Stories by WTTW News

Supporters of the Falun Gong movement held a protest today, which marks the 10th anniversary of the banning of the movement in China. Rich Samuels tells us more about the movement, and goes inside today's demonstration.

Midway Games, maker of the popular video game Mortal Kombat, is nearing the end of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and has laid off all of its Chicago corporate employees. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio's Noon Business Hour has the details on that story, plus the rest of the week's business headlines.

Forty years after the Apollo 11 launch, we look at the inspiring legacy of the lunar missions and talk to an astronomer about the potential for the next giant leap -- a mission to Mars. Northwestern University Astronomy & Astrophysics Adler Planetarium

The 101st Annual Race to Mackinac Island is underway, with some boats already crossing the finish line in Michigan. 260 boats are racing and our own Geoffrey Baer is on one of them. We take a look back at his documentary chronicling the world's largest annual freshwater distance race.

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

We honor the life of journalist Walter Cronkite, who died Friday at the age of 92.

Tonight's panel discusses the week's top headlines: Governor Quinn passes a stop-gap budget; Mayor Daley lays off 431 workers after their unions refused to take furlough days off; families are in mourning all over again during the Burr Oak Cemetery scandal; Chicago on a Denver booting-blitz; the CTA cracking down on sexual harassment; the Cubs and Sox well-rested after the All-Star break; and the Blackhawks fire general manager Dale Tallon. Guests:

For the rest of the summer we'll be replaying the best of John Callaway's interviews over the years. Tonight we take a look back at a 1998 conversation with legendary movie reviewers Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert who launched their show right here at Channel 11 in 1975.

Illinois lawmakers are putting off the tough financial decisions until next year -- that's how many critics view last night's passage of a temporary budget that relies heavily on debt and deferred payments. Eddie Arruza and his panel of lawmakers discuss what's next for cash-strapped Illinois. See how your state senate senator voted

We have an update to a story we brought you a few years ago concerning so-called "food deserts" in Chicago -- areas that lack access to grocery stores and healthy food. Christian Farr talks with people who are fighting to make these "deserts" disappear.

We talk to Cameron Davis, the local man tapped by President Obama to help restore the Great Lakes. Chi-Town Daily News profile of Cameron Davis (06/22/09)

Did you know that the first modern airfield in the U.S. was located right outside Chicago? Geoffrey Baer has the details on that and more in tonight's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

We take a look back at John Callaway's 1998 Friday Night interview with legendary film reviewers Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. Museum of Broadcast Communications on Siskel and Ebert

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

Governor Pat Quinn makes a statement about the scandal at Burr Oak Cemetery, where some men and women found their deceased relatives no longer at their burial sits.  Quinn discusses the investigation, and how the temporary oversight  of the cemetery will function.

Governor Pat Quinn takes questions on the budget struggling to be passed by state legislature at his July 16 press conference.  Topics include departments that will be cut, and how Quinn believes the state should adjust to the current economy.

Brandon Johnson works with the Washington Park Consortium to improve the quality of life of those in his community.  The plan was developed during eighteen months by residents of the neighborhood.  He says food deserts are important because it "helps the community find the value of food."

In an extended interview, Seneca Kern of WeFarm America explains how he is working to bring farms to people's backyards to help localize the food economy.  Focusing on the benefits for kids, he says it's both nutritious for their bodies and teaches them positive values.

Ladonna Redmond has been working for years to bring healthy food to communities with low access to that food.  In an extended interview, she tells Christian Farr why she thinks bringing nutritious food to these areas is essential, and elaborates on how she and others are working to help.

What are the challenges of making sure healthy food is properly distributed in food deserts? In an extended interview, David Thompson of the Chicago Center for Urban Ecology explains how his project is trying to help grow nutritious options and get them into grocery stores.

The Governor answered questions about Illinois' newly passed budget today. Rich Samuels tells us what he had to say about the state's fiscal plan. WEB EXCLUSIVE: Quinn's press conference on budget WEB EXCLUSIVE: Quinn's press conference on Burr Oak

The ax falls on some city workers after their unions refuse to blink. Rich Samuels has the latest from City Hall.

Just how close are legislators to a balanced budget? Carol Marin discusses the state's fiscal problems with a panel of experts.

What is Cloud Computing? It's not about using your PC on an airplane! Northwestern University's Kristian Hammond explains this vision for the future of the Internet.

Dramatic changes in the auto industry have forced some parts makers to look for new ways to grow their businesses. The Nightly Business Report's Diane Eastabrook shows us how one company is going back to its' roots to survive in this economy.

Wine is the beverage of choice at a new show at the Art Institute. We offer a toast to this intoxicating exhibition. Art Institute's A Case for Wine