Activists threaten protests when the International Olympics Committee visits next month and Mayor Daley defends his top cop. Rich Samuels has the latest from City Hall.

Closing arguments were given today in the political corruption trial of former Streets and Sanitation commissioner Al Sanchez. Elizabeth Brackett was in court today and has the details.

Before Chicago tackles big ideas, some civic planners say there are more pressing concerns, namely, education drop-out rates, crime-ridden neighborhoods, and gentrification. A sociologist and co-author of "The New Chicago" discusses the social challenges and demographic changes the region faces.

AIG sparked outrage this weekend as the government-rescued company revealed plans to pay employees $165 million in bonuses. Rich Samuels reports on the reaction from politicians and taxpayers.

Should the state brace for a tax increase? If the governor has his way, a personal income tax increase could be on the horizon. Our panel of state lawmakers discuss what this could mean for the state.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Governor Quinn reportedly considering hiking income taxes by 50 percent; 27 Chicago Public School students already killed this school year; CTA fare hikes and service cuts on the table; the Sears Tower being renamed; the Art Institute boosting admission cost 50 percent; Chicago aldermen balk at being investigated by the city's inspector general; and the Bulls and Blackhawks battling for playoff positions. Guests:

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.

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

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:

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