Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Politicians stumping at the state fair; Chicago's Uptown area: the latest neighborhood grappling with rising violence; Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. holds a town hall meeting on health care; Chicago learns its Olympic fate in just six weeks; Bears quarterback Jay Cutler hopes to rebound from his dismal pre-season debut; and the Cubs struggling down the stretch. Guests:

A viewer blows the whistle on the nomination process for new trustees for the University of Illinois when we read some viewer mail.

The Independent Voters of Illinois Independent Precinct Organization filed a lawsuit today against Chicago, claiming the deal to lease the city's parking meters is illegal and should be voided. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a look at the suit and the parking meter deal. Guests:

With a bold ad campaign and marketing savvy, the Chicago Young Republicans organization is growing by the hundreds. We have members of the organization here to tell us why it's not easy being "right" in the city. Guests:

Gov. Quinn signed legislation today that he says will make Illinois government more transparent, but is the governor using his personal Blackberry to skirt the Freedom of Information Act? Rich Samuels fills us in. Read Gov. Quinn's press release on government transparency

The city had the first of three reduced service days this year. Will these furlough days help close Chicago's budget gap? Elizabeth Brackett and her panel of aldermen discuss this and more. Guests:

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 heated health care debate is raging all across the country; state political races starting to take shape; legalized video poker a tough sell in some locales; Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman calls for a property tax hike; a Chicago alderman uses clout to get his daughter into a coveted magnet school; a Wrigley Field bleacher bum dumps beer on an unsuspecting outfielder; and Blackhawk superstar Patrick Kane charged with felony robbery in a violent car fare dispute. Guests:

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

Mayor Daley wants an apology from a Chicago media outlet but as of today he has not received it. Eddie Arruza will tell us who Daley believes wronged him and what exactly they did.

Mayor Daley is proposing a modest property tax increase as a way to help plug the budget deficit at the Chicago Public Schools. Critics contend that's throwing good money after bad. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a closer look. Guests:

It's official: Cheryle Jackson is running for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by President Barack Obama. But what does the political rookie bring to the table? She joins us tonight. Guest: Cheryle Jackson - Chicago Urban League Additional Resources Offical Senate campaign site

DuPage County voted to ban video gambling, a major source of revenue for the state's capital bill, within unincorporated parts of the county. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest details on the decision and how much money the county may lose. Read the complete ordinance banning video gambling (PDF) DuPage County press release announcing decision

Eunice Kennedy Shriver died today at the age of 88. She founded the Special Olympics, which debuted in Chicago in 1968. We look back at her life and legacy.

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

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: A rash of robberies in Lincoln Park and the South Side have communities on alert; a scathing report rips the University of Illinois' clouted admissions policies; clout also investigated at Chicago's elite public schools; United Airlines moving their headquarters to the recently renamed Willis Tower; Ford pinning their revival on the new Taurus made right here in Chicago; the Cubs and Sox each battling for first-place; and new Bears quarterback Jay Cutler impressive in training camp. Guests: