Stories by WTTW News

29 Chicago Public School students have been murdered this year. Yesterday, friends, family, and activists went to Springfield to push for tougher gun laws. Eddie Arruza and his panel examine the violence and possible solutions. Community Mental Health Council CeaseFire Chicago Catalyst Chicago

Susan Axelrod, wife of political power-broker and presidential advisor David Axelrod tells her family's story of combating epilepsy and their passion to find a cure. Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy

Why is the draw bridge on the north branch of the Chicago River always in the upright position? Geoffrey Baer gives us the answer to that and other questions about Chicago history in tonight's edition of "Ask Geoffrey." Clinton Street Station

Christian Farr takes us to see the Field Museum's latest collection of ancient jewelry from the Middle East and learns how these very old pieces were able withstand the test of time.

Closing arguments were given today in the political corruption trial of former Streets and Sanitation commissioner Al Sanchez. Elizabeth Brackett was in court today and has the details.

Gov. Quinn pitched his proposed budget today, which includes tax and fee increases. Are his plans the right direction for the state? Carol Marin sits down with a panel of fiscal experts for more on the governor's proposals.

Activists threaten protests when the International Olympics Committee visits next month and Mayor Daley defends his top cop. Rich Samuels has the latest from City Hall.

The recession has brought down the financial markets and among the hardest hit investments have been hedge funds. What are they and why are they controversial? That is tonight's focus for our series, "The Bottom Line.

Hedy Weiss reviews Chazz Palminteri's "A Bronx Tale," on stage now at the Oriental Theatre.

Six students from the Music Institute of Chicago are about to embark on the tour of a lifetime. Two of them join us to talk about the exciting trip and to perform live in our studio.

Tonight we kick off our Chicago Matters series with an exploration of the Chicago region and how it can thrive in a global era. 100 years ago, the Burnham Plan laid the foundation for so much of what Chicagoans value today. But who is planning for the next 100 years? Elizabeth Brackett's panelists offer their visions for Chicago's future.

Before Chicago tackles big ideas, some civic planners say there are more pressing concerns, namely, education drop-out rates, crime-ridden neighborhoods, and gentrification. A sociologist and co-author of "The New Chicago" discusses the social challenges and demographic changes the region faces.

Rich Samuels tells us why industry and environmentalists agree it is time to renew the infrastructure of the Illinois waterway system.

This week the Canadian National Railways started rolling its trains down the old Elgin, Joliet and Eastern tracks. Many communities will be impacted by the added train traffic. We hear the pros and cons of the deal from Barrington's village president, and the executive director of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

It can be described as the Internet of the future, and its nucleus is right here in Chicago. Christian Farr talks to people behind Starlight and finds out why it is so important to the world of scientific research.

We get a crane's-eye-view of the city from a construction worker-turned-photographer. View slideshow of Ken Derry's photographs

A Chicago bartender winds up as the starting linebacker in the AFC championship game. We talk to him about his new book, and how his father inspired his unlikely journey to football glory.

From the Archives - March 17, 2004: Watch how the Chicago River is dyed green.

We hear what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer mail.

AIG sparked outrage this weekend as the government-rescued company revealed plans to pay employees $165 million in bonuses. Rich Samuels reports on the reaction from politicians and taxpayers.

Should the state brace for a tax increase? If the governor has his way, a personal income tax increase could be on the horizon. Our panel of state lawmakers discuss what this could mean for the state.

Is the Wall Street Journal trying to poach Chicago newspaper readers? A full-page ad in last week's Chicago Sun-Times begs the question. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio's "Noon Business Hour" has the scoop on the ad when she joins us with the week's top business stories.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Governor Quinn reportedly considering hiking income taxes by 50 percent; 27 Chicago Public School students already killed this school year; CTA fare hikes and service cuts on the table; the Sears Tower being renamed; the Art Institute boosting admission cost 50 percent; Chicago aldermen balk at being investigated by the city's inspector general; and the Bulls and Blackhawks battling for playoff positions. Guests:

Mayor Daley revealed today how Chicago hopes to spend an anticipated billion dollars in federal economic stimulus funds. Rich Samuels tells us how the money could be used. How Chicago plans to allocate $1 billion in economic stimulus funds

A bill introduced in Congress this week would make it easier for workers to form and join unions. Big Labor is aggressively pushing for the bill, but some employers call it a job killer. Eddie Arruza and his guests dissect the Employee Free Choice Act.

Actress Sharon Gless is starring in an independent film adapted from a drama by Chicago playwright Claudia Allen. We take you behind the scenes on the "Hannah Free" set.