Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: A rash of robberies in Lincoln Park and the South Side have communities on alert; a scathing report rips the University of Illinois' clouted admissions policies; clout also investigated at Chicago's elite public schools; United Airlines moving their headquarters to the recently renamed Willis Tower; Ford pinning their revival on the new Taurus made right here in Chicago; the Cubs and Sox each battling for first-place; and new Bears quarterback Jay Cutler impressive in training camp. Guests:

Another school clout scandal has come to the surface, this time involving the Chicago Public Schools. Admission practices at some of the district's most selective high schools are currently under scrutiny. Eddie Arruza and his panel go inside the controversy. Chicago Tribune: Federal investigation targets CPS (08/02/09)

The chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees is the latest to resign in the wake of the admission clout scandal. Elizabeth Brackett sits down with commissioners from the independent panel reviewing the U of I's tainted admission process.

College tuition continues to rise, but more students in Illinois are being squeezed out of financial aid. Eddie Arruza and his panel have more on how to pay for college in a weak economy.

We take a look at the controversy surrounding the Cambridge arrest of Henry Louis Gates, Jr, a prominent black intellectual and Harvard professor. WEB EXCLUSIVE: Obama's response to the controversy Obama's complete press conference from July 22

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

A report card for Chicago public schools came out today. The number of students meeting or exceeding state expectations has risen by two percentage points. Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman tells us exactly what that means for the city. Commercial Club Civic Committee's Full Report Video from July 2 Chicago Tonight segment discussing study

The chancellor of the University of Illinois testified before the state's Admissions Review Committee, which is investigating claims that well-connected students received special preference in the school's admissions process. Elizabeth Brackett was at that meeting, and has the latest on the controversy. Download the PDFs of the university email correspondences which were received in response to a Freedom of Information request from the Admission Review Committee:

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Lawmakers ignore Wednesday's deadline and fail to pass a balanced budget; Mayor Daley gets an earful from aldermen about the Olympics; the Chicago Public Schools skewered in a new report; Gary-native Michael Jackson remembered; Bulls scoring star Ben Gordon signed by the rival Pistons; and the Blackhawks make a big splash in the free-agent market. Guests:

As far as student achievement goes, the majority of Chicago Public Schools get an "F." This is according to a harsh new report that claims the school system has not improved much over the last five years even though student test scores are up. Eddie Arruza and his panel take a closer look. The Civic Committee's report

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7 pm

We'll go inside a Chicago Public School that focuses on yoga as a central part of every students' day.

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

Exactly who is accepted into the University of Illinois -- and who is not -- has created a firestorm of controversy in recent days. Carol Marin sits down with a representative from the university, a state lawmaker calling for resignations, and a Chicago Tribune journalist who helped break the story.

We look into the life and challenges of a homeless 11-year-old Chicago Public School student, and learn what the city's school system does to help. If you would like to help the family of Demarra Rutherford, you have two options: You can send a check made payable to the: Demarra Rutherford Fund C/O: Metropolitan Family Services 1 North Dearborn Chicago, IL 60602

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Chicago on a Denver booting blitz; financing for the Midway Airport privatization deal falls through; the number of year-round Chicago Public Schools is tripling; Crestwood officials allowed citizens to use polluted water for more than two decades; Rod Blagojevich's reality show request denied; Cook County Board President Todd Stroger embroiled in a hiring scandal; the Blackhawks and Flames series all knotted up; and the Bulls hope to rebound from a lopsided loss against the Celtics. Guests: