Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: State lawmakers busy during the fall veto session; Cook County property taxes soaring; Illinois grappling with the swine flu; terrorism suspects arrested in Chicago; protesters take to the streets against the American Bankers Association annual meeting; new Cubs owner Tom Ricketts officially takes over; and the Bears hope to bounce back from one of the worst losses of the Lovie Smith era. Guests:

A Chicago filmmaker joins us to talk about a new documentary featuring unprecedented behind-the-scenes footage from inside the Obama Presidential campaign. By the People: The Election of Barack Obama

Property taxes, the proposed Illiana Expressway, and mass transit are the subjects of tonight's viewer mail.

One of two Chicago men accused of a terror plot against a Danish newspaper made his first appearance in federal court today. Eddie Arruza reports on what prosecutors say was an attempt to kill a cartoonist behind some controversial drawings of the Prophet Muhammed.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Taylor Branch discusses his latest book, The Clinton Tapes.

Today marked the first day for candidates to file petitions to get on the February 2nd primary ballot. Rich Samuels tells us which potential candidate stole the show in Cook County -- even though he's not sure which office he's seeking.

Lawmakers return to Springfield this week to continue the General Assembly's veto session. Carol Marin and her panel of legislators from both sides of the Illinois House discuss ethics reform, budget concerns and much more.

Tonight's panel discusses the week's top headlines: Mayor Daley dipping into reserve funds to plug gaping budget holes; the long-stalled Block 37 project runs into yet another delay; Cook County property taxes going up; Brown's Chicken killer James Degorski sentenced to life in prison; the EPA cracking down on BP's refinery expansion in northwest Indiana; Bears quarterback Jay Cutler signs a $30 million contract extension; and Bulls star Derrick Rose battling an ankle injury. Guests:

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger submitted his budget proposal to county commissioners in the midst of a tough primary battle for his job. President Stroger and the county's Chief Financial Officer sit down with Eddie Arruza. 2010 Executive Budget Recommendation

Is it time to build an expressway to link northeast Illinois with northwest Indiana? A new study says it is needed and doable, but others call the plan a waste of resources. We hear both sides of the argument. Illiana Expressway Feasibility Study

A local youth movement goes worldwide in its attempts to turn religious diversity into religious cooperation. We talk to the group's founder, who is one of President Obama's advisers on faith. Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation Interfaith Youth Core

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

Mayor Daley's proposed 2010 budget is already generating controversy. Rich Samuels tells us why. City of Chicago's press release regarding the 2010 budget

Elizabeth Brackett and her panel of aldermen discuss whether the City Council will rubber stamp the mayor's controversial budget.

The Harding Affair Sex and politics intersect once more, this time in the steamy affairs of our 29th President. We speak with the authors of a new book that re-evaluates Warren Harding. The Harding Affair: Love and Espionage during the Great War

Rod Blagojevich's former chief of staff pleaded guilty today to corruption charges and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in their case involving the former Governor. Elizabeth Brackett has the details.