Stories by WTTW News

The amazing story of Vivian Maier, a Chicago nanny who took more than 100,000 photos during her lifetime but never showed them to anyone. Now that she's gone and her photos have been discovered, some say she may rank among the top street photographers of the 20th century. Jay Shefsky brings us tonight's "Cultural Connection."

The story behind the extravagant Hollywood spectacles of a legendary director. We hear from Jeffrey Spivak, local author of a new book on the life and art of Busby Berkeley. Jeffrey Spivak's website

Did Frank Lloyd Wright design a CTA el station? We learn about the past, present and future of the bustling Wilson Red Line stop in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey. History of the Wilson train station Chicago Tribune article about the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway

As we get ready for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we take a look at Dr. King's days in Chicago as recalled in WTTW's award-winning documentary, "DuSable to Obama: Chicago's Black Metropolis." More on the documentary

We asked if you support a state income tax increase without further spending cuts. Here are some of your responses.

It's been a historic week for the Illinois General Assembly. Springfield lawmakers managed to pass the new 67 percent state income tax hike mere hours before the legislative inauguration. Gov. Quinn has also been sent legislation that would ban the death penalty in Illinois. Carol Marin has the latest.

Critics are already predicting a massive business exodus now that the state income tax increase passed, but some say this could be just the budget savior Illinois has been waiting for.

He's a perennial candidate for mayor and governor. So why does he think he has a shot at City Hall this time? We speak with William "Dock" Walls. Walls' mayoral page

We find out why zoo officials and primate lovers across the country have gone "ape" over Lincoln Park Zoo's newborn baby gibbon. Read about the white-cheeked gibbon

Elizabeth Brackett and her panel debate whether the tax proposal is good enough to solve the state's long-term budget problems.

One year after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, life is still far from normal on the island nation. We hear from a Chicago area relief worker in Haiti on what he's seeing on the ground there. Partners with Sassier in Haiti

University of Chicago Professor Thomas Holt talks about his new book, Children of Fire: A History of African Americans. More on the book Holt's Bio

What's behind rising rates of asthma, autism and other childhood diseases baffling doctors? A new long-term study launching in Cook County hopes to find out, and we tell you how your family can participate. To find out more visit The Greater Chicago Study Center online or call 1-866-315-7124

Famously frightening works of art. We take a closer look at The Art Institute's huge collection of paintings and drawings by provocative Chicago artist, Ivan Albright. Prints and drawings from The Art Institute

Newly inaugurated Illinois governor Pat Quinn is backing the 67 percent tax increase plan. But will it pass the general assembly? We have the latest on a very busy day in Springfield.

It's Inauguration Day at the capitol and the state is suffering its biggest budget deficit in history. Carol Marin joins us live from Springfield with the latest on how Governor Quinn's tax hike plan is being received and more.

The mayoral candidates talked city pensions today. Gery Chico, Miguel del Valle and Carol Moseley Braun all say they should not be cut back for current employees. But Rahm Emanuel says they should. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest.

Hundreds of millions of gallons of water flow throughout Chicago taps every day. But is the water safe to drink? A recent environmental study has set off alarms on Capitol Hill and at the EPA. Ash-har Quraishi takes a look at "Chromium-6." Chromium-6 Study (PDF link)

Chicago has the highest gas prices in the nation. Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel has that and more in our business report.

Patricia Van Pelt-Watkins may not be a household name yet - but after raising hundreds of thousands of dollars, the mayoral candidate could be soon. Watkins discusses her candidacy for mayor and more.

Performance artist and Glen Ellyn native Laurie Anderson tells us about her latest work, her third Grammy nomination and life with husband, Lou Reed. Laurie Anderson's website

We share some of our viewers' feedback on recently aired shows.

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: a judge rules mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel can stay on the ballot, but the battle rages on in court. Meanwhile, Carol Moseley Braun flip-flops and releases her tax returns, which show she is in deep financial trouble. An income tax hike looks like it's a done deal, courtesy of the lame-duck Springfield session. President Obama names Bill Daley as his new White House Chief of Staff. A surprising new report reveals $820,000 of lavish spending on parties, booze and a bug sweep under former Chicago School Board presidents.

The market made huge gains last year, but how's the financial forecast shaping up for 2011? We place our bets tonight, and find out what that might mean for your 401(k).

We talk with controversial minister Carlton Pearson about why he's decided to step down as interim senior minister at Christ Universal Temple. Watch our story from Dec. 7, 2009 about Carlton Pearson

There's a man in plain sight spying on visitors to the Museum of Contemporary Art. We find out why. MCA's Interaction Series MCA's Without You I'm Nothing: Art and Its Audience Lou Mallozzi's Experimental Sound Studio