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.

Senate candidates Alexi Giannoulias and David Hoffman had an unusually sharp exchange at a debate this morning at the Union League Club. Rich Samuels has the details.

Some Guantanamo Bay detainees will be heading to Thomson Prison, in northwestern Illinois, under orders from the federal government. Rich Samuels was in Thomson today and shares how local residents were reacting to the news.

Elizabeth Brackett goes one-on-one with State Comptroller and Democratic Gubernatorial hopeful Dan Hynes.

Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis talks about violence in the city, the missing persons reporting system, and other items on the police beat.

As the election primaries inch closer, recently released poll numbers show surprising numbers. Carol Marin breaks down the races for Senate, Governor, County Board President and much more.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Cook County Board President Todd Stroger's re-election bid suffers a set-back after a new poll of Democratic primary voters shows him in third place; Governor Quinn signed a sweeping law this week that limits campaign donations; Illinois now has the second-worst bond rating in the nation; Chicago is battling the bitter cold; and Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro is on the hot seat after the team loses 9 of their last 10 games. Guests:

We have some of your thoughts on Cook County Board President Todd Stroger when we read our viewer mail.