Stories by WTTW News

State Budget Crisis Governor Rod Blagojevich and legislative leaders today agreed to seek a one-month budget extension. Rich Samuels has the latest on that, as well as reports that the governor's commutes from Chicago to Springfield are costing us a bundle.

Centerstage Ticket Hotline: 773-509-5614 News Analysis with Carol Marin The secret ceremonies and inner workings of Chicago's outfit. What will we learn about the mob that started with Al Capone? Carol Marin discusses the upcoming "Family Secrets" trial with crime reporter John "Bulldog" Drummond. Property Taxes Elizabeth Brackett reports on the political battle between Cook County Assessor James Houlihan and House Speaker Michael Madigan over the 7% property assessement cap.

Obama/Rezko The Chicago Sun-Times reports that indicted businessman Tony Rezko and friends donated more money to U.S. Senator and presidential hopeful Barrack Obama than the senator admits. We'll get all the details from the Sun-Times reporter, Chris Fusco, who wrote today's article.

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman Ald. Ed Burke proposes tax on downtown drivers, CTA officials meet with Governor Blagojevich, Mayor Daley wants parents to pay for their kids graffiti crimes, three new Chicago harbors proposed, Illinois and Chicago tourists arriving in record numbers, the White Sox in a tailspin, and Mike Ditka feuding with Dave Deurson. Guests:

Congestion Tax Would you pay to drive into the Loop? A "congestion fee" of $16 a day is already charged in London, and Ald. Ed Burke thinks it's an idea we should consider too. We'll talk with Northwestern University transit expert Joe Schofer about the pros and cons.

News Analysis with Carol Marin He went from poverty to successful trial lawyer and business executive, to the governor's mansion, and then to federal prison. Carol Marin talks to former Illinois Governor Dan Walker, who tells his story in his new memoir, The Maverick and the Machine.

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Cook County homeowners may face a huge tax bill this August if the homeowner exemption expires. Can Mayor Daley, Springfield and Cook County find common ground? Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a closer look. Guests: Jim Houlihan, Thomas Johnson, Ben Joravsky

News Analysis with Carol Marin Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka is on a war path. Ditka and his group, the Gridiron Greats, want the NFL Players Association to do more for former players now plagued with a host of health problems. Carol Marin and her panel will take a closer look. Guests: Brian DeMarco (Former NFL player), Dr. Charles Bush-Joseph (Rush University Medical Center), and Dave Duerson (NFL Players Association)

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman Senator Obama riding high in the latest presidential polls, Governor Blagojevich pushes plan to lease the state's lottery again, Chicago's public school death toll reaches 31, we'll take a closer look at the 10 o'clock news wars, the White Sox drop 10 their last 12 games, and the Bears Tank Johnson suspended for half the season. Guests:

Wild Weather It's been a wild and windy day in Chicago. We'll talk to WGN's chief meteorologist Tom Skilling to find out what's in store. Bill Geist He's been on the road for 20 years and has lots of stories to tell. CBS News' roving correspondent Bill Geist will be here to tell us about the peculiar people he's met in small-town America. Bill Geist will appear at the following upcoming booksignings:

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett The drunk driving crash that killed intoxicated Dupage County prosecutor Jane Radostits had another victim who was badly hurt. She's filed suit against the restaurant that served the liquor. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel examine whose responsibility it is to cut off patrons and what laws and server training programs exist in Illinois. Guests:

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Embattled Cook County board president Todd Stroger successfully avoided a "no confidence" vote in today's board meeting. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a look at the tensions among the county commissioners. Guests: Tony Peraica, Steve Patterson Center on Halsted We'll take you to the grand opening of the Center on Halsted, the new community center for Chicago's gay and lesbian population.

News Analysis with Carol Marin Legislators return to Springfield tomorrow after missing last week's budget deadline. Carol Marin and her panel look at what challenges are ahead. Guests: Dawn Clark Netsch, Judy Baar Topinka First Lady Maggie Daley First Lady Maggie Daley puts a public face on her five-year battle with breast cancer. She talks with correspondent Elizabeth Brackett.

