Who takes the reins if the Mayor is unable to serve? We look at the little-known office of Vice Mayor. For more on the story

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Governor Quinn is trailing Republican challenger Bill Brady by 10 points, according to a new poll; Forrest Claypool is running as an independent in the Cook County Assessor's race; United Airlines and US Airways have renewed merger talks; violence is surging on Chicago's deadly streets; and the Cubs and Sox embark on a new season. Guests:

We hear what you have to say about some of our recent stories. Also mentioned on the program: The Black Star Project's "Men II Boys" film Screening

Eddie Arruza sits down with longtime Congressman Bobby Rush and the youngest member of Congress, Rep. Aaron Schock of Peoria, and finds out what we can expect out of Washington in the months to come.

And we'll hear your opinions about our recent stories when we open up our viewer mailbox.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: The state's bond rating was downgraded to the second-lowest in the country; voters are getting to know Governor Quinn's running mate, Sheila Simon; drivers are bracing for construction season delays; trade show customers are threatening to leave pricey McCormick Place; and the Cubs and Sox open the new baseball season next week. Guests:

A week after signing the historic health care bill, President Obama continues to sell the measure in the face of significant skepticism. Eddie Arruza sits down with two members of Congress with opposing views of the sweeping legislation. Jan Schakowsky's website Judy Biggert's website

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines; Governor Quinn is backing Paul Simon's daughter, Sheila, for his running mate; Illinois lawmakers finally pass pension reforms; U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan allegedly kept a clout list of requests to get into coveted Chicago magnet schools; President Obama signs historic health care legislation; an alleged beating by off-duty Chicago police officers was caught on tape; and the Cubs and Sox Opening Day lineups are taking shape. Guests:

In a fast and surprising move, state legislators approved radical changes to Illinois' pension laws. Elizabeth Brackett reports on Governor Quinn's reaction.

A preview of Joel Weisman's Friday Night Show interview with conservative icon Karl Rove.

We look into our viewer mailbox for feedback from you.

An Illinois Supreme Court ruling could mean state hospitals have to treat more patients for free, or else give up their tax-exempt status. We take up the issue.

As the debate over health care reform reaches its climatic stages, the government has already spent billions on a crucial change in patient care. We show you how some Chicago doctors are turning to computer technology, and why they say reform can't happen without it. Chicago Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center (CHITREC) Health Information Technology -- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

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

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines; Governor Quinn wants lawmakers to work during their spring break to vote on his tax hike; teachers accuse Chicago Public Schools chief Ron Huberman of using scare tactics during the budget crisis; Chicago's unemployment rate is now nearly 12 percent; full body scanners arrive at O'Hare Airport; and the Bulls and Blackhawks playoff push is stalled by major injuries. Guests:

Students at the University of Illinois will be paying a lot more in tuition if the state continues not paying its bills. Interim President Stanley Ikenberry talks about the school's plans.