

Word of Mouth:

• Anger Management starring Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler

Also Tonight:

• Noah Liberman, author of Glove Affairs: The Romance, History and Tradition of the Baseball Glove

One More Thing...

... about concert going these days

Tuesday, April 15, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Senator Peter Fitzgerald's announcement that he won't run for re-election

From the Vault:
• A jury convicted mass murderer Richard Speck on this date in 1967

Also tonight:
• Sharks at the Shedd Aquarium - the new Wild Reef exhibit opened today

• Remembering the late Mayor Harold Washington on what would be his 81st birthday

• Tips from the Chicago Botanic Garden on how to get your garden ready for spring

• Lunch with comedian Jackie Mason, who is in town this week performing at Zanies

Wednesday, April 16, 2003

First Up:
• Last night's baseball brawl at U.S. Cellular Field

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• The U.S.A. Patriot Act empowers the government to investigate the books you check out of the local public library -- or track your internet use. Invasion of privacy? Or a necessary power to combat terrorism?

Artbeat Chicago:
• Tony-award winning director Mary Zimmerman tells the tale of Trojan women, a timely play at the Goodman Theater that happens to be nearly 2000 years old

At Home With:
• E! television's newest star, Michael Essany, Indiana's own 20-year old "late night" host

Also tonight:
• A look back at the 1992 Chicago Loop flood

• Robert Galvin, former head of Motorola

Thursday, April 17, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• American Airlines may have staved off bankruptcy for now. But what do the struggles of American and United mean to the future of O'Hare airport and passengers?

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• Who are the winners and losers when you've got a stadium in your neighborhood? Larry Bennett and Costas Spirou, authors of the new book It's Hardly Sportin': Stadiums, Neighborhoods and the New Chicago, tell us whether U.S. Cellular, Wrigley Field, Soldier Field and the United Center make good neighbors.

Also tonight:
• The future of Pacific Garden Mission, Chicago's oldest homeless mission, is unclear as the city attempts to re-locate it. We'll get an insider's tour of the mission, and also hear from an activist who is demanding more compassion from Mayor Daley.

• The week before Easter is also a busy one for Margie's Candies on Western Avenue, where everything is still done the old-fashioned way

• Can the old Cook County Hospital be preserved - and turned it into something else? Or has its fate been sealed? Rich Samuels takes you to county hospital and the people fighting to save the 90-year old structure from the wrecking ball.

Artbeat Chicago
• Terry Kinney, star of the HBO hit series Oz is directing a play at Steppenwolf Theatre

Check, Please! Supper Club
• Gibson's Steakhouse

Featured dishes:

• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
1 1/2oz Each, 5 per order

• Chopped Chicken Livers
Cooked chicken livers blended with hard boiled egg and seasoning

• Crabmeat Avocado
4oz lump of crab meat is mixed with red and green peppers topped with half avocado and dressed with caper tarragon vinaigrette (house-made sauce with a tarragon reduction, capers and Gibsons seasoning)

Friday, April 18, 2003

Chicago Tonight: Week in Review
The city's top cop, Terry Hillard, announces his plans to retire, a fan storms the field during a White Sox, attacking an umpire. Senator Fitzgerald decides not to run for re-election and the Department of Children and Family is taken to court.

Steve Neal - Chicago Sun-Times; Alysia Tate - Chicago Reporter; Dan Miller - Chicago Sun-Times; Peggy Kusinski - NBC 5 News

The Friday Night Show
Chicago Tribune columnist Terry Armour is the guest. He'll discuss the newspaper business as well as the sports stars and celebrities the are a part of his beat now.

======== end of week of april 14

MONDAY, April 7, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• The resignation of Bulls general manager Jerry Krause

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• More fallout from Mayor Daley's closing of Meigs Field

Chicago Stories
• 1963 Loyola Ramblers:  the only Illinois team ever to win the NCAA title

Crain's Chicago Business
• Crain's editor Bob Reed on residential real estate, United Airlines and Meigs Field

Studio Interview
• Frasier star and Steppenwolf actor John Mahoney

One More Thing...
... about today's crazy spring weather

Tuesday, April 8, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce:
• The latest on the war: Is Saddam Hussein dead or alive? And how long will our troops have to stay in Iraq once it's over?

Plus:
• Chicago's latest Pulitzer Prize winner, Cornelia Grumman of the Chicago Tribune

First Feature with Bob Sirott:
• Neal Samors, author of The Old Chicago Neighborhood, a new book of photos detailing Chicago neighborhoods in the 1940s

From the Vault:
• In honor of his birthday, we look back as Playboy founder Hugh Hefner returns to his Chicago roots.

On Stage in Chicago:
• Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss reviews Seagull at the Redmoon Theater and King O' The Moon at the Mercury Theater

Also Tonight:
• Business Week's Roger Crockett shows us cell phones that take pictures
• New medical study links TV watching and diabetes

One More Thing...
... about a Wrigley Field opening day suited more to the Bears than the Cubs

Wednesday, April 9, 2003

First Up:
• Local Iraqi reaction from Elizabeth Brackett to the dramatic images from Baghdad today

News Analysis with Phil Ponce:
• Gov. Blagojevich's first budget message and the state's fiscal predicament

First Feature with Bob Sirott:
• Chicago's top political cartoonists show us their work and tell us how they come up with their ideas

Chicago Stories:
• Jewish Chicago: the Jewish community from the city's earliest days through 1948

Artbeat:
• In celebration of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's 25th anniversary, Phil Ponce talks to founder Lou Conte and artistic director Jim Vincent

Word of Mouth:
• Bend It Like Beckham: lots of laughs and lots of legs

One More Thing...
...about an amazing coincidence involving one of last night's guests - and Bob Sirott's family

Thursday, April 10, 2003

First Up:
• The Chicago Tribune company ticket-scalping controversy

News Analysis with Phil Ponce:
• Controversy continues over allowing membership to women at Augusta

First Feature with Bob Sirott:
• The Secret - a low-budget film set in Chicago's Ukranian Village - that's turning into a big hit by filmmaker Melinda Roenisch

Artbeat:
• Made in Chicago exhibit, featuring photographer Matthew Gilson

Plus:
• We'll hear from a Chicagoan from Kirkuk, Iraq, which came under U.S. control today
• Just in time for Passover, a tour of Schmura Matzah, the matzah factory in Skokie

Check, Please! Supper Club:
• Greek Islands

Arni Fournou

Spinach Pie

Friday, April 11, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
A look at the Chicago Iraqi community reaction to the events in their homeland this week; Governor Blagojevich's budget address given Wednesday, tempers flair in the city council over the affordable housing ordinance and the end of an era as Jerry Krause leaves the Bulls citing health reasons.

