Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Senator Ted Kennedy remembered; Mayor Daley apologizes yet again for the controversial parking meter deal; Chicago's inspector general David Hoffman runs for the U.S. Senate; Governor Quinn backs off his threat to fire the final two University of Illinois Trustee holdouts; Illinois braces for the swine flu; Bears quarterback Jay Cutler takes on his old team, the Broncos; and has Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley been the subject of racial taunts by Cubs fans? Guests:

It's an age-old way of doing business, but bartering is going through something of a renaissance in this tough economy. People and businesses are bartering for -- instead of spending money on -- all kinds of goods and services. We talk to an employee of a barter exchange and a doctor who barters his services. Guests: John Hora - The Art of Barter Karen Kelly - International Trade Exchange Dr. Joe Mejia - opthalmologist

The H1N1 flu outbreak has affected younger people more than older ones. We talk with two doctors from the Chicago Department of Health about preparing students and schools for an influx of influenza. Guests:

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Politicians stumping at the state fair; Chicago's Uptown area: the latest neighborhood grappling with rising violence; Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. holds a town hall meeting on health care; Chicago learns its Olympic fate in just six weeks; Bears quarterback Jay Cutler hopes to rebound from his dismal pre-season debut; and the Cubs struggling down the stretch. Guests:

Eddie Arruza and his panel take a close look at the advantages and disadvantages of the much-talked-about public health care option versus a health care cooperative. Guests: Dr. Claudia Fegan - Physicians for a National Health Program Tomas Philipson - Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies at the University of Chicago

We hear from a former political speechwriter about the meaning behind certain words and phrases that have come to define the health care debate. Guest: Jason Desanto - law and communications professor at Northwestern University New York Times: False 'death panel' rumor has some familiar roots (08/13/09)

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: The heated health care debate is raging all across the country; state political races starting to take shape; legalized video poker a tough sell in some locales; Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman calls for a property tax hike; a Chicago alderman uses clout to get his daughter into a coveted magnet school; a Wrigley Field bleacher bum dumps beer on an unsuspecting outfielder; and Blackhawk superstar Patrick Kane charged with felony robbery in a violent car fare dispute. Guests:

Almost half of those living with HIV or AIDS are African American. We talk to a young doctor known for her frank talk to the African American community about a traditionally taboo subject: sex. Guest: Dr. Rachael Ross Additional Resources Chicago Tribune: The next Dr. Ruth (07/27/09)

There's a new way to treat Iraq War veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. It's a 3-D simulator and it's the first of its kind in Illinois. We see how it works and how it's helping.

Sen. Durbin said he would support a health care bill that did not include a public option if that meant the bill would come to a full vote before the Senate soon. Eddie Arruza caught up with the senator today and tells us what Durbin's position could mean for health care reform.

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

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

Is organic food worth the the high price tag, or is it just the latest edible money-making scheme? We delve into the debate tonight.

Some of the nation's health care experts say reform might be futile without combating the nation's obesity epidemic. Carol Marin and her panel discuss new efforts to get obesity in check.

Have you ever wondered what happens to embryos left over after a successful round of in vitro fertilization? We explore the answer to this question and the many controversies it has spurred.

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