In need of some medical attention itself, the old Cook County Hospital will undergo a facelift, says the Cook County Board. Architecture blogger Lee Bey tells us why he thinks it's worth the money. Lee Bey's Blog on Vocalo.org

Governor Quinn will make his budget address in ten days. Could an income tax increase and cuts to education, human services, and public safety be on the way? We hear from our panel of state senators. BudgetIllinois.gov Suggest a solution to the Governor's Office of Management and Budget Solutions proposed by Illinois citizens

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: As the state's budget crisis continues to grow, support is growing for a major income tax hike; legislation to end free CTA rides for all seniors is moving forward in Springfield; 8 underperforming Chicago Public Schools are set to be closed or completely overhauled; O'Hare airport gets full body scanners; Mayor Daley suggests privatizing parts of pricey McCormick Place; and the Cubs and Sox are working off the rust in spring training. Guests:

27-year-old downstate businessman Jason Plummer is the Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor. We talk to him about his candidacy and the questions surrounding his experience.

The Tea Party Movement has spread like wildfire all across the nation. We take a closer look at the political uprising and its surprising origins right here in Chicago. American Thinker A New American Tea Party: The Counterrevolution Against Bailouts, Handouts, Reckless Spending, and More Taxes

The long-running case putting the City of Chicago against applicants who took the 1995 firefighter exam is finally before the U.S. Supreme Court. Elizabeth Brackett has the story.

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Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: George Ryan's wife reaches out to President Obama to release the former governor from prison early; Mayor Daley is letting the public apply for open aldermanic seats; more controversy is brewing in the race for lieutenant governor; Governor Quinn signs a bill that ousts the entire McCormick Place board; red-light cameras are being scrutinized by lawmakers in Springfield; and the Bulls were busy at the trade deadline. Guests:

Should former Illinois Governor George Ryan be granted an early release from prison? Ryan's attorney is asking President Obama to grant clemency to the former Governor, claiming Mrs. Ryan is near death and citing Ryan's own deteriorating health. Eddie Arruza and his panel take up the issue.

We meet Green Party candidates for some of the top offices on the November ballot. Rich Whitney's campaign website Tom Tresser's campaign website LeAlan Jones's campaign website

How did Osama Bin Laden go from shy son of a wealthy Saudi businessman to the most wanted terrorist in the world? We find out when we take a look at a new book by DePaul University history professor Thomas Mockaitis. Osama bin Laden: A Biography

Should the controversial red light cameras be abolished? The debate over whether to do just that is heating up in Springfield, and we take up the subject with our own panel.

Indiana Senator Evan Bayh has decided not to run for a third term. Eddie Arruza and his panel discuss the partisanship and gridlock in Washington, and how they affect the outlook for the Democratic Party.

Betty Loren Maltese...is back! Having completed a seven-year prison term for corruption, today the former Cicero town president moved into a West Side halfway house. Eddie Arruza tells us what lies ahead for Loren-Maltese and the hefty debt she still owes society.

State Senator James Meeks wants to reform education in Illinois, in the form of more vouchers and less power for local school councils. Meeks will discuss his controversial education plan with Carol Marin.

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