The Week in Review

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Lawmakers betting on video poker to pay for a massive statewide construction program; President Todd Stroger vetoes a sales tax roll-back by Cook County commissioners; Chris Kennedy set to run for the U.S. Senate; the Art Institute unveils the new Modern Wing as well as a hefty admission hike; Kiddieland amusement park closing at the end of the season; the Blackhawks skating for their playoff lives against the Red Wings tonight; and All-Star pitcher Jake Peavy turns down a trade to the White Sox.

Guests:

• Mark Brown - Chicago Sun-Times
• Roger Crockett - Business Week
• Bruce Dold - Chicago Tribune
• Mike North - Comcast SportsNet and Chicagosportswebio.com

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Viewer Mail

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Ask Alpana

Ask Alpana

Are you looking to spice up your Memorial Day cookout? "Check, Please!" host and master sommelier Alpana Singh joins us with her list of wine recommendations to kick off the summer barbecue season.

• Alpana Singh's Memorial Day Barbecue Wine List

Arts & Entertainment

Shedd Aquarium

The Oceanarium of the Shedd Aquarium reopens this Memorial Day weekend. Rich Samuels reintroduces us to some of the creatures you will be able to see in this new and improved environment.

Arts & Entertainment

Submarine Lost...and Found

The USS Lagarto was the first sunken submarine found since the end of World War Two. It was built in Wisconsin and now sits at the bottom of the Gulf of Thailand. We preview a new documentary that details its history and describes how it was found.

Blagojevich Archive

The Obama Camp's Blagojevich Connections

What was the relationship between Rod Blagojevich and Barack Obama and his advisers? Its complex nature is revealed in a new article.

Politics

Legalizing Video Poker

A closer look at the decision to legalize video poker.

Friday Night Preview
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart thinks the move to legalize video poker is a major mistake. We preview John Callaway's "Friday Night" interview with the man dubbed "the sheriff with a soul."

News Analysis with Eddie Arruza
Eddie Arruza and his panel will discuss the State Senate's action to pass a video poker deal.

Arts & Entertainment

Smokie Norful

He is a gospel singing sensation and Grammy winner. Smokie Norful will be here to perform and discuss his latest album.

• More about Smokie Norful
• EMI Gospel's web site

Arts & Entertainment

Bookslut

Chicago's favorite literary blogger "bookslut" is packing up and moving to Europe. What is the fate of her popular web site bookslut.com? Jessa Crispin will be here to tell us.

Arts & Entertainment

White Negro Leaguer

He was one of a handful of white baseball players who got to play in the Negro Leagues. Christian Farr talks with Lou Clarizio about his time with the League, and the racism he and his teammates had to face.

• Official Site of the Negro League Legends