We hear how Cook County Commissioner William Beavers defends himself against federal charges of tax fraud and obstructing the IRS.

Diplomacy is being put to the test in Iran. Tightened sanctions and threats of war are making the situation even more tense. We explore the details of the standoff.

Longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has an opponent in the upcoming Democratic primary. And political newcomer Michele Piszczor is putting up a fight. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

Today is the first day of early voting for the March 20th primaries in Cook County. County Clerk David Orr is here to talk about that, and much more.

An obscure state law allowed former alderman and Cook County Commissioner William Beavers to more than double his city pension; and he did it legally. Carol Marin and her guests have the details.

ComEd could lose more customers if hundreds of Illinois municipalities change the way residents get electricity. We take a closer look at the Election Day referendums, and what it could mean for you.

We have your thoughts on Gov. Pat Quinn's budget address and your thoughts on barefoot running in tonight's Viewer Mail.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

Another Chicago politician is nabbed by the Feds. This time, Alderman-turned-Cook County Commissioner William Beavers is indicted. Paris Schutz has the story, and Beavers' reaction.

One day after his "day of reckoning" budget speech, Gov. Pat Quinn tells us what he expects from state lawmakers; and Republican Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford joins us to share his take on the governor's plan.

On Wednesday night, the remaining four GOP presidential hopefuls had their 20th debate. Did Rick Santorum solidify his surge or did Mitt Romney seize much-needed momentum? Northwestern's Jason DeSanto is here to help us keep score.

It's a subdued climate in Springfield, as Gov. Pat Quinn proposes what he calls "his most difficult" budget yet. Can the state pass the major cuts he wants even though legislators face reelection? We have a recap from Springfield, and then Carol Marin and her panel have analysis.

The mayor wants to save money by putting fewer firefighters on a truck,  but firefighters say that would compromise safety. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take up the issue.

Some familiar faces have been excluded from Chicago Magazine's list of the 100 Most Powerful Chicagoans. The magazine's executive editor tells us why.

Carol Marin and her panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

We talk to the heads of two security firms about how businesses are being advised to get ready for possible protests during the upcoming G8 and NATO Summits in Chicago.