Politics

Government Transparency Law

Gov. Quinn signed legislation today that he says will make Illinois government more transparent, but is the governor using his personal Blackberry to skirt the Freedom of Information Act? Rich Samuels fills us in.

• Read Gov. Quinn's press release on government transparency

The Friday Night Show

Classic Callaway: Jack Brickhouse

For the rest of the summer we'll be replaying the best of John Callaway's interviews over the years. As the Cubs and Sox each battle to make it into the playoffs, we thought it would we be the perfect time to look back at a 1986 conversation with broadcasting legend Jack Brickhouse.

Guest:

• Jack Brickhouse - sportscaster

The Week in Review

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: The heated health care debate is raging all across the country; state political races starting to take shape; legalized video poker a tough sell in some locales; Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman calls for a property tax hike; a Chicago alderman uses clout to get his daughter into a coveted magnet school; a Wrigley Field bleacher bum dumps beer on an unsuspecting outfielder; and Blackhawk superstar Patrick Kane charged with felony robbery in a violent car fare dispute.

Guests:

• Lorraine Forte - Catalyst magazine
• Mary Ann Ahern - NBC 5 News
• Bruce Japsen - Chicago Tribune
• Mike Mulligan - Chicago Sun-Times, The Score

Viewer Feedback

Viewer Mail

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

Live Music Wednesday

Live Music Wednesday: The Wailers

They helped create some of the most popular music of the last 40 years. We have a live performance from Bob Marley's legendary back-up band, The Wailers.

Guests:

• Aston Barrett, Elan Attias
• BobMarley.com
• Windy City Ribs Festival: Wailers play on Friday, 08/14
• Music Blogging Hive Mind on The Wailers

Time Out Chicago

Time Out Weekend Picks

Have you ever seen the Joffrey Ballet perform? How about the Alvin Ailey Dance Company? Want to see them for free? We tell you how when we sit down with Around Town editor Madeline Nusser from Time Out Chicago magazine.

Guest:

• Madeline Nusser
• Chicago Dancing Festival
• French Connection Day
• Green Music Fest
• Battle of Fort Dearborn Park Dedication
• Windy City Ribs Festival

Arts & Entertainment

General Zinni

The decision to invade Iraq shocked retired four-star General Anthony Zinni. He has written a book about lessons in leadership, and he joins us to talk about the challenges facing leaders in the battlefield and the boardroom.

Guest:

• Gen. Anthony Zinni
• Read excerpts from General Zinni's Leading the Charge: Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield to the Boardroom
• Front and Center interview with John Callaway at Pritzker Memorial Library (04/27/06)

Education

University of Illinois President

Leaders of the University of Illinois met yesterday to discuss ways of reforming the admissions process. University of Illinois President B. Joseph White tells us what changes to expect.

Guest:

• B. Joseph White, University of Illinois president
• Read the state's Admissions Review Commission's complete report (PDF)
• University of Illinois' statement in response to report

Business

News Analysis with Eddie Arruza

News Analysis with Eddie Arruza
Earlier this week Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke declared that the worst of the recession is over. But new economic data released today showed that retail sales fell unexpectedly in July. Is a recovery underway or not? Eddie Arruza and his panelists take the pulse of the economy.

Guests:

• Terry Savage, Chicago Sun-Times financial columnist
• Thomas Mondschean, economic professor at DePaul University
• New York Times: Despite Cash for Clunkers, retail sales decline in July (08/13/09)

Live Music Wednesday

Live Music Wednesday: Dick Prall

Chicagoan and self-proclaimed "porch pop" musician, Dick Prall performs live in studio.

Guest:

• Dick Prall

Additional Resources

• Listen to songs and get more info at Dick Prall's blog
• Schubas, where Dick performs every Monday in August