Stories by Rhyan Zuercher

Native American images and mascots have long been used by college and professional teams. But there's a growing push to do away with a practice some find racist. Should the Blackhawks change their name? We discuss the issue.

Activist Bill Ayers joins us to talk about his new book, Public Enemy: Confessions of an American Dissident. Read an excerpt, and watch a web extra video.

Sir Gilbert Levine came to be known as the "Pope's Maestro" through his relationship with Pope John Paul II, spanning 17 years. He worked closely with the pope to conduct historic concerts around the globe in an effort to bring people of all faith's together, and is known in Chicago for bringing together the Lyric Opera Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Chorus in their first combined performance in 2012. He  joins us for a conversation.

A House Bill regarding stronger punishment for unlawful gun offenses is up for debate in the fall veto session, with Mayor Rahm Emanuel in support. We talk with Ald. Will Burns (4th) and Ald. Willie Cochran (20th) about how to combat gun violence in Chicago, and across the state. Read an article.

We discuss fall veto session activity, and whether the Illinois General Assembly will tackle the nearly $100 billion shortfall in pension systems currently facing the state. Gun control and same-sex marriage are also up for debate.

Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley joins us to talk about the Affordable Care Act, government shutdown fallout, a federal spending deal, and the future of bipartisan cooperation in the House of Representatives.

The president and CEO of the mutual fund association, Investment Company Institute (ICI), talks with us about retirement savings and how to plan for the future. View graphics of his research.