Stories by WTTW News

The state legislature is poised to vote on a 50% income tax hike. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a look at both sides of the debate over higher taxes.

We look into the life and challenges of a homeless 11-year-old Chicago Public School student, and learn what the city's school system does to help. If you would like to help the family of Demarra Rutherford, you have two options: You can send a check made payable to the: Demarra Rutherford Fund C/O: Metropolitan Family Services 1 North Dearborn Chicago, IL 60602

While the federal government has had to bail out the nation's large banks, smaller and independently owned banks are doing just fine. Or are they? Regional banks did not take the same risks as the big banks, but a different kind of crisis may be headed their way.

We talk to the new head of the Better Government Association, longtime ABC7 political reporter Andy Shaw.

Read the wiretap transcript of the conversation Roland Burris had in which he promises to raise campaign cash for Blagojevich. Read the transcript

Federal appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor is President Barack Obama's choice for the U.S. Supreme Court. Rich Samuels tells us about reaction to her selection, and Elizabeth Brackett and her panel discuss what her confirmation would mean for the nation's highest court.

There were more than 6,000 collisions between cars and pedestrians last year in Illinois. We show you some aggressive new tactics being used to crack down on motorists who fail to obey the law at crosswalks.

University of Chicago professor and author Richard Thaler tells us how policy makers can give people a "nudge" in the right direction. We talk to Thaler as part of our Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham series.

If you break it, the porcelain doctor can probably fix it. Eddie Arruza has the story of a local woman who has restored some objects that seemed beyond repair.

Hedy Weiss is here with three "highly recommended" theater reviews, including one for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee now on stage at the Marriott Theater. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee The Who's Tommy Once On This Island

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Lawmakers betting on video poker to pay for a massive statewide construction program; President Todd Stroger vetoes a sales tax roll-back by Cook County commissioners; Chris Kennedy set to run for the U.S. Senate; the Art Institute unveils the new Modern Wing as well as a hefty admission hike; Kiddieland amusement park closing at the end of the season; the Blackhawks skating for their playoff lives against the Red Wings tonight; and All-Star pitcher Jake Peavy turns down a trade to the White Sox. Guests:

John sits down with Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.

A closer look at the decision to legalize video poker. Friday Night Preview Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart thinks the move to legalize video poker is a major mistake. We preview John Callaway's "Friday Night" interview with the man dubbed "the sheriff with a soul." News Analysis with Eddie Arruza Eddie Arruza and his panel will discuss the State Senate's action to pass a video poker deal.

What was the relationship between Rod Blagojevich and Barack Obama and his advisers? Its complex nature is revealed in a new article.

The USS Lagarto was the first sunken submarine found since the end of World War Two. It was built in Wisconsin and now sits at the bottom of the Gulf of Thailand. We preview a new documentary that details its history and describes how it was found.

The Oceanarium of the Shedd Aquarium reopens this Memorial Day weekend. Rich Samuels reintroduces us to some of the creatures you will be able to see in this new and improved environment.

Are you looking to spice up your Memorial Day cookout? "Check, Please!" host and master sommelier Alpana Singh joins us with her list of wine recommendations to kick off the summer barbecue season. Alpana Singh's Memorial Day Barbecue Wine List

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

They're among the most complex investments in the financial world and a major cause of the economic meltdown: "Derivatives." What are they and why are they are largely unregulated? It's our focus on tonight's The Bottom Line.

He was one of a handful of white baseball players who got to play in the Negro Leagues. Christian Farr talks with Lou Clarizio about his time with the League, and the racism he and his teammates had to face. Official Site of the Negro League Legends

Chicago's favorite literary blogger "bookslut" is packing up and moving to Europe. What is the fate of her popular web site bookslut.com? Jessa Crispin will be here to tell us.

He is a gospel singing sensation and Grammy winner. Smokie Norful will be here to perform and discuss his latest album. More about Smokie Norful EMI Gospel's web site

Chris Kennedy is reportedly close to entering the race for the U.S. Senate. What might that do to an already crowded field of potential Democratic challengers? Elizabeth Brackett and her panel weigh in.

There will be no sales tax relief for residents of Cook County. Rich Samuels tells us why commissioners failed in their effort to override President Todd Stroger's veto of their proposed rollback, and why more tax battles lie ahead.

Could the city terminate the billion-dollar deal that privatized Chicago's parking meters? That is exactly what some fed-up aldermen are exploring. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have more on the parking meter controversy. Contact your alderman

The art is priceless and the admission fees are going up, but there are more ways than ever to experience the Art Institute for free. We hear the latest from the home of the Modern Wing.