We hear your thoughts about some of our recent stories when we read our viewer mail.

Two local soldiers, just back from Afghanistan, give us some insight into what it's like on the ground in that war-torn country, and what 30,000 more U.S. troops will mean for the fight.

The Squeeze A new TV series is shining a spotlight on Cook County Jail. We hear what Sheriff Tom Dart and one of the show's producers have to say about the program. The Squeeze

Eddie Arruza tells us how airport security measures have been ramped up after the alleged attempted terrorist attack over Detroit on Christmas Day.

We hear what you have to say about Governor Quinn's controversial "early release" programs that are letting some convicts out of prison.

Governor Quinn is caught in another early prison release controversy. Rich Samuels tells us what the governor and his principal primary election opponent have to say about it.

Asian carp have invaded local waterways, threatened the Great Lakes, and are now the subject of a lawsuit against the state of Illinois. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a look at the state's Asian carp challenges.

Although Governor Quinn has suspended a controversial early release program for Illinois prisoners, another program remains in effect. Rich Samuels tells us who hopes to get out, and why corrections experts think it's a good idea.

We meet the leader of a local interfaith group that has the ear of the White House. Interfaith Youth Core

We hear some of your thoughts about our recent stories when we read our viewer mail.

Todd Stroger, Dorothy Brown, Terrence O'Brien, and Toni Preckwinkle join us to discuss the issues facing the county and their campaigns for Cook County Board President.

On tonight's program, Joel and his panel look back at the biggest stories of 2009. From the shocking fall of former Governor Rod Blagojevich to Chicago's stunning 2016 Olympic defeat to a sour economy, the year was packed with plenty of news. Be sure to tune in to our annual year-in-review edition of the Week in Review. Guests:

Endorsements came out today for Democrats seeking to become the party's candidate for President of the Cook County Board. Rich Samuels tells us who got the nods.

Is housing terror suspects at Illinois's Thomson prison a good move? Will health care reform pass? Eddie Arruza gets some perspective from Illinois's newest congressman, Mike Quigley.

Some say Chicago's garbage pickup procedures waste millions of dollars a year -- at a time when the city is already dipping into its reserve funds. We take a look.

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