We have your thoughts on a possible CTA fare hike when we read some of your viewer mail.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel unveils some surprising proposals to close Chicago's massive budget gap. So who'll feel the most pain? Carol Marin is joined by City Council members, and then we take a look at the specifics of the plan and whether it's the best way out of the city's $636 million shortfall.

Star witness and Blagojevich insider Stuart Levine begins testimony at the political corruption trial of William Cellini. Elizabeth Brackett brings us the details.

Their numbers are growing. The self-named "Occupy" protestors are upset about the economy and unemployment. But who are they? Elizabeth Brackett talks to some of the organizers about this wave of anti-corporate protests.

As Illinois watches still another corruption trial, a watchdog group that encourages accountability in government has a new leader. We talk with the head of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.

A national unrest is brewing amid discontent with the President, Congress and Wall Street. Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk join Carol Marin for a lengthy discussion about how to turn the country around.

How will history remember Mayor Richard M. Daley? We talk with the first-time author who has taken on the task of writing a Daley biography. What does he hope to accomplish with his book? We find out.

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

How did the charity run by Mayor Daley’s wife end up getting nearly a million dollars from TIF recipients? Carol Marin talks with Chicago aldermen about that, and how the city plans to collect money owed by city workers. 

The trial of Springfield powerbroker William Cellini begins. It's a political corruption case some say could have a deeper impact than the Blagojevich trial. Elizabeth Brackett reports from federal court.

Cook County continues searching for ways to reduce its budget deficit. It's also found efficiencies with the city of Chicago that could mean millions of dollars in savings. Ash-har Quraishi has the details of today's announcement and a proposal to merge two county departments.

A small group in the Loop protested against Wall Street's so-called corporate greed today. Meanwhile, it's another extremely volatile day for the markets. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel look at the economy, and talk about whether or not we're inching closer to a double-dip recession.

Crime is down in Chicago under new Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy. At least that's what the city says. Should the numbers be believed? Carol Marin talks with Chicago's top cop about this and more.

We hear what you had to say about Critical Mass and urban cycling when we read some of our viewer mail.

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

Does biking in large groups, like the monthly ride called Critical Mass, help or hurt cyclists and the cycling movement? We debate the issue and get some tips for riding in the city.