Jack Conaty - Fox News Chicago; Madeleine Doubek - Daily Herald; Bill Cameron - WLS - AM; Bill Jauss - Chicago Tribune

The Friday Night Show
One of the nation's top weatherman, Tom Skilling, goes one-on-one with Bob Sirott.

========= end of week of april 7

MONDAY, March 31, 2003

News Analysis
• Torn up runways and an abruptly closed lakefront airport - the story behind Mayor Daley's decision to close Meigs Field

Crain's Chicago Business
• Crain's editor Bob Reed on what the airport closing means to area business
• Plus a sharp rise in fraud against local banks

Also tonight:
• Was the firing of Peter Arnett justified, after he gave an interview to Iraqi television? A former network news executive weighs in.

• The thriller Phone Booth comes to theaters this week. John Landecker talks with director Joel Schumacher about the film and the tragedies that kept it out of release for more than a year.

• We'll celebrate the opening of Chicago's baseball season with veteran sportswriter and baseball historian Jerome Holtzman, author of the new book The Jerome Holtzman Baseball Reader.

Tuesday, April 1

First Feature with Bob Sirott

• The latest on the Meigs Field fiasco

News Analysis with Phil Ponce

• The latest advancements for the treatment of heart disease

Also tonight:

• Producer Steve James ("Hoop Dreams") on his documentary, Stevie, a well-received but troubling new film

• An all-things-Chicago exhibit by photographer Karen Hirsch at the Daley Civic Center (runs through April 4)

• A behind-the-scenes tour of the newly-named U.S. Cellular Field

On Stage in Chicago:

• Chicago Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss reviews Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary

Wednesday, April 2, 2003

First up...
The latest Meigs Field fallout from Rich Samuels

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
The city's two newest alderman and the victorious incumbent mayor of Cicero stop by following yesterday's interesting city and suburban elections

First Feature
A reunion of four of the legendary DJs who broke new ground on the airwaves of WVON, the city's first black radio station, which turns 40 this weekend.  Celebrate with Pervis Spann, Herb Kent, Wesley South and Lucky Cordell!

At Home With...
Dennis DeYoung, musician and former lead singer of Styx

Artbeat Chicago

A tour of the historic water tower waterworks building being turned into the new home of Lookingglass Theatre

One More Thing...

... about the media stars of war coverage

Thursday, April 3, 2003

First Feature

• An update on the mysterious disease SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - should Chicagoans be worried?

News Analysis with Phil Ponce

• Iraqi history experts advise the Pentagon avoiding destruction of significant archaeological sites

Chicago Stories

• 16" softball was invented in Chicago and has become a passion for many Chicagoans.  We'll preview tonight's Chicago Stories program with a look at Mike Royko's softball obsession

From Our Vault

• On the anniversary of Jane Byrne's election as mayor of Chicago, an excerpt from the old Kup's Show

Plus:

• A preview of this weekend's Chicago Latino Film Festival

Check, Please! Supper Club
• Classic beef, pork and poultry dishes at Cafe Absinthe

• Ostrich roulade
• Pan-roasted halibut
• Grilled pork chop

One More Thing...
... about the TV stars of the Iraq war

Friday, April 4, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
Major Daley shuts down Meigs Field, citing security concerns. Republicans maintain control in Cicero, while incumbents take a beating in the Chicago aldermanic run-off. Two weeks into the war a report on the local media's coverage. The baseball season opens up with the Cubs and White Sox starting play.

Andy Shaw - ABC 7 News; Lilia Chacon - Fox News Chicago; Phil Rosenthal - Chicago Sun-Times; Lester Munson - Sports Illustrated

The Friday Night Show
Bob Sirott goes one-on-one with CBS 2 News anchor Antonio Mora. Discussing his journey from Cuba, to the world of corporate law and now the television news business.

====== end of week of march 31

MONDAY, March 24, 2003

News Analysis
• The rest of the world's view of Operation Iraqi Freedom - is our coverage biased or not?
• Rep. Mark Kirk and Rep. Danny Davis on the war's progress
• Chicago's latest anti-war protests
• Accusations by protesters of excessive force by Chicago police
• Supporters of military action in Iraq

Crain's Chicago Business
• Crain's editor Bob Reed on the effects of war on local municipal budgets

Artbeat
• An exhibit of paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera right here in Chicago at the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum

Word of Mouth
• John Landecker recaps last night's "scaled-down" Oscars telecast

Tuesday, March 25, 2003

News Analysis & War Coverage
• The war on the home front -- how Chicago's Iraqi population feels about what's happening in their homeland
• Two retired generals -- including a former P.O.W. -- give their take on U.S. strategy
• The treatment of prisoners of war and the use of chemical and biological weapons - the rules of war

On Stage in Chicago
• Reviews by Chicago Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss of The Cosmonaut's Last Message at the Chopin Theatre and Breath, Boom at the Pegasus Theater

Plus:
• Companies That Care - businesses trying to make the workplace more comfortable for their employees
• A rare story these days -- corporate-commissioned artwork. Find out how seven years of work by sculptor Robert Winslow finally culminated on the grounds of McDonald's Hamburger University.

