Chicago's homicide rate is up nearly 50 percent from last year at this time. What can be done to deter the escalating violence? Elizabeth Brackett and her guests discuss the issue.

The issue of gay marriage in Illinois is heading to court. Two lawsuits filed Wednesday on behalf of same sex couples say they are being denied their constitutional rights. We hear why the suits are coming now.

The Illinois Senate passed a bill on Tuesday that would raise cigarette taxes by $1 a pack.

Mayor Emanuel and Police Supt. McCarthy react to a bloody and deadly Memorial Day weekend and outline a new, high-tech, anti-gang strategy. Eddie Arruza has the latest.

A landfill company wins a court fight to dump near the city's South Side. But community residents and some state lawmakers say the plan stinks. Paris Schutz has the latest.

We asked what you thought about President Obama coming out in support of gay marriage. We read what some of you had to say in tonight's Viewer Mail.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald explains why he's resigning from his post next month, and admits having some regrets during his nearly 11 years in Chicago. Eddie Arruza reports.

Three former U.S. Attorneys for the Northern District of Illinois join us to weigh in on who will bring a "fresh view" to the position in the wake of Patrick Fitzgerald's resignation.

It was a passionate debate, but in the end, the Illinois House passed Medicaid reform. We have the latest from Springfield on that, and the gambling expansion debate.

The Illinois House approved an expansion to gambling in the state, including casinos in Chicago and four other cities, despite objections from Gov. Pat Quinn. 

We have your thoughts about our NATO coverage when we read some of your Viewer Mail.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, the powerhouse prosecutor who helped put away two Illinois governors and a slew of other corrupt officials, is stepping down after 11 years. We talk with the head of the FBI in Chicago about Fitzgerald's imprint on Illinois. Then, Carol Marin and her panel discuss Fitzgerald's tenure in office and the future of the position.

He grew up the son of a New York city doorman, and was brought to Chicago as an outsider. Elizabeth Brackett takes a look back at how Patrick Fitzgerald got here.

Three protesters charged with planning to carry out alleged terrorist attacks during the NATO summit were in court Tuesday. Paris Schutz has the latest.

Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy joins us to to talk about being on the front lines, and the police response during the NATO protests.