Stories by WTTW News

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

On tonight's show: a big week in testimony in the Burge and Blagojevich trials; big teacher cuts and class size increases are looming for Chicago Public Schools unless a budget solution is found; BP gas stations in Chicago are feeling a boycott backlash; what it means for taxpayers that the state's bond rating was lowered yet again; and as Stanley Cup euphoria dies down, the Blackhawks ponder how to meet next year's salary cap. Guests:

Decades after the alleged torture of suspects began, today former police commander Jon Burge took the stand in his perjury trial. Elizabeth Brackett was there for the emotional testimony.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman discusses the education funding crisis and more.

As the school year draws to a close, we go back to Fenger High School to find out how things have changed since the brutal murder of Derrion Albert.

Music from India heard around the world -- we meet the composer of the Oscar-winning music for Slumdog Millionaire.

Naperville native Bob Odenkirk is town for the TBS Just For Laughs comedy festival. We talk to him about his ties to Chicago and his amusing career.

The Chicago News Cooperative's Daniel Libit has the latest from the Blagojevich trial.

Stuart Levine, Lon Monk and Chris Kelly all got some name play in the latest testimony heard in the Blagojevich corruption trial. But fundraiser Tony Rezko's ears should be ringing the most. Elizabeth Brackett gives us her take on today's proceedings. Will a sandwich at the federal building be named for Rod Blagojevich? Read our Blagojevich blog to find out

Former Chicago business journalist Tom Hudson joins us to talk about his move to Nightly Business Report, along with the latest business news.

Cricket -- the international sport known as the "gentlemen's game" -- has been played in the Chicago area for decades. Ash-har Quraishi shows us how the largest cricket league in the country is batting for wider audience appeal. More on the story...including how to play cricket and information about local leagues

We bring you President Obama's first address from the Oval Office, where he'll be speaking about the BP oil spill. We also get reaction from a former political speechwriter. What you can do to help with the oil spill--whitehouse.gov

The Chicago School Board approved a plan to lay off up to 2,700 teachers and borrow $800 million to help close a sizable budget gap. We talk to the newly-elected President of the Chicago Teachers Union, Karen Lewis, about the challenges facing students and teachers.

Rod Blagojevich's onetime friend and former Chief of Staff Lon Monk completed his testimony today after four days on the stand. Elizabeth Brackett had a front row seat for all of the day's action and gives us the rundown. Read our Blagojevich blog

The 2010 World Cup is in play. Check, Please! Host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh suggests some South African wines for toasting your favorite team. 2010 World Cup South African wine recommendations

A former police officer gave some hostile testimony today in the perjury case of ex-police commander Jon Burge. Carol Marin joins us with the latest.

As the second week of the Blagojevich corruption trial began, former Blagojevich chief of staff and longtime friend Lon Monk took the stand in his third day of testimony. Eddie Arruza was in court today and has all the details. Read our Blagojevich blog

Free museum days are back this summer. Kris Kridel joins us to talk about who is sponsoring the free days and what they stand to gain, along with other business headlines. Museum Free Days 2010

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

Joel and his panel delve deeper into the week's top headlines: the triumphant Blackhawks bring the Stanley Cup home to Chicago, and the city goes crazy for the resurgent franchise; friend-turned-government witness Lon Monk testifies about elaborate moneymaking schemes in the first week of the Blagojevich trial; the Chicago Teachers Union sues the Chicago Public Schools over class sizes; and the city floats bottling and selling water from Lake Michigan. Guests

Stanley Cup Champions The Chicago Blackhawks are Stanley Cup Champions for the first time since 1961. We'll break down last night's thrilling series clincher – and look back at the team's championship season.

Lon Monk took the stand for his second day of testimony at the Blagojevich trial. Elizabeth Brackett was in court, and joins us with the details.

Today marks the first day of testimony in the Rod Blagojevich trial. Carol Marin and her panel examine how it went.

He started playing the blues in the 1920s and is still going strong. We'll have a live performance from Chicago blues legend and Grammy Award winner Honeyboy Edwards. Honeyboy Edwards at Chicago Blues Fest Blues on the North Shore

The jury was seated and opening statements were given on day four of the federal corruption trial of former Governor Rod Blagojevich. Elizabeth Brackett was in court, and joins us with the details. Read Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Blog

A reported six people have now died as a result of last week's flotilla raid off the coast of the Gaza strip. We talk to a Chicago activist who was onboard during the raid.