Our state's underfunded pension fund is a ticking time bomb just waiting to explode. But Illinois isn't alone -- several pension funds across the country will run out within the next decade. We talk to a finance professor about the drastic action needed to avoid a nationwide financial meltdown. More on the story

Chef Rick Bayless tells us what was cooking in Washington, D.C. during President Obama's state dinner for the President and First Lady of Mexico. More on the story (including recipes from Rick Bayless)

When he's not playing French horn with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, he has a rather unusual hobby. We meet Dan Gingrich and his monarch butterflies. More on the story

Governor Quinn is headed back down to Springfield as the battle over the budget heats up again before the May 31st deadline. Rich Miller of Capitol Fax joins us via Skype to give us the latest.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: A New Trier honor student is jailed in a hit-and-run case; Cook County Board Presidential candidate Toni Preckwinkle backtracks on her pledge to eliminate the rest of the controversial county sales tax increase; Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis says he is willing to cut his $310,000 salary; Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bill Brady launches a television ad blitz; a Congressional probe is called for after a bank in President Obama's old neighborhood avoids being seized by the government; and the mighty Blackhawks are just two wins

Elizabeth Brackett sits down with award-winning sports columnist and best-selling author Mitch Albom.

A tragic personal loss leads to an unusual scholarship program that's more about mentoring than money. Bardwell Scholarships

Elizabeth Brackett reports on the visit to Chicago of General David Petraeus. Watch web exclusive of General Petraeus' presentation

We meet one Chicago woman who became the domino that allowed eight people to get a life-saving kidney. We find out about altruistic living kidney donations, and why they are on the rise.

As the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico worsens, environmental groups around the country are standing by to help. We talk with Ken Ramirez from the Shedd Aquarium about what it will take to save and rehabilitate threatened wildlife.

We meet a family that truly plays together....stringed instruments, that is. Live music from up-and-coming young stars -- and cousins --SugarStrings.

Barbecuing season is almost here. Check, Please! host and master sommelier Alpana Singh joins us with the best drinks to serve grillside. Alpana's Memorial Day Drink Recommendations Places to purchase Dandelion Wine: Ackerman Winery, Amana Iowa and Village Winery, Amana Iowa Alpana's Memorial Day Drink Recommendations:

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger lashed out at the media after a decisive victory in the Board chambers. Eddie Arruza reports on what sparked the ire of the lame duck President.

Elizabeth Brackett and her panel, including Metra Chair Carole Doris, take a look at the investigation surrounding the apparent suicide of Metra Executive Director Phil Pagano and the future of the organization. Read a summary of Metra's investigation

Local actor Michael Fosberg talks about his one-man show, Incognito, which chronicles his journey to find his birth father, and the new life that came with that discovery.

We meet an architect who's putting up his own money to transform a rundown Frank Lloyd Wright house in Glencoe into a green home for the 21st century. For more on the story...