:Vocalo.org

There have been a lot of shootings in the Back-of-the-Yards neighborhood on Chicago's Southwest Side recently, and my friend Francisco borrowed a recorder to go ask his neighbors what they thought: Are gangs the problem? What should police do? What should neighbors do?

Today we'll hear from Frank and his neighbors, and from you. What's going on in your neighborhood? Listen to these stories and call 888-635-1112.

Also, our friend at the Marshfield Tattler has been blogging about the violence in Back-of-the-Yards; we'll hear some of her recent posts, and stories about neighborhoods, gangs, police, and what it means to be a neighbor.

We'll also add some Chicago history to the conversation: Author Ron Chepesiuk will join us halfway through the broadcast to talk about his new book, "Black Gangsters of Chicago."

... and we'll talk about international conflicts-- or one that might be coming soon to a world near you: Is the U.S. going to invade Iran? Local author Stephen Kinzer's "All the Shah's Men" talks about the last time the U.S. military got involved in Iran... and why he thinks doing it again would be a bad idea.