Stories by WTTW News

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

Today Illinois legislative leaders struck a deal for a 2.25 percent income tax increase. Will it be passed by the general assembly? We get the latest scoop from the Chicago Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney on a busy day in Springfield.

Chicagoan Bill Daley, the former U.S. commerce secretary and brother of Mayor Daley, is taking over as White House chief of staff. We have details of this key presidential appointment.

Cook County faces a budget shortfall of almost $500 million, and new Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has ordered across-the-board cuts. Eddie Arruza talks to three top officials about how they plan to comply.

On the campaign trail today, Miguel del Valle said he is sure he will be the "poorest" candidate in the race, but that he will have the most to offer. Carol Moseley Braun refused to elaborate on the tax returns that she released yesterday. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest on the mayoral race.

How will Cook County close a $487 million budget gap? Newly sworn-in Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joins Carol Marin for a one-on-one interview.

Chicago Tribune religion reporter Manya Brachear discusses the ousting of controversial Bishop Carlton Pearson, who replaced Christ Universal Temple's iconic Reverend Dr. Johnnie Coleman. She also talks about the Archdiocese of Milwaukee filing for Chapter 11.

Did George W. Bush's distinct personality help lead to the war in Iraq? We talk with the author of a new book that offers a psychological analysis of America's 43rd President and argues that early events in his life would later shape one of his most controversial decisions. Find out more about the book: George W. Bush and the Redemptive Dream: A Psychological Portrait

95 years ago, a primitive submarine was raised from the bottom of the Chicago River. We look at this little-known Chicago mystery. Watch the Foolkiller slideshow

A Cook County Circuit Court judge upheld the Chicago Election Board's ruling that Rahm Emanuel is eligible to appear on the ballot. Elizabeth Brackett has the details.