New York Times obituary writer Bruce Weber was teetering between life and death, and questioning what it all meant in 2011. To cope, he took his second bike ride across the country. We talk with Weber about his ride experience and the book that arose from his meditation. Read an interview and a book excerpt.

ReptileFest returns to the University of Illinois at Chicago this weekend, bringing with it hundreds of species of reptiles and amphibians from all over the world. Chicago Herpetological Society president John Archer and "Frog Lady" Deb Krohn visit our studios to give us a preview of some of the creatures we can expect to see this weekend. View an interactive graphic and behind-the-scenes slideshow of reptiles.

In part three of our Vivian Maier series, Jay Shefsky introduces us to several people trying to unravel the mystery of the celebrated photographer.

We share what you had to say about Chicago crime, the city's apparent shortage of ambulances, and Jay Shefsky's profile of an owl-loving nature photographer in tonight's viewer feedback.

There is concern today that the Cook County employee computer system may have been hacked. Read an article.

At the request of five aldermen, Mayor Rahm Emanuel is calling to restore paid Sunday parking on the north and northwest sides of the city. Merchants in these areas claim that parking can be difficult for customers when there is no time limit enforced. We discuss the measure with Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd). Read an article and view a map of streets with free Sunday parking that could be affected by this legislation.

Susan Herman, president of the American Civil Liberties Union, joins us to discuss her book, Taking Liberties: The War on Terror and the Erosion of American Democracy. Read a book excerpt and view a timeline of laws designed to prevent future terrorist attacks.

Our science guy, Neil Shubin, is back to talk about the new PBS three-part series based on his bestselling book, Your Inner Fish. Watch a preview and read an overview of the series.

In part two of Jay Shefsky's series on photographer Vivian Maier, we meet other owners of her remarkable archive and explore the international explosion of interest in her work.

It's a victory for Mayor Rahm Emanuel as Chicago pension reform passes the Illinois General Assembly and heads to Gov. Pat Quinn for approval. Paris Schutz has the very latest details. View our interactive vote graphics to see how House and Senate members voted on the bill.

The Illinois Senate passes Mayor Rahm Emanuel's pension reform bill. View our interactive graphic to see how Senate members voted.

The Illinois House passed Mayor Rahm Emanuel's revised pension reform bill today in Springfield. View an interactive vote graphic to see how House members voted.

The state’s capital was filled today with advocates rallying against charter school bills under consideration. President of Chicago International Charter Schools David Chizewer and Legislation Coordinator for the Chicago Teachers Union Stacy Davis Gates join us with details. Read an article.

The Chicago City Council has ordered the Chicago Fire Department to investigate an apparent shortage of ambulances and paramedics. We talk with former Chicago firefighter Ald. Nick Sposato (36th) about the order. Read an interview with Better Government Association investigative reporter Patrick Rehkamp about the implications of fewer ambulances in the city.

Like the name suggests, zombie properties are often abandoned homes with no one living in them. Banks have foreclosed on them, but didn’t follow through with completion. Brandis Friedman takes a look at why that happens, the impact on the community, and what can be done. Read an article, watch a web extra video, and view a map of zombie properties in Chicago.