Carol Marin and her panel look at doctors' compensation and how some would like to reform this area of health care. "The Cost Conundrum" by Atul Gawande -- The New Yorker

The beginning of flu season means heightened concerns over the H1N1 virus. How bad could it get, and how prepared are we? Eddie Arruza and his panel take a look. Swine Flu Prep -- Illinois Department of Public Heath

A deadly drug is cause for alarm in some Lake County suburbs. We bring you part two of our investigation into why more suburban kids are overdosing on heroin. Buffalo Grove Community Forum on Drug Abuse

A researcher studying plague bacteria at the University of Chicago has died following exposure to deadly bacteria. Eddie Arruza and his panel discuss possible reasons this might have happened, and precautions taken by scientists studying potentially fatal diseases and bacteria.

A dangerous drug has made a deadly comeback in the suburbs. In the first part of a two-part series, we take a look at why more and more kids are overdosing on heroin, and how it has impacted a quaint Lake County community.

How are the legions of unemployed Americans handling their health insurance? Diane Eastabrook of the Nightly Business Report's Chicago bureau has the story.

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