Rich Samuels was with the mayor today. He tells us what was on the mayor's mind.

Chicago implemented tax increment financing as a way to redevelop communities throughout the city. But now, a proposed TIF district in the heart of downtown has some citizens and an alderman questioning whether or not the area deserves such funds. Elizabeth Brackett has the story.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts recently presented Cook County's top Judge Timothy Evans a prestigious award for judicial excellence. Judge Evans will be here to discuss the honor and more.

Last week the Chicago Tribune revealed that city aldermen have access to a secret, unsupervised payroll that many have been using to pay family members and friends. Carol Marin and her panel, which includes some aldermen, discuss this secret fund. "Chicago City Council uses stealth payroll for family, operatives, those with heat"--Chicago Tribune 11/19/09

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Oprah Winfrey ending her talk show in 2011; Chicago School Board President Michael Scott's apparent suicide shocks the city; the Cook County Board votes to roll back the controversial sales tax hike; major conventions continue to leave McCormick Place for less expensive locales; and the Bears season on life support. Guests:

We get an exclusive look at the Chicago News Cooperative's investigation into the profits of the city's parking meter deal.

A new report says Chicago women remain a minority in high-ranking positions at the city's largest public companies. Three local executives join us to discuss the findings. The Chicago Network

Mayor Daley stormed out of a City Hall press conference after questions about the death of School Board President Michael Scott. Rich Samuels tells us what was said.

DePaul student Frankie Valencia was shot and killed at a Humboldt Park Halloween party, and it happened in a condo that had been rented just for the party. Many properties around the city are being rented out by the night or week. We hear from an alderman and the owner of a vacation rental agency about the controversial practice.

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger says he will veto the half-cent sales tax rollback Cook County commissioners passed today. Rich Samuels has the latest.

Questions continue about the death of Chicago School Board President Michael Scott. Friends and family do not believe Scott took his own life, though the Medical Examiner again today called Scott's death a suicide. More than 33,000 suicides are committed each year in the United States. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have some important suicide prevention information.

Carol Marin sits down with David Plouffe, the campaign manager for President Obama's historic election. Watch Carol Marin's entire interview with David Plouffe

Guantanamo Bay detainees could be headed to Illinois. The Obama administration is considering purchasing the Thomson Correctional Center in Thomson, Illinois to house terror suspects currently being held in Guantanamo Bay. Federal officials toured the facility today and Rich Samuels has the details of their visit. And Carol Marin and her panel discuss the pros and cons of bringing terror suspects to Illinois.

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: The CTA avoids fare hikes but service cuts and layoffs are still looming; Jeanine Nicarico's killer, Brian Dugan, gets the death penalty; Governor Quinn decides to release prisoners early; Congressman Danny Davis bows out of the race for Cook County Board President; Chicago's magnet school admission policies are revamped; and another devastating loss puts the Bears season on the brink. Guests:

Carol Marin sits down with David Plouffe, the campaign manager for President Obama's historic election.