Stories by WTTW News

Rezko Trial Update The government's star witness in the trial of Tony Rezko returned to the stand today. Rich Samuels tells us what Stuart Levine had to say about his relationship with Governor Rod Blagojevich. View Clip News Analysis with Carol Marin Senator Barack Obama's impassioned speech in Philadelphia yesterday took on the issue of race. Carol Marin and her panel take a closer look at the speech and the concerns he raised.

News Analysis with Eddie Arruza The stock market has been on a roller coaster ride lately. Today the Federal Reserve hoped to calm queasy investors after slashing interest rates three quarters of a percent. Eddie Arruza and his panel weigh in on the latest economic news. View Clip

Local Politics Update Governor Blagojevich ducked reporters questions about Tony Rezko today. And state legislators say it's time to make it more difficult for county commissioners to raise taxes. Rich Samuels has details.

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7 pm Chicago's new police chief replaces 21 of 25 district commanders, details of Tony Rezko's heavy clout with the Blagojevich administration exposed in court this week, charges of racism in the presidential campaign, ComEd hiking rates again, Chicago wants to give cabbies a gasoline surcharge, the Cubs and Sox season openers just 17 days away, and player mutiny on the Bulls. Guests:

Rezko Corruption Trial Elizabeth Brackett has the latest from the corruption trial of Tony Rezko, former top fundraiser for Governor Blagojevich. View Clip Pilobolus Pilobolus Dance Theatre has earned a reputation as a dance company for people who don't like dance. We speak with the Chicago area dancer who performs around the world with the company of choreographers and dancer-athletes.

Presidential Politics In Chicago today, presidential candidate Barack Obama reacted to comments by the first woman to run for Vice President. Rich Samuels brings us up to date on the controversy. And a top Chicago supporter of Hillary Clinton adds her dimension to the story. View Clip

Chicago Police Update The expected plea deal for the Chicago cop caught on tape beating a female bartender fell through in court today. Now the police department is looking to fire him. Rich Samuels has the latest. View Clip

State of the GOP In a bitterly contested special election race, Democrat Bill Foster on Saturday beat Jim Oberweis in the race to finish off former House Speaker Hastert's term. We take a closer look at what this victory means. View Clip Remembering Gus Giordano Chicago dance pioneer Gus Giordano died yesterday. We revisit a 2002 conversation our Fawn Ring had with Giordano about his legendary career.

Rezko Corruption Trial Opening arguments began today in the federal corruption trial of Tony Rezko, the governor's top fundraiser. Elizabeth Brackett brings us the latest. View Clip

Million Dollar Mystery Rich Samuels takes a look at the mystery school that got the million dollars Governor Blagojevich originally earmarked for Pilgrim Baptist Church. View Clip

News Analysis with Eddie Arruza We kick off our new Chicago Matters series called "Growing Forward." How is Chicago doing on the mayor's stated goal of becoming the greenest big city in the nation? Eddie Arruza talks with Chicago's Environment Commissioner for an update. View Clip

Rezko Corruption Trial Jury selection began today in the corruption trial of the governor's top fundraiser Tony Rezko. Rich Samuels has the latest. View Clip

The Week in Review Governor Blagojevich revealed as public official 'A,' controversy over public school closings, Tribune eager to sell Wrigley Field naming rights and county budget deadline looms.

Cook County Board Latest There were fireworks at the Cook County building as Todd Stroger and Cook County commissioners try to agree on the budget before tomorrow's deadline. Rich Samuels has a live report. News Analysis with Eddie Arruza Governor Blagojevich proposed $40 million in state funds to tear down Cole Hall, the scene of the deadly shooting at Northern Illinois University. Eddie Arruza and his panel of legislators and NIU students weigh in.

Cook County Budget With a Friday deadline looming, Cook County Commissioners today rejected a proposal to raise the sales tax to balance the 2008 budget. Rich Samuels will update us on the county's fiscal crisis as the possibility of a county government shut down approaches.

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger The Cook County Board of Commissioners has until Friday to pass a balanced budget or face a partial shutdown of the county government. So far the gridlocked board has been unable to reach a consensus. Cook County Board President Todd Stroger joins us to talk about the budget debate.

Cook County Tax Members of the Cook County Board met today to discuss President Todd Stroger's sales tax plan. We have the latest. Deepak Chopra Who is Jesus? It's a question that's been asked for thousands of years. Spiritual leader Deepak Chopra joins us to share his take on the question, the topic of his new book "The Third Jesus: The Christ We Cannot Ignore."

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7pm Presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton square off at a debate in Texas, Governor Blagojevich lays out lofty budget proposals, Todd Stroger's stalled county budget due next week, Northern Illinois University victims laid to rest, Northwestern University's journalism dean in hot water after using anonymous quotes, and the Bulls trade Ben Wallace. Guests:

Transit Funding Update Two local congressmen claim Governor Blagojevich's proposed budget will cost billions in lost federal transit funds. Rich Samuels tells us why they are asking state legislators to take matters into their own hands. News Analysis with Eddie Arruza Critics say the Governor's budget proposal is laden with spending programs the state cannot afford. Eddie Arruza and his panel take a closer look. Guests: State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and Fmr. Governor Jim Edgar

Cook County Update The Cook County Board of Commissioners has set a date to determine whether to raise your taxes. Rich Samuels tells us about the imminent moment of truth. Live Report from Springfield Governor Rod Blagojevich today proposed major capital spending and tax cuts as part of his 2008 budget. Carol Marin joins us live from Springfield with more on how the 2010 gubernatorial campaign may already be swinging into gear.

The Works of Edward Hopper, 1882 - 1967

Gun Control Laws Citing recent fatal shootings in Tinley Park and at Northern Illinois University, Mayor Daley and other legislators today called for stiffer gun control laws. Rich Samuels has details. News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Elizabeth Brackett talks one-on-one with Chicago's new police superintendent, former FBI man Jody Weis.

Tinley Park Shooting Update An impassioned plea today to a mass murderer still at large. Rich Samuels has the latest on the search for the man who killed five women in Tinley Park 16 days ago.

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7 pm Elizabeth Brackett reports from Dekalb with an update on the Northern Illinois University shootings, Presidential hopeful Barack Obama on a delegate roll, Midway Airport for sale, layoffs announced at the Chicago Tribune, Sears cutting 200 jobs, Donald Trump sued by more disgruntled condo buyers, Red Line loop service trimmed, Chicago parking meters put on the block, and spring training opens. Guests:

NIU EMERGENCY HOTLINE FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS 815-753-1573 815-753-6143 815-753-1574 815-753-1575 815-753-9564 815-753-6257 News Analysis with Eddie Arruza As health care costs rise, so is the prevalence of companies offering employees healthy habit incentives. But are some businesses taking illegal measures if workers don't comply? Eddie Arruza and his panel take a look at a trend that could affect you.

News Analysis with Carol Marin Convicted former city clerk James Laski just finished an 11-month prison sentence. He used the time to write "My Fall from Grace: City Hall to Prison Walls." In it, he claims Mayor Daley knew more about the "Hired Truck Scandal" than he admitted. Carol Marin sits down with James Laski.