For more information:

2003 Companies That Care Honor Roll
Baxter Healthcare Corporation
DuPont
Rauland-Borg Corporation
TAP Pharmaceutical Products Inc.
Triangle Printers

Honorable Mentions
Convergint Technologies, LLC

Wednesday, March 26, 2003

News Analysis & War Coverage:
• Live coverage of a downtown peace vigil
• Preventing further hate crimes against Chicago-area Arab-Americans and how these plans are being received. Tonight's guests include Chicago's top cop Terry Hillard and the local head of the FBI.
• Discussion about whether anti-Semitism is a by-product of the war
• Talking about fighting prejudice and discrimination with area high school students

Artbeat Chicago:
• Opera singer and Chicagoan Samuel Ramey - who specializes in playing the devil - on his extraordinary career

Plus:
• The disappearance of Chicago filmmaker Allen Ross seven years ago is the subject of a new documentary.

Thursday, March 27, 2003

News analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
• Hot local political issues, including the continuing saga of the state budget and next week's aldermanic run-off elections

First Feature with Phil Ponce
• Civilian and military PR face off on the accuracy of what's coming out of daily military briefings

Plus:
• Chicago Tribune business columnist David Greising
• A new exhibit at the Chicago Historical Society where nostalgia rules -- "Chicago Sports: You Shoulda Been There"
• Chicago-born director Andy Davis (The Fugitive) on his new movie Holes
• International robot competition in Evanston

Check Please Supper Club
• Russian Tea Time

Beef Stroganoff
Chicken Pozharsky
Domlama
Apricot and Plum Strudel
Tashkent Carrot Salad

Friday, March 28, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
A look at the impact of the war with Iraq as local Arab-American community leaders and the FBI tackle hate crimes together, the latest anti-war and pro-war protests and the local coverage of the war. Aldermanic run-off elections this Tuesday, Mike Madigan's pay raises draw criticism. Sears sells off its' credit card division, McDonald's its' high end fast food division. The baseball season gears up for the Cubs and White Sox as Opening Day starts Monday.

Charles Thomas - ABC 7 News; Dan Miller - Chicago Sun-Times; Rick Pearson - Chicago Tribune; Mike North - Score Sports Radio

The Friday Night Show
An encore of Bob Sirott's interview with former Chicago Cub Randy Hundley.

===== end of week of march 24

MONDAY, March 17, 2003

News analysis with Phil Ponce
• Panel reaction to President Bush's address on the impending war with Iraq

Crain's Chicago Business
• The effect of war on Chicago's economy

One More Thing...
... about our lifestyles and the threat of war

The Online Newshour will have the full-text and RealAudio of President Bush's address to the nation.

Tuesday, March 18, 2003

• Four suspected cases of a deadly flu-like illness in Illinois, two in the Chicago area. How scared should you be? Phil Ponce will talk to local public health officials.

• Local security tightens up as the nation prepares for war with Iraq. We'll look at the measures being taken here in Chicago.

• Airline travel is normally heavy this time of year. What travelers should know about airline procedures if the U.S. goes to war.

• Theater critic Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Sun-Times loves the revival of the Clifford Odets classic, Golden Boy. She'll review it, as well as a new production at Steppenwolf.

• And Bob Sirott will have One More Thing about too much information.

Wednesday, March 19, 2003

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• Analysis of today's guilty verdict in the trial of George Ryan aide Scott Fawell

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• The latest on the deadline for war with Iraq and the world awaiting U.S. action against Saddam Hussein

Also tonight:
• City and state officials on what security measures are in place on the homefront
• Extended coverage of today's mayoral press conference on preparedness
• Expert advice for calming your child's fears during wartime

Thursday, March 20, 2003

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• The latest on local security from Elizabeth Brackett
• Plus, the anti-war movement in Chicago, including today's demonstrations at schools, colleges and downtown

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Analysis of the day's latest events from the Persian Gulf

Also tonight:
• Chicago Tribune columnist Clarence Page from Washington
• Television coverage of the war
• A local authority on voice recognition - is that Saddam or not?
• Chicago Tribune business columnist David Greising on the business side of war and war's impact on local companies

One More Thing…
… about how the war is - or isn't - affecting our daily lives

Friday, March 21, 2003

Joel Weisman and his guest discuss the local effect of the Iraq War here in Chicago, from protestors shutdown of Lake Shore Drive, to the economic impact on the city and state, a look at the news coverage of the events. Also a major verdict in the license for bribes scandal, as Scott Fawell is found guilty of racketeering and fraud charges.

Guests:
Bob Herguth - Chicago Sun-Times; Dick Kay - NBC 5 News; Allan Johnson - Chicago Tribune; Bob Reed - Crain's Chicago Business

The Friday Night Show
The man know as "The Voice of Word Jazz," Ken Nordine chats with Bob Sirott.

======= end of week of march 17

MONDAY, March 10, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan on her call for an investigation into rising gasoline prices

Crain's Chicago Business
• Crain's editor Bob Reed reports on the difficulty Chicago's cultural mainstays are facing in drawing patrons and the special incentives being used to attract subscribers

Word of Mouth
• John Landecker on the new comedy Bringing Down the House, featuring Steve Martin and Queen Latifah

One More Thing…
...about Chicago television's anchor shuffle

New Chicago Tonight Web Feature:
Now you can browse through the web content of past episodes of Chicago Tonight by week or by keyword. Just click "Archive" on the left. Right now you can only go back to mid-January, but eventually users will be able to access the last six months of links and info.

