Stories by Jessen O'Brien

From a tiny shark tooth found in the Arctic to electronic tattoos that can monitor brain, heart and muscle activity, Neil Shubin joins us with a roundup of local scientific breakthroughs.

Was President Obama disrespected when he was forced to change the day of his speech to a joint session of Congress? Chicago Sun-Times' Washington Bureau Chief Lynn Sweet tells us what she’s heard from both sides of the story. Then, Eddie Arruza talks with a political analyst for his take on the latest partisan bickering.

Kankakee’s Mayor strongly denies that her city is taking sales tax revenues that belong in Cook County. Elizabeth Brackett has the story.

Hedy Weiss devours the latest version of Sweeney Todd to hit Chicago.  She reviews that and three more shows.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel calls for reform of the Tax Increment Financing, or TIF program. A task force report calls for more transparency and oversight. Carole Brown, the head of that task force, joins us to lay out the plan.

Driving Illinois tollways may soon take a bigger toll on your wallet. The Tollway Board just approved a massive toll increase. We hear from the Tollway's executive director.

Are some airlines skirting the city sales tax? We look into that issue, plus the City of Chicago's tax lawsuit against some nearby counties.

On the eve of his 100th day as Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel issues a list of accomplishments so far. But how much of his checklist is still incomplete? Eddie Arruza reports.

His neighbors call him the flower man. But he's not planting tulips and daffodils at his suburban condo development. He has created what may be the most extensive native prairie garden at a residential complex. And experts say gardens like these can help slow climate change. Jay Shefsky has the story. 

From a Chicago alley that’s still paved with wood blocks, to a cowpath among the skyscrapers in the downtown Loop, and other secret byways. Geoffrey Baer explores Chicago’s oddest and most interesting streets and alleys for Hidden Chicago.

On Tuesday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Commissioner Bechara Choucair, M.D., released a new Public Health Agenda—Healthy Chicago—the City’s first comprehensive public health plan.