President Obama is breaking ranks with his predecessors when it comes to dealing with Cuba. This week he lifted travel restrictions for visiting relatives on the island. We take a closer look at the latest developments.

Republican Congressman Mark Kirk and Democratic Congresswoman Melissa Bean join Eddie Arruza for a political roundtable.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. facing an ethics probe; Mike Quigley wins Rahm Emanuel's congressional seat; frustrated Chicagoans take to the streets filling potholes; the International Olympic Committee gets a firsthand look at Chicago; 22 Illinois firms planning major layoffs; President Obama urges homeowners to refinance; the Bulls and Blackhawks charging into the playoffs; and the Cubs and Sox open the new season. Guests:

As the Obama administration considers easing relations with Cuba, some members of the Congressional Black Caucus met with Cuban president Raul Castro and his brother Fidel last week. Chicago Congressman Bobby Rush was in that delegation. He joins Eddie Arruza to talk about his trip.

Mayor Daley announced today that the city's budget gap is widening. Rich Samuels brings us both the bad news and the good.

The Office of Congressional Ethics is investigating U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s dealings with Rod Blagojevich over Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat, which the impeached and indicted former governor is accused of trying to sell. Rich Samuels has the latest on the investigation.

Newly elected Congressman Mike Quigley is not the only lawmaker with a new job. We take a look at the results of the suburban races and Carol Marin talks with two of the new mayors.

The 5th Congressional District is headed to the polls today to elect someone to fill Rahm Emanuel's congressional seat. Eddie Arruza and his panel have the latest on that race and some hotly contested suburban contests.

Francis Cardinal George called the University of Notre Dame's decision to invite President Obama to speak at graduation an "extreme embarrassment," saying that the university it does not understand what it means to be Catholic. Do you think Barack Obama should speak at the Notre Dame commencement?

Governor Pat Quinn and state lawmakers are at odds over the the appointment of a 29-year-old war veteran to head the Illinois State Police. We talk to the acting director of the Illinois State Police, Jonathon Monken, about the controversy surrounding his appointment.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Former governor Rod Blagojevich indicted; the International Olympic Committee pays a critical visit to Chicago; the Chicago Sun-Times files for bankruptcy; Mayor Daley wants a bigger slice of Governor Quinn's proposed tax hike; the Bears land prized quarterback Jay Cutler; and the Cubs and Sox open their seasons next week. Guests:

The much anticipated indictment of Rod Blagojevich was handed down this afternoon. Rich Samuels tells us what the former governor is charged with and why the indictment was revealed in such an unusual manner. Blagojevich Indictment Press Release List of Charges Blagojevich Indictment

Eddie Arruza and a panel of defense attorneys and former prosecutors look at how the looming trial might take shape.

Blagojevich may be out of office, but he has never quite left the public eye. We look at how he has used local and national media to build his defense.

Our own Elizabeth Brackett offers her perspective on the former governor's rise and fall. She is the author of the forthcoming book "Pay to Play."

What can be done to instill ethics into state politics? We speak with a former federal prosecutor about the recommendations proposed by his Illinois Reform Commission.