Tuesday, March 11, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Protecting Chicago's airports from potential terrorist attacks

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• Carlos Eire, a Cuban exile from Castro's regime who found a home in Chicago, and author of the new book Waiting for Snow in Havana

On Stage in Chicago:
• Reviews by Chicago Sun-Times critic Hedy Weiss of Dinner With Friends at the Goodman Theatre and Stephen Sondheim's Company by Porchlight Music Theater

Also tonight:
• Rich Samuels' unique stamp on the Chicago Flower and Garden Show

One More Thing….
…about the fear of flying

New Chicago Tonight Web Feature:
Now you can browse through the web content of past episodes of Chicago Tonight by week or by keyword. Just click "Archive" on the left. Right now you can only go back to mid-January, but eventually users will be able to access the last six months of links and info.

Wednesday, March 12, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Analysis of Gov. Blagojevich's State of the State address and his vision for Illinois

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• Continuing controversy over Wrigley Field's landmark status

Also tonight:
• Golden Apple awards given to some of the best teachers in the area

One More Thing….
…about what French fries should really be called

New Chicago Tonight Web Feature:
Now you can browse through the web content of past episodes of Chicago Tonight by week or by keyword. Just click "Archive" on the left. Right now you can only go back to mid-January, but eventually users will be able to access the last six months of links and info.

Thursday, March 13, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
• Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan on his plan to cut $30 million from the school system's budget

First Feature with Bob Sirott
• Elizabeth Brackett's report on the increasing number of Americans who can't afford health insurance

From Artbeat:
• Mark Howard, the Chicago choreographer, and the world-champion Trinity Irish Dance Company who helped put contemporary Irish dancing on the map

Check Please Supper Club
• Chicago Diner - a different kind of deli that even vegetarians will love

Friday, March 14, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review

Joel Weisman and his guests discuss Governor Blagojevich's first State of the State address, McDonald's tumbling sales, Chicago Public School's chief Arne Duncan search for funding in Springfield and the Bears signing of quarterback Kordell Stewart.

Guests: Steve Neal -- Chicago Sun-Times; Linda Lenz -- Catalyst; David Greising -- Chicago Tribune; Bruce Wolf -- Fox News Chicago

The Friday Night Show

Chicago Sun-Times Pulitzer-Prize winning film critic Roger Ebert joins Bob Sirott to talk about movies, television, and his life.

====== end of week of march 10

MONDAY, March 3, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce:
The Chicago perspective on Iraq, captured Al Qaeda terrorists and the anti-war movement

First Feature:
The Lysistrata Project, a staged reading of the ancient Greek comedy Lysistrata by more than 800 groups worldwide, 24 in Chicago alone, about women who go on a "sex strike," withholding intimacy from their warring men until they lay down their arms

Also tonight:

• The Bannos brothers from Chicago restaurant Heaven on Seven on the food and fun of Mardi Gras
• Bob Reed, editor of Crain's Chicago Business with the latest business headlines

New Chicago Tonight Web Feature:
Now you can browse through the web content of past episodes of Chicago Tonight by week or by keyword. Just click "Archive" on the left. Right now you can only go back to mid-January, but eventually users will be able to access the last six months of links and info.

Tuesday, March 4, 2003

First Feature with Bob Sirott:
• Impact of the biggest snowfall of the season

News Analysis with Phil Ponce:
• The latest on the E2 tragedy investigation from the co-chairs of the independent panel

From Artbeat Chicago:
• Ed Paschke, one of Chicago's foremost artists with an international reputation, on a controversial art show he's curating

Also tonight:
• Happy Birthday Chicago! How Mayor Daley led the celebration and how Chicago needs to change its ways or risk major problems by 2030

For More Information:
The Chicago Metropolis 2020 Plan

New Chicago Tonight Web Feature:
Now you can browse through the web content of past episodes of Chicago Tonight by week or by keyword. Just click "Archive" on the left. Right now you can only go back to mid-January, but eventually users will be able to access the last six months of links and info.

Wednesday, March 5, 2003

First Feature with Bob Sirott:
• Nat Brandt, author of Chicago Death Trap: The Iroquois Theatre Fire of 1903, the story of a Chicago tragedy with lessons for today

News Analysis with Phil Ponce:
• Dep. Governor Doug Scofield on his sudden departure from the Blagojevich team and the administration's learning curve

Word of Mouth:
• John Landecker with the Word of Mouth on Kurt Russell's new movie Dark Blue

One More Thing:
… about dangerous baseball bats

New Chicago Tonight Web Feature:
Now you can browse through the web content of past episodes of Chicago Tonight by week or by keyword. Just click "Archive" on the left. Right now you can only go back to mid-January, but eventually users will be able to access the last six months of links and info.

Thursday, March 6, 2003

We'll bring you President Bush's primetime press conference live. Then Phil Ponce and his guests will provide post analysis of the President's address to the nation.

New Chicago Tonight Web Feature:
Now you can browse through the web content of past episodes of Chicago Tonight by week or by keyword. Just click "Archive" on the left. Right now you can only go back to mid-January, but eventually users will be able to access the last six months of links and info.  

Friday, March 7, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
Joel Weisman and his guests discuss the Governor's top aide Doug Scofield stepping down, Chicago area students protest a potential Iraq war. State Democrats back a minimum wage hike a new report issued by Metropolis 2020 paints a bleak of the regions uncontrolled growth. In sports, the Bears go quarterback courting, with Kordell Stewart and Jeff Blake the latest targets.

Guests:
Jack Conaty - Fox News Chicago; John McCarron - Chicago Tribune; Dan Miller - Chicago Sun-Times; Rick Telander - Chicago Sun-Times

The Friday Night Show
Chicago writer Bill Zehme joins Bob Sirott to discuss his latest article for Esquire Magazine an interview he did with former Tribune columnist Bob Greene.

New Chicago Tonight Web Feature:
Now you can browse through the web content of past episodes of Chicago Tonight by week or by keyword. Just click "Archive" on the left. Right now you can only go back to mid-January, but eventually users will be able to access the last six months of links and info.

