GACY THE PLAY?
The Story Of One Of America's Most Notorious Serial Killers Takes Center Stage In Chicago

Mick Cornett, 06/29/12

Mayor, Oklahoma City

While we see the national economic numbers like everyone else and understand the challenges facing many American cities, these are good days in Oklahoma City. We found a concept that works here: investing in ourselves.

David Ormsby, 06/28/12

Public Relations Strategist, Ex-Press Secretary, Democratic Party of Illinois

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle released the preliminary Cook County budget for next year and she projects a 12 percent or $267.5 million gaping budget hole. And that's the good news. Next year it will be harder. Much harder.

Thomas Alter, 06/29/12

Sportswriter, Washington D.C.

The Hornets don't count, because the team that ended up with Anthony Davis was destined to be the clear winner of the draft. With Jared Sullinger, Fab Melo and Kris Joseph, Danny Ainge drafted three accomplished, tough college players who fit roles for Doc Rivers' squad.

Henry Henderson, 06/28/12

Natural Resources Defense Council Midwest Program Director

We can turn the tide against persistent water pollution. Today more than ever, we know that much of this pollution pattern is preventable.

Ethan Nadelmann, 06/27/12

Executive Director, Drug Policy Alliance

The Chicago City Council passed -- by a vote of 43 to 2 -- an ordinance today that will decriminalize small amounts of marijuana.

Danny Groner, 06/27/12

Manager, Shutterstock

Election season and baseball season intersected on Monday night as President Obama poked fun at Boston fans during a Massachusetts fundraiser after the Red Sox traded fan-favorite Kevin Youkilis to his cherished Chicago White Sox.

Kathie Kane-Willis, 06/26/12

The Chicago marijuana ordinance proposal was voted out of the public safety committee last Thursday. What will this mean for the parents, employees and residents of Chicago?

Steve Kaplan, 06/26/12

Author, “Bag the Elephant” and “Be the Elephant"

When I got the opportunity to be part of Secret Millionaire, I jumped in feet first without hesitation. My goal was to find deserving individuals who sacrifice everything to help those in need, and ultimately to encourage others to do the same.

Roxane Assaf, 06/27/12

Journalist and Adjunct, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Imagine being part of the discovery of something that potentially cracks the code to the origins of the universe by understanding the structure of matter.

Dave Scheidt, 06/28/12

Writer

44 Flood -- comprised of Menton Matthews aka Menton 3, Kasra Ghanbari, Ben Templesmith and Nick Idell -- were tired of answering to everyone else, so they set out to create things they love and that they'd want to see themselves.

Linda Novick O'Keefe, 06/27/12

Founding Executive Director, Common Threads

Sure, chefs have become celebrities, featured in shows like Top Chef, giving us an unprecedented peek into their world. While these are certainly fascinating parts of their lives, chefs do so much more for their communities than feed those lucky enough to eat in their restaurants.

Kenzo Shibata, 06/21/12

Editor, Chicago Union Teacher

Chicago Public Schools history teacher Jennifer Johnson was tired of watching her colleagues being bashed by out-of-state special interest groups and opportunistic politicians.

Robert Bullen, 06/26/12

Self-professed Chicago theatre addict, writer, blogger, audience member

It's a very rare thing when a beautiful and emotionally stirring new musical comes along. But with Eastland, about the overlooked tragedy of the capsizing of the SS Eastland in the Chicago River, the writers make a landmark debut.

Sid Mohn, 06/26/12

President, Heartland Alliance

Today, on the International Day for the Survivors of Torture, let's remember that torture is alive and well, even here in our own back yards, and knowing this fact is the first step to changing it.

Frank Nemecek, 06/26/12

Publisher, Warrendale (Detroit) Blog

How in the world can someone from the city that made gangland shootings famous worry that one more shooting means Chicago is "becoming Detroit?"

Modesto Tico Valle, 06/22/12

CEO, Center on Halsted

It's a time for us all to celebrate. It's also a time to reaffirm ourselves to the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance because, even though we've made progress, there is still work to be done.

Rosabeth Moss Kanter, 06/24/12

Professor, Harvard Business School

To keep America strong and Americans working, opportunity must flow to everyone. Regions with lower unemployment and greater growth prospects break the ice by finding the connections between innovation, collaboration, and education -- a flow of resources to create, attract, and grow jobs.