Understanding the nation's current financial crisis is no easy task, but has the press helped or hurt the public's understanding of the economic downturn? Carol Marin sits down with a panel of business reporters who discuss the media's coverage of the financial downturn.

Only 600 condominiums sold in downtown Chicago last year, compared to the previous year when nearly 4,000 sold. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780's "Noon Business Hour" joins us with the details of that story plus the stories behind the rest of the week's business headlines.

We hear what you had to say about some of our recent stories when we read some viewer mail.

Tonight's panel discusses the week's top headlines: Calls for embattled Senator Roland Burris's ouster are mounting; CTA officials warn of a major budget shortfall, is another fare hike on the horizon?; Rahm Emanuel's vacant congressional seat a hot commodity; President Obama lays out his mortgage plan; and the Bulls shake up their roster at the trade deadline. Guests:

President Obama unveils his plan to stem the tide of home foreclosures and resuscitate the housing market. What are its key elements and can it work? We take a look in tonight's installment of our economic series, "The Bottom Line." More about The Bottom Line

As President Obama signed the $787 billion dollar stimulus bill into law today, the Dow plunged 298 points to 7552. We find out why this happened today and what the outlook is for the economy.

There has been more upheaval in the Chicago media asthe Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times announced some changes. Kris Kridel of WBBM's Newsradio 780's "Noon Business Hour" will be here with those details plus the stories behind the rest of the week's business headlines.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Chicago and Illinois awaiting much-needed federal stimulus dollars; former governor Blagojevich slams Illinois lawmakers for infidelity and alcoholism; startling allegations of corporal punishment in the Chicago Public Schools; downtown parking meter rates going way up today; the Chicago Auto Show drives into town; Cubs and Sox pitchers and catchers report to spring training this weekend; and Chicago Bulls legend Johnny "Red" Kerr honored this week. Guests:

The proposed merger between Ticketmaster and Live Nation Entertainment may drive concert ticket prices even higher. The Sun-Times pop music critic, Jim DeRogatis, joins us with the ramifications of the consolidation.

The new U.S. treasury secretary unveiled the latest proposal to rescue the nation's banks and the price tag is in the trillions of dollars. What has happened to the money dispersed so far? Eddie Arruza talks to two top economists about the bailout plan in our economic series, "The Bottom Line." More information on "The Bottom Line"

The Dow closes down almost 400 points. This comes despite the Senate passing an $838 billion dollar stimulus plan this afternoon. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780's "Noon Business Hour" has the details on the Dow's drop.

We kick off a new series on the economy we are calling: "The Bottom Line." For our first installment, we take a look at the stimulus package being hotly debated in the U.S. Senate and examine how it may or may not resuscitate the ailing economy.

Just when you thought that newspapers were dying, a new publication hit the streets last week. It is a newspaper with an unexpected 21st Century twist. We take you inside "The Printed Blog."

Will Chicago's transit woes be helped by the stimulus plan winding through Washington? Kris Kridel of WBBM's Newsradio 780's "Noon Business Hour" discusses the possibilities and the price.

Last night's dramatic contest between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals may have upstaged all the commercials. We talk with two advertising experts about how the economy may have affected what you watched in between all the gridiron action.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Embattled Governor Rod Blagojevich thrown out of office; Governor Pat Quinn pledges to "fumigate state government" of corruption; President Obama's stimulus plan passed by the House of Representatives, what does it mean to Chicago?; Mayor Daley names Ron Huberman Chicago's new Public Schools chief; and Chicago-area home prices continue to plummet. Guests: