What was the relationship between Rod Blagojevich and Barack Obama and his advisers? Its complex nature is revealed in a new article.

Chris Kennedy is reportedly close to entering the race for the U.S. Senate. What might that do to an already crowded field of potential Democratic challengers? Elizabeth Brackett and her panel weigh in.

There will be no sales tax relief for residents of Cook County. Rich Samuels tells us why commissioners failed in their effort to override President Todd Stroger's veto of their proposed rollback, and why more tax battles lie ahead.

Could the city terminate the billion-dollar deal that privatized Chicago's parking meters? That is exactly what some fed-up aldermen are exploring. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have more on the parking meter controversy. Contact your alderman

Governor Quinn painted a grim picture of the state's finances today, saying that if his budget does not pass, the state will have to cut spending by 37 percent. What programs and funding could be cut? Rich Samuels has the details about the state's financial woes.

The Cook County Board votes tomorrow on whether or not to override President Stroger's veto of the sales tax repeal. Carol Marin talks to a couple of commissioners about the critical vote. Contact your Cook County Commissioner

President Obama sought common ground on the issue of abortion during yesterday's much-publicized commencement address at Notre Dame. Was his speech effective at bringing the opposing factions of this debate closer together? A former political speechwriter gives his take.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Cook County Board President Todd Stroger owes the IRS nearly $12,000; Is Lisa Madigan eyeing a potential Senate run?; lawmakers still wrestling with budget and ethics reforms in Springfield; Chrysler and General Motors closing car dealerships all across the country; major layoffs at Loyola Medical Center; and the Blackhawks skating against the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference finals. Guests:

Mayor Daley has asked all city employees for sacrifices to help deal with a deteriorating fiscal situation. But is City Council doing its part? Eddie Arruza and a panel of aldermen weigh in. Contact your alderman

The cash-strapped CTA uses one of the first stimulus grants for transportation to make badly needed track repairs on the Blue Line. Elizabeth Brackett reports on the impact of federal stimulus funds on the region's economy.

Chicago aldermen voted today 48-0 to forbid the sale of baby bottles that use the chemical bisphenol A, known as BPA. Rich Samuels was there, and has the latest on this story and the other issues taken up at today's City Council meeting.

There are only two weeks to go in this Illinois legislative season, and lawmakers have yet to commit to major ethics reform. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a look at what changes, if any, might come to Springfield. Illinois Reform Commission

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger is holding firm to his threat to veto a sales tax repeal by disgruntled Cook County commissioners. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have the very latest on the county tax revolt. Contact the Cook County Commissioners -

Drew Peterson has been arrested for murdering his third wife, Kathleen Savio. We talk to a couple of legal experts about a controversial hearsay law that is at the heart of the prosecution's case.

It's crunch time in Springfield. State lawmakers have until the end of May to enact ethics reform and fill a projected budget gap of about $10 billion. Carol Marin and a panel of state legislators take up the issues. Illinois Reform Commission Report

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Drew Peterson charged with murdering his third wife, Kathleen Savio; Mayor Daley demands furlough days from all city workers; sales tax revolt at the Cook County Board this week; Senate hopeful Alexi Giannoulias caught up in a college savings plan controversy; the distressed Sun-Times eyed by a local bidder; the Blackhawks even things up with the Vancouver Canucks; and Jerry Reinsdorf reportedly part of a group bidding for the Phoenix Coyotes hockey team. Guests: