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

Education

Teachers Union on School Board Vote

The move to rescind teacher pay raises has garnered praise from Mayor Emanuel, while drawing the ire of the Chicago Teachers Union. CTU President Karen Lewis is here to give her perspective on the issue.

• Chicago Teachers Union website

Education

School Board Rescinds Teacher Raises

It was the first, and yet, monumental day for the new Chicago Public School Board. Facing a mounting deficit, the group voted to rescind a 4 percent raise for teacher salaries. School Board President David Vitale talks to Carol Marin about the decision.

• Did the school board do the right thing by voting to cancel raises?
• Chicago Sun-Times article on school board vote

Science & Nature

Bloomingdale Trail

It's not much now, but find out how the city plans to transform a three-mile long abandoned railway. Paris Schutz takes us for a journey down the Bloomingdale Trail.

• More on the Story: Web article & photo gallery
• Bloomingdale Trail website

Politics

President of University of Illinois

We hear from Michael Hogan about rising tuition, budget issues and his first year as president of the University of Illinois.

• Should U of I be given more resources from the state?
• Michael Hogan's bio

Politics

Quinn Signs Education Reform Bill

Gov. Pat Quinn signs a landmark education bill. We talk to the bill's sponsor about the changes that pave the way for longer school days and why it's harder for teachers to strike.

• More on the Story: Breakdown of school reforms & teacher reaction
• Do you think the bill will improve education in Illinois?

Blagojevich Trial 2011

Defense Attorneys on Blagojevich Retrial

It's now a waiting game as jurors in the retrial of Rod Blagojevich finish their second day of deliberations. Two of the former governor's defense attorneys join us to discuss everything that went on and how they're feeling now that it's almost over.

• Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page