====== end of week of march 3

MONDAY, February 24, 2003

- We'll look at the Chicago nightclub scene and club safety in the wake of the E2 disaster and the tragedy in Rhode Island.

- On a lighter note, we'll also get the lowdown on last night's Grammy Awards from two Chicago rock critics.

- Tomorrow is Election Day. While Mayor Daley seems a shoo-in to keep his job, some aldermanic races are heading for tight finishes. Elizabeth Brackett and her guests preview a number of key contests.

- Pulitzer Prize-winning sports journalist and author Ira Berkow will be here to talk about some of the major issues in the sporting world.

- Rich Samuels goes on the trail of the bullets that may have killed Bonnie and Clyde - a trail that now leads to Highland Park.

- Crain's Chicago Business spotlights the area's largest tourist attractions. We'll tell you what they are - you might be in for some surprises.

- The Art Institute of Chicago has a stunning collection of African-American art. Artbeat Chicago's Victoria Lautman will take us on a tour.

The A Century of Collecting: African American art exhibits at the Art Institute of Chicago through May 18

- And Bob Sirott will have One More Thing about urban survival kits.

Tuesday, February 25, 2003

It's Election Night. The race for mayor looks more like a cakewalk for incumbent Richard M. Daley. Elizabeth Brackett reports from the Board of Elections on the mayoral contest and the aldermanic races.

Phil Ponce will talk with Democratic presidential hopeful and former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun about her run for the presidency.

Should military service be mandatory for everyone? Retired Air Force Gen. John Borling, president of Service Over Self America , thinks so and explains why.

The Joffrey Ballet is back in town. Sun-Times theater critic Hedy Weiss reviews the latest production of this internationally renowned ballet company.

From Chicago Stories: The Staple Singers. We'll explain how Chicago's premier R&B group became the musical voice of the Civil Rights movement back in the 1960s.

And Bob Sirott will have One More Thing about using pennies at the tollbooth.

For More Information:

Joffrey Ballet
The Diaghilev Dynasty
Auditorium Theatre
51 E. Congress, Chicago
Runs Feb. 26 - March 2

Howlin' at the Moon
Black Ensemble Theater
4520 N. Beacon, Chicago
Runs through April 13

Wednesday, February 26, 2003

First Feature
Some doctors are taking the day off in protest over what they consider excessive costs of medical malpractice insurance.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce
Analysis of yesterday's landslide victory for the mayor, an aldermanic upset and five run-off elections. Plus upset-winner Rey Colon in studio.

Also tonight:

• Former Cubs third baseman Ron Santo is shut out again from the Baseball Hall of Fame. He'll be on the phone with Bob Sirott.
• Smallpox vaccinations are coming to Chicago. Why is one major medical center is saying "no thanks"?

At Home With…
Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano spend time "At Home With" the chairman and CEO of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, Rich Melman and his wife Martha.

One More Thing…
about the Baseball Hall of Fame elections

Thursday, February 27, 2003

News Analysis with Phil Ponce:
Remembering Fred Rogers who died at age 74 and analysis of his contributions to children's television

First Feature:
Former CBS anchorwoman Linda MacLennan on her career and what's in store for television in Chicago

From the Vault:
1985 John Callaway interview with Fred Rogers

Check, Please! Supper Club:
115 Bourbon Street, the place for your Mardi Gras celebration

Also tonight:

• Preview this weekend's rebirth of the WTTW series Soundstage featuring Lyle Lovett & Randy Newman
• Tribute to Chicago jazz dance legend Gus Giordano, who turns 80

For more information:
Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago
Spring Concert, featuring the world premiere of Jon Lehrer's Like One Hundred Men and the reconstructed Gang Hep, originally choreographed by Gus Giordano in 1966.
March 7, 8 p.m.
March 8, 8 p.m.
March 9, 3 p.m.
Athenaeum Theater, 2936 N. Southport Avenue
(312) 902-1500

Friday, February 28, 2003

The Week in Review

Joel Weisman and guests discuss Mayor Daley's landslide victory and a few aldermanic election surprises; Governor Blagojevich's proposed budget cuts.The city starts to crackdown on nightclubs in the wake of the E2 tragedy. Tech firm Divine files for chapter 11, while Illinois doctors rally in Springfield to protest insurance costs. In sports Ron Santo is denied a spot in the Hall of Fame, the Bears cut Jim Miller and James "Big Cat" Williams, while the Bulls get hot at home.

Guests: Dick Kay - NBC 5 News; Bob Reed - Crain's Chicago Business; Mary Mitchell - Chicago Sun-Times; Corey McPherrin- Fox News Chicago

The Friday Night Show

A rebroadcast of Bob Sirott's unedited interview with Mayor Richard M. Daley done before the death of "Sis" Daley, the election and the E2 club tragedy.

===== end of week of feb 24

MONDAY, February 17, 2003

We'll review the events leading up to and the ramifications of the tragedy at the E2 nightclub in the south loop that left 21 dead and dozens injured.

We'll also share some stories about Eleanor "Sis" Daley, the wife of Richard J. Daley and mother of Richard M. Daley. The matriarch of Chicago's first political family died Sunday in her Bridgeport home at age 95.

Tuesday, February 18, 2003

— We continue to follow the E2 nightclub tragedy. Phil Ponce and his guests will analyze the latest information regarding the club's operating despite of the courts ordering it closed. We'll hear from the Chicago Corporation Counsel, the attorney for the club owners, as well as community members.

— Bob Sirott talks to Terry Armour and Aretha Fowch about the Chicago club scene.

— Chicago Stories looks at 47th Street. From the 1920s to the 1950s, Bronzeville was the place for entertainment on the south side.

—"Devil in the White City" is a fascinating new book about a serial killer at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Author Erik Larson will be here to talk about this true story.

— From our WTTW vault, we'll pay tribute to Harry Caray, the legendary baseball announcer who died on this date five years ago.

