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

Mayor Daley revealed today how Chicago hopes to spend an anticipated billion dollars in federal economic stimulus funds. Rich Samuels tells us how the money could be used. How Chicago plans to allocate $1 billion in economic stimulus funds

A bill introduced in Congress this week would make it easier for workers to form and join unions. Big Labor is aggressively pushing for the bill, but some employers call it a job killer. Eddie Arruza and his guests dissect the Employee Free Choice Act.

Did United States policies during the Cold War help fuel Middle East tension? Controversial Middle East historian and author Rashid Khalidi says yes. He joins us to discuss his new book and much more.

South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu today offered absolution to the City Hall press corps and aid to Mayor Daley. Rich Samuels tells us why and how.

The president marked his 50th day in office calling for more accountability in the nation's schools. But, provocative talk show host Tavis Smiley wants to know who is holding the president accountable. He joins us to discuss his new book.

Gov. Quinn is scheduled to make his budget address next Wednesday as the state faces an estimated $9 million deficit. Could a tax increase be coming? Rich Samuels tells us what the governor and Sen. Durbin had to say about the budget. Civic Federation Budget Report

President Obama's decision to lift an eight year restriction on embryonic stem cell funding is causing quite the stir in the scientific communty. We hear from a Northwestern professor about what the president's decision means nationally for medicine and ethics.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Mayor Daley's former Streets and Sanitation commissioner on trial for alleged hiring fraud; Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley wins the Democratic primary to fill Rahm Emanuel's congressional seat; former governor Rod Blagojevich lands a six-figure book deal; Chicago foreclosure rates soaring; the Cubs and Sox battle in spring training; and the Bulls Norm Van Lier and Johnny "Red" Kerr laid to rest. Guests:

Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis is being ordered by a judge to hand over the names of officers that have five or more complaints against them. Eddie Arruza and his guest discuss the latest in the ongoing officer disclosure saga.

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

Al Sanchez, a former top aide to Mayor Daley, was in court today facing charges of giving out jobs in exchange for political work. They are the same kind of charges that sent five other Daley aides to prison. Carol Marin joins us with a look at what brought Sanchez to this point.

The controversy surrounding Sen. Burris continues. Rich Samuels tells us what Gov. Quinn and Sen. Durbin are saying about the state's junior senator.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Embattled Sen. Roland Burris refuses to step down; former Chicago Alderman Ed Vrdolyak escapes jail time; Gov. Quinn running for re-election in 2010; Chicago Public School officials vote to close or consolidate 16 underperforming schools; federal bailout recipient Northern Trust Bank under fire for sponsoring a golf tournament and throwing lavish parties; and Chicago mourns the loss of Bulls legends Norm Van Lier and Johnny "Red" Kerr. Guests:

An opinion by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan could open the door for a special election for President Obama's Senate seat. Attorney General Lisa Madigan joins us to explain her opinion and what it could mean for embattled Sen. Roland Burris.

A group of Chicago alderman declared their support of Sen. Burris today. This came despite revelations in a Sun-Times report that former Gov. Blagojevich appointed Burris' son to state office around the time Burris was seeking the Senate seat. Eddie Arruza and his panel weigh whether Burris can go on with the ever-expanding cloud that hovers around him.