Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Chicago finds out its Olympic fate in just 3 weeks; President Obama takes his health care fight directly to the people; Cook County Board President Todd Stroger is plagued by poor poll numbers; the bidder for the Chicago Sun-Times is calling for major union concessions; Oprah Winfrey takes over Michigan Avenue; Bulls great Michael Jordan is enshrined in the Hall of Fame; and the Bears open the season against the Green Bay Packers. Guests:

Last night President Obama made his healthcare reform pitch before a joint session of Congress. We have local reaction to the address, plus analysis from political speechwriter Jason DeSanto. Watch President Obama's September 9 health care speech.

We're devoting the entire hour tonight to health care reform. We'll explore the various proposals on the table and hear from doctors, hospitals and insurers on how the changes may affect you. We'll also hear from citizens who will share their hopes and concerns about health care.

Rich Samuels takes a look at the boisterous nature of some of the health care debates and town meetings that have been held across the country. Chicago Breaking News: Health care a hot topic at town hall meeting (08/24/09)

A recent study suggests that restricting one's caloric intake by 20 to 40 percent aids in slowing the aging process and improving overall health. We talk to a doctor about this controversial finding and speak to one woman who is following the calorie-restricted diet. Guests:

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.