Wednesday, February 19, 2003

- Rich Samuels reports on the latest on the investigation into the E2 nightclub tragedy.

- Four members of the Illinois congressional delegation sit down with Phil Ponce to talk about threats of war, terrorism, the administration's economic plans and more.

- Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano spends some time "At Home With" the Norths - sports talk show host Mike and his wife, Bebe.

- We'll have the "Word of Mouth" on "Daredevil," Ben Affleck's new film and the latest comic book hero to hit the big screen.

- From Chicago Stories, we'll hear about a basketball game held at Chicago Stadium 55 years ago tonight that dramatically changed the course of professional basketball history.

Thursday, February 20, 2003

- A Chicago-area man is among those arrested this morning in Attorney General John Ashcroft's crackdown on terrorism. Rich Samuels will be here will the latest on that story.

- Phil Ponce sits down with prominent members of the African-American community to talk about the aftermath of E2 nightclub's tragic stampede. They'll discuss the community buzz about the media's coverage of the disaster, the rescue response and the victims who feel they are being preyed upon.

- The mayor's mother, Eleanor "Sis" Daley was laid to rest today. Elizabeth Brackett will tell us about today's funeral and how Chicagoans are paying tribute to Chicago's First Lady.

- Chicago Tribune business columnist David Greising will provide insight into how the Bush administration's court reforms may affect financial settlements with families of the E2 victims.

- Chicago Stories gives offers a look at the 1919 race riots - a little-known event that's had a long-lasting impact on our city.

- Harry J. Lennix is a Chicago actor whose credits include TV's "ER" and the upcoming "Matrix" sequels. He was recently on stage in Chicago and talked with Phil Ponce.

- And our Supper Club features Dave's Italian Kitchen - delicious Italian specialties at affordable prices.

Friday, February 21, 2003

This week on Chicago Tonight:The Week in Review:

Joel Weisman and guests discuss the E2 Club tragedy, the passing of Chicago matriarch Eleanor "Sis" Daley this week. Former Senator Carol Moseley-Braun launches a run for the White House. In sports Sammy Sosa reports to spring training on time , while college basketball heads toward March with UIC and the University of Illinois staying hot, while DePaul clings to a tournament a long shot.

Guests:

Mary Mitchell
Chicago Sun-Times

Don Terry
Chicago Tribune

Mike Flannery
CBS 2 News

Lester Munson
Sports Illustrated

Then on the Friday Night Show, Bob Sirott goes one-on-one with Steve Dahl discussing his 25 years in radio, his ex-partner and more.

======= end of week of feb 17

MONDAY, February 10, 2003

A surprising guilty plea today by a defendant accused of funding terrorism. Rich Samuels will talk about it.

Presidential candidate Al Sharpton stirs up controversy with his visit to Chicago. Phil Ponce and his guests will analyze that.

We'll learn about an innovative program to train teachers for some of Chicago's toughest assignments.

Bob Reed, editor of Crain's Chicago Business, will give us some information about another struggling airline that could be a problem for Chicago travelers.

Drastic reductions in some bird populations have scientists concerned. Phil will talk to an ornithologist from The Field Museum to see why it matters.

Once threatened by floods, architect Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House is back in the news. The State of Illinois is backing out of a deal to buy it for $7 million.

We'll get a tour of the Farnsworth House.

We'll get the "Word of Mouth" from John Landecker on the foreign film City of God.

And Bob Sirott will have "One More Thing" about the nation's orange alert.

Academy for Urban School Leadership
Application for the program is located on this website.

Tuesday, February 11, 2003

Lt. Governor Pat Quinn joins Phil Ponce in the studio for a one-on-one conversation about the goals of the new administration and his quixotic political career.

Rich Samuels pays tribute to Daddy-o Daylie, the Chicago radio legend who passed away a few days ago at age 82. (Be sure to check Rich Samuels' personal website for more information.)

Women and heart disease - more women will die of heart disease this year than from all cancers combined. Yet we don't think of it as a woman's issue. We'll tell you the warning signs and hear from a survivor.

She was a flying ace before Amelia Earhart - and the first African-American to get a pilot's license. Chicago Stories has the story of Bessie Coleman, pilot pioneer.

With more than 40 million Americans in a low-sex or no-sex marriage, author Michele Weiner-Davis has some tips to turn your love-life around this Valentine's Day. In her book, "The Sex-Starved Marriage: A Couple's Guide to Boosting Their Marriage Libido," Weiner-Davis challenges her readers to take "The Great American Sex Challenge" to recharge their marital sex-lives.

Also on the book beat - passion of a different sort. Diane Swonk, author of The Passionate Economist looks at the human story behind the numbers. .

And Bob Sirott will have One More Thing about surveys and polls.

Wednesday, February 12, 2003

A conversation with Mayor Richard M. Daley. The mayor talks about the state of the city, politics and the election coming up in fewer than two weeks.

Phil Ponce and his panel look at some of the aldermanic matchups that are making for interesting races.

Bob Schieffer of CBS News has been a fixture in Washington for more than 30 years. Author of the new book, This Just In, he'll stop by to tell us some of the things he "couldn't tell us on TV."

Rich Samuels previews the Chicago Auto Show: What's realistic and what's over the top.

Financial expert Terry Savage will join us to talk about how we might plan our personal finances in view of the Bush administration's tax-cut proposals.

And Bob Sirott will have One More Thing about duct tape.

Thursday, February 13, 2003

We've all heard reports that suggest that we buy plastic and duct tape to protect ourselves from a possible bioterrorist attack. But will that really work? Phil Ponce and his panel of experts will answer that question and offer other safety tips. They'll also discuss what city and state officials are doing to keep us safe and prepare for an emergency.

Joel Weisman and his guests will talk about potential effects of war and terrorism on the markets and the economy.

