City Council takes the first step paving the way for an Obama Presidential Library on public parkland. But does it assuage the concerns of park preservationists?

Illinois Rep. Lou Lang talks about the status of the state’s medical marijuana program, casino gambling, and his recent meeting with new Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Jason DeSanto, senior lecturer at Northwestern University School of Law, picks apart President Barack Obama's sixth State of the Union address. What were the areas of focus? What are the implications for the year ahead?

In time for Valentine's Day, The Newberry Library in Chicago has searched through its extensive archives for artifacts of love. Taking suggestions from its staff across many areas of expertise, the library has created an exhibition of works on paper that express love in all its forms over the last eight centuries. We get a preview.

Teachers, parents, and administrators have been debating whether schools should start implementing the PARCC standardized test, designed to align with the new Common Core standards. We talk with two educators about whether it's time to put the PARCC in place and the value of standardized testing.

Geoffrey Baer answers viewer questions about a dreamy memorial, Soldier Field no man's land, and railroad ruins on Chicago's South Side.

• Mayoral Candidates on Public Safety

Chicago mayoral candidates sound off on public safety. Should Police Supt. Garry McCarthy stay for another term? Find out what they have to say.

Toni Preckwinkle is heading into her second term as president of the Cook County Board. She hopes to reform juvenile criminal justice and reduce the daily jail population, and has goals for the regional economy and public health. She joins us.

As aldermanic races heat up across the city, the 11th Ward stands out as another Daley makes a go at public office in City Council. We sit down with candidates John Kozlar, Maureen Sullivan and Patrick Daley Thompson to discuss ward issues and City Council politics.

The state of Illinois' finances are in dire straits with a $9 billion deficit that continues to grow. Richard Dye, co-director of University of Illinois' Fiscal Futures Project, discusses how we got into this hole and how we can find our way out.

Our science guy, Neil Shubin, talks about the latest science stories, including a study on the health of the world's oceans, why sparks really do fly at the moment of conception, and a new study finding that generosity can be "written" in the brain.

• New Bears Coach Addresses Media

New Bears Coach John Fox faces the media at Halas Hall. We have a full recap, including what he said about Jay Cutler, and reaching out to former Bears great Brian Urlacher.

The spring legislative session is in full swing now that the 99th General Assembly has been sworn in along with Gov. Bruce Rauner. We hear from both sides of the aisle about what the legislative priorities are in both chambers.