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.

Former Governor Rod Blagojevich will be allowed to compete on Donald Trump's reality show "Celebrity Apprentice." A federal judge asked today that his legal team and prosecutors discuss the terms of his appearance. Elizabeth Brackett has the details of what he may and may not be allowed to say on the reality show.

Lawmakers are back in Springfield and there's already a lot to discuss. Carol Marin and her panel of Illinois lawmakers look ahead to what the public can expect from this legislative session.

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 proposing $3 fares and service cuts; Mayor Daley urges lawmakers to repeal free senior transit rides; 90 African-American ministers endorse Cook County Board President Todd Stroger's re-election bid; downtown office vacancies at a 3-year high; Playboy hoping their new CEO can spark a revival; and the Bears getting ready for the Falcons. Guests:

Mayor Daley is promising no new taxes or fees in the 2010 budget he unveils next week. But how is he going to close a more than half-billion dollar shortfall? Rich Samuels brings us the latest on the city budget.

A thousand college students from across the state came to Springfield to lobby lawmakers not to cut their student funding. They are just one of many groups that have a gripe with this year's budget. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel look at what kinds of options Illinois has to close the gap.

Some two-wheeled riders are racking up parking tickets they say they don't deserve. We show you why they say the new privatized parking meter system isn't working for them.