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman Feuding Democrats fail to pass a state budget, possible property tax hike hinted by Cook County Board President Todd Stroger, a secret donor gives $100 million to the University of Chicago, Chicago-area foreclosures nearing record levels, and the Cubs and Sox continue to struggle. Guests:

News Analysis with Eddie Arruza The University of Chicago just received an anonymous $100 million grant to be used to help lower income students afford the elite school. How are students affording college? What do schools owe them? Guests: Michael Behnke, University of Chicago; Lon Kaufman, University of Illinois at Chicago; and Keith Todd, Northwestern University

Alderman's Father Charged The father of Ald. Ricardo Munoz was released on bond today, after being charged in a fraudulent ID scheme. Elizabeth Brackett was at federal court today and has the latest details. News Analysis with Carol Marin The spring session for legislators in Springfield ends tomorrow. But the state budget talks are far from over. Carol Marin will be joined by two former candidates for governor to get their take on the political maneuvering going on at the statehouse. Guests: Judy Baar Topinka, Dawn Clark Netsch

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Gambling expansion proposals are gaining momentum in Springfield. Will lawmakers bet on new casinos to solve another budget crisis? Guests: Nancy Duel, Bruce Dold, Jim Tobin

Chicago Tonight has the night off for Memorial Day. Please tune in tomorrow!

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman Holiday travelers brace for major delays, the CTA threatens massive cuts, the feds subpoena Governor Blagojevich's campaign records, House Speaker Michael Madigan rules out a sales or income tax hike, nine new Chicago City Council members sworn in, and the White Sox offense finally showing signs of life. Guests:

CTA Funding Crisis The CTA is threatening fare hikes and service cutbacks, and the RTA proposes two tax increases. Rich Samuels has the latest on the public transportation funding crisis.

Corruption Investigation The ongoing corruption investigation by federal prosecutors may now be closer to Governor Rod Blagojevich. The Chicago Tribune reports that the feds have subpoenaed the governor's campaign fund records. Guest: Jay Stewart, Better Government Association Illinois' Electricity Crisis The utility companies ComEd and Ameren Corp. added almost $400 million to their rate relief package in hopes of staving off a new freeze on electricity rates. Elizabeth Brackett looks at the electricity crisis in Illinois.

News Analysis with Carol Marin Return of the Cicadas Rich Samuels takes a closer look at a very loud bug that's been waiting 17 years to make an appearance. It's the return of the cicada. Summer Reading Chicago-area book lovers share their summer reading picks. Guests: Jessa Crispin, Al Gini and Kimberla Lawson Roby. Hedy Weiss Theater Reviews Chicago Sun-Times theater critic Hedy Weiss reviews three more productions now running on Chicago area stages.

City Council Wrap-Up Mayor Daley and new members of the Chicago City Council were sworn in today. Elizabeth Brackett was there and tells us what's on the new council's agenda. News Analysis with Carol Marin Since last year's huge immigration rallies around the country, the issue has been on the forefront of Capitol Hill. Today the U.S. Senate is pushing what may be its last attempt at major reform during this presidency. Guests: Jim Oberweis

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman Lawmakers betting on new casinos again, Chicago cabbies demand a fare hike, students protest after CTA shooting claims classmate, Brown's Chicken murderer Juan Luna escapes the death penalty, the Bulls eliminated by the Pistons, and the Cubs and Sox battle in the Crosstown Classic. Guests:

Political Round-Up Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign continues to endure intense scrutiny. Sun-Times Washington Bureau Chief Lynn Sweet joins us from the campaign trail. News Analysis with Eddie Arruza A new study released Wednesday says that Chicago's suburban bird population has been particularly hard hit by the West Nile virus. What does that mean for our bird population and are there any public health threats? Eddie Arruza and his panel will take a look. Guests: Dr. Eric Whitaker, Judy Pollock

News Analysis with Christian Farr The U.S. Army has some new rules in place for soldiers using the internet. Now, e-mails and blogging require clearance, and access to popular social networking websites is banned. But is the military taking away a threat - or therapy? Guests: Blake Dvorak, Deborah Somers, Shawn Healy Studs Terkel Chicago celebrates Studs Terkel's 95th birthday. The legend himself will join us live in the studio.