Blagojevich Trial 2011

Fireworks Fly at Blagojevich Retrial

Rod Blagojevich's one-time best friend Lon Monk is back on the stand today. And there are fireworks between Judge Zagel and defense attorneys. Elizabeth Brackett has the story from the former governor's corruption retrial.

• Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Education

Jean-Claude Brizard

Mayor Emanuel's controversial pick for Chicago Public Schools CEO, Jean-Claude Brizard, sits down with Carol Marin to talk about his experience and vision for students and teachers here.

• More on the Story: CPS leadership team
• More on the Story: Brizard's history

Rahm Emanuel Archive

Mayor Emanuel's First City Council Meeting

Mayor Rahm Emanuel presided over his first City Council meeting today. It was a largely ceremonial event that included an embrace between the new mayor and a presumed political foe. Eddie Arruza reports on the new faces and new direction at Chicago's City Hall.

• Chicago Tonight's Mayor Rahm Emanuel page
• More on Mayor Emanuel's first City Council meeting

Arts & Entertainment

Religion News with Manya Brachear

We have the latest on Father Michael Pfleger and other top headlines in religion news when the Chicago Tribune's religion reporter joins us. Catholic Charities, a major adoption provider for Illinois, is saying they will continue to turn away same-sex couples after the June 1 start of the Civil Unions law.

• More on the Story: Hear from a same-sex couple and Catholic Charities
• Should Catholic Charities adoption be allowed to turn away same-sex couples?

Science & Nature

Dandelions

They're back... and that's not exactly fine and dandy with some Chicago residents. Chicago Tonight has the story of why there are more dandelions than ever, and why the Chicago Park District says that's a good thing.

• Chicago Park District press release

Politics

Tangled Webs

From Rod Blagojevich to former vice presidential chief of staff Scooter Libby, why are so many high profile officials lying? We talk to the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Tangled Webs, who believes it's an epidemic.

• More on the book

Politics

Alderman Patrick O'Connor

Tomorrow marks the first meeting of the new Chicago City Council. One already-influential alderman is getting even more power: 40th ward Alderman Patrick O'Connor. We talk with O'Connor about the new Council -- and the new mayor.

• Ald. Patrick O'Connor's website

Blagojevich Trial 2011

Lon Monk Testifies at Blagojevich Retrial

Former Blagojevich chief of staff, Alonzo "Lon" Monk, took the stand today to testify against his one-time boss. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest from the former governor's corruption retrial.

• Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Politics

Hospital CEO Takes Stand in Blagojevich Retrial

Afternoon testimony in the Blagojevich retrial took a turn away from the Senate seat down Lincoln Avenue to Children's Memorial Hospital, as Children's CEO Patrick Magoon took the stand. Elizabeth Brackett takes us through the testimony.

• Chicago Tonight's Blagojevich Retrial page

Chicago Business News

Chicago Business News

What effect will the new mayor have on local business? WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us with that discussion and a look at the week's top business headlines.

• Chicago Business Counting on Emanuel to Deliver
• States go all out with Tax Incentives
• Waterview Tower Apartments?
• Northern Trust extends sponsorship with PGA Tour
• Citadel sells Omnium to Northern Trust