Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

A new plan to reform Cook County's bond court system could mean fewer inmates at County Jail. We hear from Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Chief Judge Tim Evans.

The South Side's 3rd police district has seen a 91 percent rise in the homicide rate. Elizabeth Brackett looks at what police -- and the community -- are doing to fight back.

We asked what you thought about Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.’s extended absence. We read what some of you had to say in Viewer Mail.

Multiple news outlets are reporting that Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is being treated for a "mood disorder." This, after NBC News reported that he is being treated for alcoholism, a claim his office denies. We have reaction.

The scandal-plagued legislative scholarship program is dead. Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Wednesday morning ending the 100-year-old program. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

A Rolling Stone columnist lambasted Rahm Emanuel's style of governance, saying the mayor "hates" democracy. He joins us to discuss his scathing article.

A new biography explores President Obama's past. We talk with the author of Barack Obama: The Story.

The city is cracking down on businesses that it says foster crime. We have your thoughts in tonight's Viewer Mail.

After yet another weekend of shootings, the city is pushing back, calling out 37 businesses that officials say foster crime. But aldermen are calling for more aggressive tactics, including an amped use of stop-and-frisk.

Indicted Cook County Commissioner Bill Beavers says he's been wrongly accused, and he claims to have documentation to prove it. Paris Schutz has the story.

We hear from the director of Chicago's new Office of New Americans, Adolfo Hernandez, about the plan to make Chicago the most immigrant friendly city in the world.  

We asked if you thought the state should pass a law that prevents Illinois towns from banning plastic bags. We read what some of you had to say in Viewer Mail.

A young girl begs Gov. Pat Quinn to "sack" a controversial bill that would prevent towns from getting rid of plastic bags. Paris Schutz has the story.

She was raised in war-torn Czechoslovakia, but moved up the ranks of U.S. diplomacy to the very top spot: secretary of state. We revisit a recent conversation with Madeleine Albright.

Illinois' new fiscal year began with no reported progress on tackling the state's deepening pension crisis. House Republican Leader Tom Cross and Senate President John Cullerton join us.