The Week in Review

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Rahm Emanuel grades his first 30 days as mayor of Chicago. Summer construction crews will continue working now that Senate President John Cullerton agrees to drop social programs from the capital expenditure bill. Chicago teachers vow to re-open contract negotiations after the Chicago Public Schools board unanimously rejects a 4 percent teacher raise. The Blagojevich jury continues to deliberate. A perfect storm hits Metra staff during rush hour forcing multiple train cancellations. And in sports, we take a look at both the state of Wrigley Field and the Cubs.

Guests:

• Charles Thomas, ABC-7 News
• Tom Corfman, Crain's Chicago Business
• Kate Grossman, Chicago Sun-Times
• Mike Adamle, NBC-5 News

More on the Story:

• More on the Story: Week in Review (6/13 - 6/17)
• Weekend Events Around Town: 6/17 - 6/19

Viewer Feedback

Viewer Mail

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

• Send Chicago Tonight your comments

Ask Geoffrey

Ask Geoffrey

You can still enjoy the 31st Street beach, even though just south, some major construction is going on. Geoffrey Baer tells us what they're building in tonight's Ask Geoffrey.

• Chicago Park District Harbor info, including 31st Street plans
• Chicago Fire Department history
• Fire apparatus numbers
• Geographic Society of Chicago
• Ask Geoffrey your own question & watch previous segments online

Cultural Connections

Cultural Connections: Big Bill Broonzy

He's a Chicago legend and one of the forefathers of the blues. So why has his name been almost forgotten in modern culture? We talk to the author of I Feel So Good: The Life and Times of Big Bill Broonzy.

• More on the Story: Music & videos of Big Bill Broonzy
• Tribute event to Big Bill Broonzy
• Watch more Cultural Connections online

Arts & Entertainment

Phunny Business

In the 90s, "All Jokes Aside" served as a launching pad for many of today's top African-American comedians. A new film takes a look at the rise and fall of one of Chicago's once-premier comedy clubs.

• More on the movie
• Siskel Film Center

Rahm Emanuel Archive

Mayor Emanuel's First 30 Days

Mayor Rahm Emanuel delivers his own report card on his first 30 days in office. Eddie Arruza and our panel weigh in on the mayor's performance.

• Breakdown of Emanuel's accomplishments
• Chicago Tonight's Mayor Rahm Emanuel page

Science & Nature

CDOT Commissioner on Improving Maneuvering

He used to manage the roadways of our nation's capital. Now he's followed Mayor Emanuel back to Chicago to direct transportation operations here. Chicago's new Transportation Commissioner Gabe Klein walks us through some of his ideas for improving how we maneuver in Chicago.

• Should Chicago make downtown more pedestrian friendly?
• More on Gabe Klein

Education

Summer Books

Season's Readings! Our panel of book lovers recommends their best bets for great summer reads.

• More on the Story: Guest bios and book recommendations
• Jessa Crispin's website
• More on Miguel Figueroa
• More on Al Gini

Arts & Entertainment

Pregnancy & Alcohol

The effects of fetal alcohol syndrome are well-documented. So why is there controversy over how much an expectant mother should drink during pregnancy? We talk to a leading local pediatrician and the author of The Mystery of Risk: Drugs, Alcohol, Pregancy and the Vulnerable Child.

• More on the Story: Info, videos on book & Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• More on the book

Science & Nature

Eden Place

A Chicago family leads their community to convert an illegal garbage dump into Eden Place: a three-acre nature center for their struggling South Side neighborhood. Jay Shefsky has the remarkable story.

• Eden Place Nature Center website
• Fuller Park Community Development website