Science & Nature

New Planets

Dozens of earth-like planets were recently found, leading us to re-examine the question: are we alone? We talk to an expert from the Adler Planetarium.

• "32 New Exoplanets Found" -- European Southern Observatory

Politics

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett: City Budget

Elizabeth Brackett and her panel of aldermen discuss whether the City Council will rubber stamp the mayor's controversial budget.

Politics

City Budget

Mayor Daley's proposed 2010 budget is already generating controversy. Rich Samuels tells us why.

• City of Chicago's press release regarding the 2010 budget

Arts & Entertainment

The Calumet Region: An American Place

One photographer calls the Calumet region of northwest Indiana a "bewilderingly complex" yet "visually striking 'American place.'" We talk to the man behind the new book The Calumet Region: An American Place.

• The Calumet Portfolio by Gary Cialdella

Science & Nature

Technology Labs

There are some amazing new inventions coming out of Chicago area technology labs, and they could help get the economy back on track. We meet some local inventors who are dreaming up the products of the future.

Arts & Entertainment

Fashion Focus Chicago

Fashion Focus Chicago, which showcases Chicago's burgeoning fashion scene, kicks off this week. We get a preview with the city's fashion guru Melissa Gamble, plus two local designers who will be showcasing their work on the runway.

• Elda de la Rosa Couture
• Abigail Glaum-Lathbury

Education

Urban Teachers

Teacher turnover is high in many urban schools. We visit a teacher training program that is trying to reverse the trend.

• Urban Teacher Education Program

Business

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett: BP Refinery Expansion

British Petroleum's $3.8 billion dollar refinery expansion plan in northwest Indiana was dealt a major blow this week. The Environmental Protection Agency says the permit, issued for the project in the last months of the Bush administration, must be rewritten. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have the latest developments.

Blagojevich Trial 2010

Former Blagojevich Aide Pleads Guilty

Rod Blagojevich's former chief of staff pleaded guilty today to corruption charges and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in their case involving the former Governor. Elizabeth Brackett has the details.

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