Blagojevich Trial 2011

Prosecutor Grills Blagojevich on Senate Seat

Much of the back and forth between Rod Blagojevich and Prosecutor Reid Schar during today's cross-examination has to do with the intention behind the former governor's words. Elizabeth Brackett breaks down Day 25 of the Blagojevich retrial.

• Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

The Week in Review

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Gov. Pat Quinn is considering vetoing a number of major bills the Illinois lawmakers passed at the end of the legislative session this week. Examining casino expansion, ComEd rate hikes and the new state budget are on his summer to-do list. Rahm Emanuel flexes his political clout just two weeks into mayoral tenure, convincing legislators to pass the perennial gambling expansion and a once-dead workers' compensation overhaul. Former Governor Rod Blagojevich's cross-examination starts testily. And in sports, the White Sox sweep the resurgent Red Sox as the Cubs season seems to already be over.

Guests:

• Mary Ann Ahern of NBC 5 News
• Natasha Korecki of the Chicago Sun-Times
• Greg Burns of the Chicago Tribune
• Lester Munson of ESPN

More on the Story:

• More on the Story: Week in Review (5/30 - 6/3)
• Weekend Events Around Town: 6/3 - 6/5

Blagojevich Trial 2011

Blagojevich Keeps Talking

For two years, we wondered if Rod Blagojevich would take the stand. Now, we wonder if he'll ever leave it. Elizabeth Brackett recaps the former Illinois governor's fifth day on the hot seat.

• Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Politics

Civil Union Ceremony

More than 30 same-sex couples convened at Millennium Park this morning to exchange vows and take part in one of Illinois' first civil union ceremonies. Ash-har Quraishi was there and reports on the historic celebration.

• More on the Story: Web article and slideshow of the event
• Are Civil Unions a good thing for Illinois?

Ask Geoffrey

Ask Geoffrey

From the outside, this Hyde Park bank looks more like a museum dedicated to the history of the automobile. We find out more about the building in tonight's Ask Geoffrey.

• Ask Geoffrey Baer your own question
• The Original L Lines
• Metropolitan West Side elevated in Jazz Age Chicago
• Ritz Garage article in the Chicago Reader

Cultural Connections

Cultural Connections: The New University of Chicago Library

A futuristic library lands on the University of Chicago campus. But where do they keep the books? Find out when we get a tour of the latest striking addition to Chicago architecture.

• More on the Story: See photos of the library and watch a video
• The Library website

Science & Nature

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Henrietta Lacks died of cervical cancer in 1951. But her cells kept living. They started a scientific revolution and a multi-billion dollar industry. When members of her family found out, they felt angry and exploited. We talk with the author of a best-selling book about the story.

• More on the Story: Read and hear an audio excerpt from the book
• Author Rebecca Skloot's website

Business

Groupon Files for IPO

Groupon Inc. has filed for an initial public offering of stock worth up to $750 million. Jim Kirk from Crain's Chicago Business joins us to discuss the local company's latest business move.

• Article on the filing
• Groupon website

Arts & Entertainment

Frank Thomas

Longtime White Sox great, Frank Thomas, joins us to discuss his life, career and new book with Joel Weisman. The book is Going Yard: The Everything Home Run Book.

• More on the Story: Book excerpt
• More on the book

Blagojevich Trial 2011

Judge Zagel Reprimands Blagojevich

Judge James Zagel criticized the ex-governor for testimony in which Blagojevich told the jury there were parts of the recorded telephone calls that were favorable to his case that the prosecution deleted. Elizabeth Brackett has the story.

• Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page