If you’ve ever dreamed of trading your pogs in for something valuable, now may be a good time. A national barter exchange featuring about 16,000 businesses is starting to take off. WBEZ looks at how bartering could work in a tight economy.

A new report says Chicago Public Schools is acceptable but only for the short term. The report says that while CPS can operate through this year, the dire situation cannot sustain in the next three to five years. It calls for tough decisions, such as denying a teacher raise and raising property taxes.

Dozens of companies conducting business in Chicago may soon be facing a lawsuit from the mayor’s office. The Chicago Tribune is reporting that companies are routing sales through outlying towns with lower sales tax. The cost-reducing measures have taken away millions in revenue from the city.

Oral arguments are scheduled for this morning in the appeal of Juan Rivera.  He’s been convicted three times for the 1992 rape and murder of an 11-year old girl. Rivera was excluded as the source of the DNA, but prosecutors went forward with the case anyway. 

United Airlines airplanes will soon feature Continental’s flat-bed seats to its first- and business-class cabins on their longer flights. In addition, there will be more overhead space and wifi on some planes.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel will hit the 100 days in office this week. When he took office, he set this as a milestone for several goals for the city. One of those goals was to make City Hall more transparent. WBEZ Sam Hudzik looks at what Emanuel has accomplished.

After getting thrashed by the Cardinals, the Cubs have the Braves tonight. White Sox are basking in their win over the Rangers. Bears head to New Jersey to play the Giants. Fingers crossed the offensive line can prevent another sack record.

Going to be a beautiful day, sunny and high in the 80s.

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