The G-8/NATO host committee is on the defensive as it lays out plans for the May events. Carol Marin and her panel have more.

The Speaker speaks out. Find out what Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan says could be a potential solution to the state's pension crisis.

Sen. Mark Kirk's surgeon had encouraging words today. The senator remains in intensive care, recovering from a stroke. We hear from two doctors about what's next.

President Obama delivers his State of the Union address on Tuesday night. What will his message be, and is it the real start of the presidential campaign?

Sen. Mark Kirk is in intensive care at Northwestern Memorial Hospital after suffering a stroke. Doctors give the senator mixed chances for a full recovery. Elizabeth Brackett has the details.

The race for the republican presidential nomination moves to Florida after Newt Gingrich's huge weekend victory in South Carolina. We talk with Illinois representatives of the various campaigns.

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

A new Chicago ward map gets City Council approval. But some aldermen are crying foul over the new boundaries. We get the latest on the map maneuvering at City Hall.

President Obama's longtime political strategist will head a new Institute of Politics at The University of Chicago. Elizabeth Brackett talks with David Axelrod about this new project, and the presidential campaign.

We asked what you thought about the Stop Online Piracy Act and if it's an appropriate tool to fight piracy. We read what some of you had to say in Viewer Mail.

The Chicago City Council passes controversial rules to deal with protests to the upcoming G-8/NATO summits in Chicago. Paris Schutz reports on the circus-like atmosphere at City Hall.

How far can the government go to fight the war on terror? Carol Marin and her guests tackle contentious legislation that seemingly allows the indefinite detention without trial of terror suspects -- even if they are U.S. citizens.

Protesters are turning up the heat on Chicago, even as the Mayor and Police Chief cool down restrictions for the G-8/NATO summits. Paris Schutz has the story.

Michelle Obama turns 48 today. What's life like for the first lady? A controversial new book chronicles her life in the White House. Author Jodi Kantor talks about The Obamas.

At midnight, some of the internet's most popular websites are shutting down to protest possible changes to anti-piracy laws. We take a closer look at the possible fallout.

Gary, Indiana has a long history of being one of the most troubled cities in the Midwest, but a new mayor is making many residents optimistic about the future of their town. Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson joins us to discuss the challenges ahead of her.