Arts & Entertainment

Dear Dad

We talk with the author of a new book that showcases a collection of essays that highlight the long-lasting impact of fathers in or out of childrens' lives.

• More on the Story: Post your comments on fatherhood
• More on the book
• More on John Fountain

Politics

Reducing the Deficit

One day before the president comes to town for a series of re-election fundraisers, he lays out his plan for deficit reduction. Carol Marin and her panel have more on what it means, and how it ties into his re-election strategy.

• What cuts should be made to reduce the deficit?

Terra Foundation Artbeat Special

Artist Gertrude Abercrombie | Terra Foundation Artbeat Special

On the Artbeat, enter the surreal world of Gertrude Abercrombie -- a visionary Chicago painter who impressed both art critics and some of the giants of jazz.

• More on the Story: A photo gallery of Abercrombie's paintings
• Elmhurst College library
• Corbett vs. Dempsey gallery
• Richard Norton gallery

Science & Nature

Harry Volkman

Harry Volkman spent 55 years on the air forecasting Chicago's ever-changing weather. We catch up with him and talk about his new book.

• What's Volkman up to?
• To buy Volkman's self-published book, send him an email

Politics

Civil War Anniversary

The Civil War began 150 years ago today and the young metropolis of Chicago played many roles in the conflict. Eddie Arruza explores some of the ways the city and state took part in the war that ended slavery in the U.S. and tested the resilience of the nation.

• More on the Story: Chicago's Confederate and Union graves
• Chicago History Museum's Abraham Lincoln exhibit
• Newberry Library
• The Chicago Public Library Archive

Chicago Business News

Chicago Business News

Chicago is losing Batman but local suburb Plano is inheriting the "Man of Steel." WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us to talk about this week's business headlines.

• Chicago Tribune article on "Superman"

Business

Soaring Gas Prices

Gas prices are rising, but is there any relief in sight? We talk about the financial pain at the pump, and if $4 dollars or more per gallon is now the new normal.

• More on the Story: A chart of rising local gas prices
• Chicago's gas prices
• Will the rise in gas prices affect your driving habits?

Education

Martha Minow

She was his law professor at Harvard, the woman President Obama credits for changing his life. Martha Minow, Dean of Harvard Law School and Highland Park native, joins us to talk about her life and career.

• More on Martha Minow
• More on Minow's book
• More on IIT Chicago-Kent's 2011 Centennial Lecture

Business

Main Street Fairness Act

A new law that is supposed to level the playing field for Illinois businesses has one company moving to Wisconsin.

• Illinois Retail Merchants Association
• FatWallet
• Sound off on our discussion board

Politics

Obama Campaign Kicks Off in Chicago

As budget talks draw to a close for now, it will be a busy week for the president as he begins his re-election bid with major fundraising here in Chicago. Carol Marin and her panel will discuss this, and the winners and losers in the budget showdown.

• Fundraising Kickoff in Chicago