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We take a look at how the science taking place at Chicago State University may revolutionize urban agriculture. Aquaponics at Chicago State University

It appears that the merger between Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways has been cleared for take-off. WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel has the details on the latest airline deal.

What classifies an American as rich? One University of Chicago law school professor has triggered a national debate with his blog. We look at the income tax issue from a different perspective.

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

On tonight's edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week In Review -- The campaign season heats up with Governor Quinn fighting back in response to Bill Brady's criticism of the union deal; dueling ads get ugly in the race for Barack Obama's old Senate seat; Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s mayoral hopes fade in light of renewed accusations of an improper Senate seat deal along with new allegations that he had a fundraiser pay to fly a female "acquaintance" to Chicago; rumors circulate that Rahm Emanuel is leaving his White House post next month to run for mayor, and Sheriff Tom Dart is coy about his own poss

Senator Bill Brady continues to pound Governor Quinn on the deal forged with AFSCME to cut health care costs and defer pay raises in exchange for freezing layoffs until 2012. Elizabeth Brackett has more on the debate.

A bipartisan reform group says education in Illinois just isn't making the grade. We talk with the group's co-chair Bill Daley and the group's executive director to discuss this and more. Advance Illinois

50 years ago this week, candidates Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy met in Chicago for the first televised presidential debate. Many believe that it changed the outcome of the election. We talk with Newton Minow, who was a key player in setting up the debate, and broadcasting historian Bruce DuMont.

We go inside the mind of the man who created the Muppets. Tonight, a sneak preview of the new exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry on the life and work of Jim Henson. Jim Henson's Fantastic World

Before he was famous, Mike Royko honed his writing skills in love letters to his future wife. We talk to their son David Royko. Royko in Love Find out about David Royko's upcoming appearances

Three viewers wrote in to ask Geoffrey Baer about some apparent rail lines recently exposed on North Lincoln Avenue. He digs into the subject in tonight's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Should the state's budget problems be solved with tax hikes, or budget cuts and pension reforms? It depends on which civic organizations you ask. Elizabeth Brackett sorts out the debate.

Carol Marin sits down with famed feminist and political activist Gloria Steinem. Women's Media Center

Jazz is a quintessential and sometimes hidden part of Chicago history. We talk to Chicago Tribune critic Howard Reich, who chronicles the genre in his new book, Let Freedom Swing: Collected Writings on Jazz, Blues and Gospel. Hyde Park Jazz Festival

When mandolin superstar Chris Thile needed a banjo player for his latest band, Punch Brothers, he chose Skokie native Noam Pikelny. We go behind the scenes at a Punch Brothers rehearsal.

Proper use of the English language matters--that was the contention of longtime NBC news correspondent and anchor Edwin Newman, who died last month. We revisit John Callaway's 1976 conversation with Newman about the importance of grammar.

With more than a dozen African-Americans reportedly considering a run for mayor, we look at how that community--and others--may try to whittle down the field.

For two years a state website provided physicians' records, but earlier this year the law mandating this database was struck down. Should the state resurrect the database? We hear from both sides of this healthcare issue. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation House Bill 6409

A hungry insect is devastating Illinois' ash trees. Jay Shefsky introduces us to some researchers who are trying to understand the emerald ash borer--and find an ash tree that can co-exist with the pervasive pest. Comprehensive website about the Emerald Ash Borer Emerald Ash Borer in Illinois Morton Arboretum

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest! What makes a good Oktoberfest beer, and which ones should we choose for this celebration? Check, Please! host and master sommelier Alpana Singh shares some of her favorites. Alternatives to Kozel Dark Beer:

TV and radio personality Jenniffer Weigel discusses her latest book, I'm Spiritual Dammit!, which is part memoir and part spiritual guide.

An incident involving a TV reporter from Mexico has reignited the debate over female sports reporters in men's locker rooms. Carol Marin talks to a panel of some of Chicago's women reporters about what they encounter in the locker room -- and what they think needs to change.

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger's chief spokesman addresses recent news reports that he received more than $13,000 worth of new furniture for his office.

WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel tells us about the week's top business news, including Gatorade's new social media initiative, which some people are finding a bit too invasive.

How a local organization is turning an abandoned truck depot into an urban farm just minutes away from U.S. Cellular Field. Iron Street Farm Growing Power

The Bears pull off an unexpected win over the Dallas Cowboys. Ed O'Bradovich joins us on the Bears Alumni Club to break down the game.