We break down the state of the Illinois governor’s race and what's happening with pension reform in the state.

Jahmal Cole was inspired to create a new web series after volunteering at the Cook County Jail and realizing that most of the inmates had never visited landmark sites, such as the Willis Tower.

Among the 14 historic ships heading for Chicago’s Tall Ships Festival is the “Lynx,” a two-masted schooner modeled after an 1812 “privateer.” I spent 24 hours on the Lynx as it sailed to Chicago. Read an article, view a slideshow, and watch Web Extra: Dawn on a Tall Ship for a video postcard of my trip.

The Fest for Beatles Fans returns to Chicago for its annual visit. Local author Robert Rodriguez, a Beatles authority and guest speaker at the Fest, has just written a book called Solo In The 70s about the post-Beatles careers of the Fab Four. He joins us. Read an excerpt from the book, Rodriguez's best solo album picks, and watch a web extra video from our archives.

We revisit an inside look at the long-awaited Goodman Theatre production of The Jungle Book. Watch a web extra video and view a slideshow.

We share what you had to say about the recent CPS layoffs and Len Goodman, an attorney of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich who filed an appeal on his behalf on July 15, in tonight’s viewer feedback.

Less than a week after medical marijuana became legal in Illinois, the first clinic opens in Chicago. But it's still going to be a while before patients get their prescriptions filled.  Eddie Arruza has the details.

In a whirlwind week for newspapers, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos plans to buy The Washington Post for $250 million, while Boston Red Sox Owner John Henry has purchased The Boston Globe from the New York Times Company. We discuss the future of the newspaper industry in light of the sales.

The State Department issues a worldwide travel alert and the temporary closure of 19 embassies and consulates. We look at the latest terror threats with Robert Pape, Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago. View a map of the closures and charts on attacks.

We speak with a former prosecutor with the Cook County State’s Attorney's juvenile division who says she was demoted for dropping charges in a “wilding” case in the Loop.

Chicago’s premier rock and roll photographer talks about 37 years of incredible access to the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, and everybody who’s anybody in popular music. On the eve of a new, interactive exhibit of his photos at the Elmhurst Historical Museum, we visited Paul Natkin in his home studio and on assignment shooting the Chicago Blues Fest. We revisit the story. Read a Q&A, watch a web extra video, and view a slideshow.

Our panel of expert chefs and restaurant owners – Chelsea Kalberloh Jackson of Pleasant House Bakery, Dan Smith of Hearty Boys, and Cleetus Friedman of Fountainhead – weighs in on how you can get the most out of dining out this summer. View some recipes.

In light of the recent Metra scandal, Gov. Pat Quinn is looking to appoint a panel of experts to suggest a “fundamental overhaul” of both Metra and the Regional Transportation Authority. Will the task force recommend streamlining the oversight of public transportation? And is it a good idea to completely revamp Metra, Pace, CTA and the RTA? We have analysis.