Illinois' unemployment rate is now more than nine percent, the highest since 1985. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 has the inside scoop on the very latest business news.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Mayor Daley says 1,600 city workers may lose their job unless the union agrees to concessions; obese passengers on United Airlines could be forced to pay for an extra seat; express bus service coming to the Stevenson Expressway; Cook County Board President Todd Stroger proposes cutting the sales tax; Rod Blagojevich could be heading to reality TV; the Chicago Tribune announces major newsroom cuts; the foreclosure rate in Illinois the 5th highest in the nation; and Bulls and Blackhawks playoff fever is red hot.

Twelve weeks into his presidency, President Obama gives an assessment of his administration's approach to fixing the ailing U.S. economy. The President claims we are headed in the right direction, but we hear what two local economists have to say in tonight's installment of "The Bottom Line."

There is a brand new way of doing business thanks to the World Wide Web. Kris Hammond of Northwestern University introduces us to the popular phenomenon known as "crowdsourcing," and tells us how it works.

Chicago's Boeing is cutting production and profits. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780's Noon Business Hour has that story, plus the rest of the week's business headlines.

Should the United States normalize relations with Cuba? We find out what you think when we read some of your viewer mail.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. facing an ethics probe; Mike Quigley wins Rahm Emanuel's congressional seat; frustrated Chicagoans take to the streets filling potholes; the International Olympic Committee gets a firsthand look at Chicago; 22 Illinois firms planning major layoffs; President Obama urges homeowners to refinance; the Bulls and Blackhawks charging into the playoffs; and the Cubs and Sox open the new season. Guests:

If you have applied for a credit card, home mortgage, or car loan recently, you may have found that they are not as easy to get as they once were. The TARP funds were supposed to free up credit markets. So why are credit lines still out of reach for many? This is tonight's focus in our series, "The Bottom Line." Check the results of Chicago-based banks

Groceries and prescriptions for a steal? Yes, according to Carrie Kirby, the woman behind the "Shoplifting With Permission" blog. She joins us with her best tips for saving you money.

Chicago's unemployment rate soared to 9 percent this month. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 has the inside scoop on the very latest business news.

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

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Former governor Rod Blagojevich indicted; the International Olympic Committee pays a critical visit to Chicago; the Chicago Sun-Times files for bankruptcy; Mayor Daley wants a bigger slice of Governor Quinn's proposed tax hike; the Bears land prized quarterback Jay Cutler; and the Cubs and Sox open their seasons next week. Guests:

The Chicago Sun-Times followed the Chicago Tribune and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy today. The daily paper and the online website will continue to operate. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have the details.

The Obama administration is placing an emphasis on technology and the nation's oldest laboratory is reaping the rewards. The new head of Argonne National Laboratory will be here to tell us more about his goals for the lab's future.

The first round of stimulus funds lands at O'Hare. Elizabeth Brackett reports on the infrastructure improvements and whether any of the stimulus funds will be used for the airport expansion program.

President Barack Obama has forced General Motors' CEO to resign. And he has also told GM and Chrysler that new bailout cash will be held until they make serious changes. Carol Marin is joined by two financial experts to discuss President Obama's announcement and if the auto industry deserves another bailout.