Chicago Tribune business columnist David Greising will be here to talk about the future of the area's largest phone company, SBC.

Chicago Stories recounts the 1933 Chicago World's Fair - and its image of African-Americans.

Want a good wine for Valentine's Day? Wine experts from the restaurants Everest and Bin 36 have several good suggestions that will please your sweetheart - and your wallet.

And our Supper Club spotlights a special Valentine's dinner that puts couples in the mood for love - we'll meet Ina, of Ina's Kitchen.

Links for Emergency Preparedness
American Red Cross
State of Illinois Emergency Info

Alpana Singh of Everest recommends:

1999 Remo Farina Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore, Italy $9.79
Bonny Doon Framboisiere Dessert Wine, California $9.99
1993 Allozo Tempranillo Reserva La Mancha, Spain $14.99
2001 Genestriere Tavel Rose, Provence, France $7.99
1999 Mas Gourgonnier Provence Red, France $8.99

Brian Duncan of Bin 36 recommends:
2001 Albarino, Valminor, Rias Baixas, Galicia, Spain $15 retail
(This is one of his favorite "Aphrodisiac" wines because it pairs beautifully with oysters. The flavors are clean and un-obscured by oak, so they perfectly elevate the delicate flavors of shellfish and oysters without overpowering them.)

2000 Montagne Saint-Emilion, Chateau Le Clos Daviaud, Bordeaux, France $15
(The framework is solid oak, while the core reveals earthy minerals, giving it rich layers of complexity and balance.)
(60% Merlot/20% Cabernet France/20% Cabernet Sauvignon)

2001 Brachetto d'Acqui, Rosa Regale, Castello Banfi, Piemonte, Italy $15 (Brian says this is a fantastic way to take chocolate and berry based desserts to the ultimate level. It actually makes them taste even better. This little glass of delicious pink bubbles will set the stage for a magical evening. It comes in half-bottles. You won't need more than that.)

Brian's personal favorite luxury Champagne:
1982 Blanc de Blancs, Salon, Le Mesnil, Sur Oger

Cabaret events and singers featured in tonight's show
Mabel Mercer Foundation's Second Chicago Cabaret Convention, Feb 14-17, 2003

Chicago's Just Say Cabaret Weekend, Feb 14-17, 2003

Judy Roberts

MaryMonica Thomas

Ravinia Festival's Martinis in the Martin

Friday, February 14, 2003

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
Joel Weisman and guests discuss how well the city is prepared in the case of a terrorism attack. The latest on the race for senate and the mayoral election that is two weeks away.

Congressman Jessie Jackson Jr. criticizes the Metra expansion plan as Illinois gas prices head toward record levels. In sports the Cubs and White Sox open spring training, while the Bulls hit a seven game losing streak.

Charles Thomas -- ABC 7 News; Steve Neal -- Chicago Sun-Times; Bob McCoppin -- Daily Herald; Mike North -- Score Sports Radio

The Friday Night Show
Bob Sirott goes one-on-one with Mayor Richard M. Daley.

======== end of week of feb 10

MONDAY, February 3, 2003

Chicago reacts to the shuttle tragedy. Phil Ponce talks with local experts about the investigation and the future of space exploration.

Elizabeth Brackett explores Chicago-based Boeing's role in the shuttle program and what Saturday's accident will mean to the company's future.

For Black History Month: "HistoryMakers" is a Chicago project compiling video archives of thousands of African-Americans - some famous, some not - who have made important contributions to society. Bob Sirott will talk about the project with its founder.

From Chicago Stories, a look at the Pullman porters and their fight to unionize in the 1920s and '30s. Decades later, their struggle would become a model for the Civil Rights Movement.

Bob Reed, editor of Crain's Chicago Business, will join us with the latest sobering realities about war and the business community. But we'll also talk about interesting news involving both Chicago Major League Baseball teams.

Outraged by corporate perks? We'll talk to the nation's leading corporate watchdog and shareholder advocate, Nell Minow. She's known as the "CEO Killer."

And Bob Sirott will have "One More Thing" about the shuttle disaster.

Tuesday, February 4, 2003

What's in a name? About $68 million when it comes to Comiskey Park, now U.S. Cellular Field. Phil Ponce and his panel will bat that topic around.

Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun is the latest book all Chicago is supposed to read. We'll find out why.

On the eve of Secretary of State Colin Powell's speech to the United Nations about Iraq, former U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson remembers his father's 1962 U.N. speech detailing the Cuban missile crisis.

Chicago Sun-Times theater critic Hedy Weiss reviews three new productions that stress different kinds of movement.

Rich Samuels shows us some of the shocking works of Leon Golub and talks with the controversial Chicago-born political artist.

From Wild Chicago, Will Clinger takes us ice fishing off Burnham Harbor.

And Bob Sirott will have "One More Thing" about some other ideas for renaming Comiskey Park.

Wednesday, February 5, 2003

Phil Ponce and his guests will have local reaction to and analysis of Secretary of State Colin Powell's speech to the United Nations about Iraq.

A new documentary tells the story of the fire that took nearly 100 lives at Our Lady of the Angels School in Chicago. We'll have a preview and talk with Jay Shefsky, producer of the documentary.

Tonight Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano get personal with a very public couple. They are "At Home With" Alderman Ed Burke and Appelate Court Judge Anne Burke in the 14th Ward.

Baseball comes to the Field Museum. Rich Samuels gives us a look at an exhibit straight from the Hall of Fame.

We'll get the "Word of Mouth" on The Recruit, a new movie starring Al Pacino.

Phil Ponce will talk with the dean of Chicago tenor saxophone players, Von Freeman.

And Bob Sirott will have "One More Thing" about $20 that may be yours.

Thursday, February 6, 2003

Bob sits down with former astronaut Jim Lovell to talk about the shuttle disaster and the future of space exploration.
Lovell's of Lake Forest

Phil Ponce and his guests discuss the state of the Cook County Forest Preserves and efforts by some commissioners to reform this and other parts of county government.

The Chicago Tribune's David Greising will discuss how the Chicago area has been hit the hardest by job layoffs.

From our Channel 11 vault, a Chicago Tonight conversation from 1984 between John Callaway and WGN Radio's Bob Collins, who died in a plane crash three years ago this Saturday.

We tour Chicago's Fire Museum. You have to search hard to find it, but we'll do the work for you. For more information call, 773 / 777-4511.

And our Check, Please! Supper Club takes us to Mas tonight for new age Spanish cuisine.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review

Phil Ponce sits in for Joel Weisman topics include, the state of the Illinois GOP party, the licence for bribes scandal gets ever closer to linking George Ryan. Chicago is named the job loss capital of America. 200 children are unaccounted for by DCFS as Governor Blagojevich appoints a task force to tackle the problems. And the new Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Mexican Fine Arts Center draws raves reviews.

Guests: Mike Flannery -- CBS 2 News; Dan Miller -- Chicago Sun-Times; Alysia Tate -- Chicago Reporter; Andrew Patner -- WFMT-FM

The Friday Night Show

Bob Sirott talks to longtime Chicago newsman Joel Daly of ABC 7 News.

======= end of week of feb 3

MONDAY, January 27, 2003

Following the latest U.N. inspectors reports, how close is the U.S. to a war with Iraq? With little support from the international community, how wise is be for America to go at it alone? Phil Ponce and his guests have that debate.

Those Super Bowl commercials - how successful were they? We'll look at the ads that scored, and the ones that fell incomplete.

Bob Reed from Crain's Chicago Business will be here with news about some big changes at Marshall Field's on State Street.

The Jackie Wilson Story leaves Chicago for a national tour that includes New York's Apollo Theatre. Phil talks to the star of the show, Chester Gregory, a young man who may be on the verge of a national breakthrough.

From our Channel 11 Vault, we'll take a look back at Clayton Moore, the man who played the Lone Ranger, on a visit to Rogers Park more than 20 years ago.

We get the "Word of Mouth" on the film Far from Heaven, starring Julianne Moore and Dennis Quaid.

And Bob Sirott will have "One More Thing" about potato chips.

Tuesday, January 28, 2003

Tonight Phil Ponce and his guests preview President Bush's State of the Union address and the Democratic leaderships early reaction to his speech. The panel will also discuss the "clout" list that has sprouted from Scott Fawell's trial.

Later in the show, Phil will speak one-on-one with Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Gery Chico about his campaign and his plans for Illinois if elected.

A new study recommends a test that may tell a significant portion of Americans if they are at risk for a heart attack.

Sun-Times theatre critic Hedy Weiss reviews the stage version of "The Cider House Rules."

We'll hear from best-selling author Judith Viorst. Her new book sheds light on what it takes for a "Grown-up Marriage" to succeed.

From our Channel 11 Vault, a look at a young Mike Wallace selling shampoo on Chicago T.V.

And Bob Sirott has one more thing about VCR tapes.

Wednesday, January 29, 2003

A three-year old foster child is found chained to a bed. Is this an isolated incident or are drastic changes needed in the Illinois child welfare system? Phil Ponce and his guests will take a closer look.

One of the most recognized and beloved paintings at the Art Institute is going to be take off display for awhile starting next week - we'll show you why.

Chicago Stories gives us a look at former alderman Leon Despres, who spent his career unsuccessfully challenging Mayor Richard J. Daley, but many of his reform ideas later became reality.

Not communicating about money can undermine a relationship. How should families deal with finances? Author Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz will explain why It Pays to Talk.

It's almost the Chinese New Year. Wild Chicago takes us all the way to Hong Kong for the colorful festivities.

And Bob Sirott will have "One More Thing" about sleep - or to be more exact - the lack of it.

Thursday, January 30, 2003

A new rapid transit proposal for the suburbs. Elizabeth Brackett tells us about the plan and its chances for becoming a reality.

How does Chicago's employment climate compare with other cities? Is temping an option you should consider? Phil Ponce and his guests discuss the role that job placement agencies are playing in this layoff-heavy environment.

David Greising, business columnist at the Chicago Tribune, will join us to talk about his trip to the World Economic Summit in Davos Switzerland. This year's meeting was less about world finance and more about the possible war in Iraq.

Rich Samuels previews some of the area's upcoming events for February's Black History Month.

From Artbeat Chicago, Fawn Ring will take us to a hidden gem on Michigan Avenue - the Fine Arts Building. We'll take a ride with one of the city's last elevator operators.

Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano will be "At Home With" Chicago restaurateur extraodinaire Jerry Kleiner and girlfriend, Marisa Molinaro. The creative force behind popular dining establishments, Marché, Red Light, Gioco and Opera, Kleiner brings the grand scale of his restaurants to his bigger-than-life home.

And for Chinese New Year, our Check Please Supper Club features delicious dishes from Shanghai Terrace, the beautiful dining spot in the Peninsula Hotel.
Shanghai Terrace
the Peninsula Hotel
108 E. Superior

Friday, January 31, 2003

Chicago Tonight:The Week in Review
Betty Loren-Maltese begins her prison sentence, former Governor George Ryan's clout list is released. United Airlines calls for more employee cuts and the creation of it's own discount airline. Metra announces plans for a new train line to run from Joliet to O'Hare. In sports the Bulls Jalen Rose is snubbed for an all-star spot and the White Sox contemplate re-naming Comiskey Park.

Guests:
David Greising - Chicago Tribune; Andy Shaw - ABC 7 News; Bob Herguth - Chicago Sun-Times; Steve Rosenbloom - Chicago Tribune

The Friday Night Show
Bob Sirott interviews long-time Chicago newspaper columnist Jack Mabley.

====== end of week of january 27 2003