Stories by

Tonight we kick off our Chicago Matters series with an exploration of the Chicago region and how it can thrive in a global era. 100 years ago, the Burnham Plan laid the foundation for so much of what Chicagoans value today. But who is planning for the next 100 years? Elizabeth Brackett's panelists offer their visions for Chicago's future.

Before Chicago tackles big ideas, some civic planners say there are more pressing concerns, namely, education drop-out rates, crime-ridden neighborhoods, and gentrification. A sociologist and co-author of "The New Chicago" discusses the social challenges and demographic changes the region faces.

Rich Samuels tells us why industry and environmentalists agree it is time to renew the infrastructure of the Illinois waterway system.

This week the Canadian National Railways started rolling its trains down the old Elgin, Joliet and Eastern tracks. Many communities will be impacted by the added train traffic. We hear the pros and cons of the deal from Barrington's village president, and the executive director of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

It can be described as the Internet of the future, and its nucleus is right here in Chicago. Christian Farr talks to people behind Starlight and finds out why it is so important to the world of scientific research.

From the Archives - March 17, 2004: Watch how the Chicago River is dyed green.

AIG sparked outrage this weekend as the government-rescued company revealed plans to pay employees $165 million in bonuses. Rich Samuels reports on the reaction from politicians and taxpayers.

Should the state brace for a tax increase? If the governor has his way, a personal income tax increase could be on the horizon. Our panel of state lawmakers discuss what this could mean for the state.

Is the Wall Street Journal trying to poach Chicago newspaper readers? A full-page ad in last week's Chicago Sun-Times begs the question. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio's "Noon Business Hour" has the scoop on the ad when she joins us with the week's top business stories.

We get a crane's-eye-view of the city from a construction worker-turned-photographer. View slideshow of Ken Derry's photographs

A Chicago bartender winds up as the starting linebacker in the AFC championship game. We talk to him about his new book, and how his father inspired his unlikely journey to football glory.

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

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Governor Quinn reportedly considering hiking income taxes by 50 percent; 27 Chicago Public School students already killed this school year; CTA fare hikes and service cuts on the table; the Sears Tower being renamed; the Art Institute boosting admission cost 50 percent; Chicago aldermen balk at being investigated by the city's inspector general; and the Bulls and Blackhawks battling for playoff positions. Guests:

Mayor Daley revealed today how Chicago hopes to spend an anticipated billion dollars in federal economic stimulus funds. Rich Samuels tells us how the money could be used. How Chicago plans to allocate $1 billion in economic stimulus funds

A bill introduced in Congress this week would make it easier for workers to form and join unions. Big Labor is aggressively pushing for the bill, but some employers call it a job killer. Eddie Arruza and his guests dissect the Employee Free Choice Act.

Actress Sharon Gless is starring in an independent film adapted from a drama by Chicago playwright Claudia Allen. We take you behind the scenes on the "Hannah Free" set.

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

Did United States policies during the Cold War help fuel Middle East tension? Controversial Middle East historian and author Rashid Khalidi says yes. He joins us to discuss his new book and much more.

General Motors could be on the brink of bankruptcy while Ford and Chrysler are struggling to survive. How did the big three automakers reach such dire straits, and what will be the economic impact if even one files for bankruptcy? We tackle those questions and more in tonight's installment of "The Bottom Line." More on "The Bottom Line"

South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu today offered absolution to the City Hall press corps and aid to Mayor Daley. Rich Samuels tells us why and how.

The president marked his 50th day in office calling for more accountability in the nation's schools. But, provocative talk show host Tavis Smiley wants to know who is holding the president accountable. He joins us to discuss his new book.

Desperate times can call for desperate measures, like visiting a psychic for financial advice. We meet investors turning to tarot cards for help.

Gov. Quinn is scheduled to make his budget address next Wednesday as the state faces an estimated $9 million deficit. Could a tax increase be coming? Rich Samuels tells us what the governor and Sen. Durbin had to say about the budget. Civic Federation Budget Report

President Obama's decision to lift an eight year restriction on embryonic stem cell funding is causing quite the stir in the scientific communty. We hear from a Northwestern professor about what the president's decision means nationally for medicine and ethics.

Donald Trump settles a high-profile lawsuit over his Chicago tower, but other high profile high-rises are not fairing so well. Kris Kridel of the "Noon Business Hour" on WBBM Newsradio 780 joins us with more on this and the day's other business headlines.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Mayor Daley's former Streets and Sanitation commissioner on trial for alleged hiring fraud; Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley wins the Democratic primary to fill Rahm Emanuel's congressional seat; former governor Rod Blagojevich lands a six-figure book deal; Chicago foreclosure rates soaring; the Cubs and Sox battle in spring training; and the Bulls Norm Van Lier and Johnny "Red" Kerr laid to rest. Guests: