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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.

General Motors could be on the brink of bankruptcy while Ford and Chrysler are struggling to survive. How did the big three automakers reach such dire straits, and what will be the economic impact if even one files for bankruptcy? We tackle those questions and more in tonight's installment of "The Bottom Line." More on "The Bottom Line"

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.

Desperate times can call for desperate measures, like visiting a psychic for financial advice. We meet investors turning to tarot cards for help.

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.

Donald Trump settles a high-profile lawsuit over his Chicago tower, but other high profile high-rises are not fairing so well. Kris Kridel of the "Noon Business Hour" on WBBM Newsradio 780 joins us with more on this and the day's other business headlines.

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:

The Dow drops 281 points to a new 12-year low. Morningstar's Paul Larson joins us with analysis.

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.

Some computer manufacturers are working hard to bring the Internet and TV together for consumers. But is the convergence of these now separate entities going to happen anytime soon? Christian Farr talks to some people in the technology industry about this type of convergence.

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.

If President Obama gets his way, next year's federal budget will be the costliest ever and it comes with big changes to the tax code. We take a look at who will be paying more and who will get a break in tonight's installment of "The Bottom Line." More on "The Bottom Line"

There are some amazing new inventions coming out Chicago-area technology labs that could help cure the nation's economic ills. We meet local inventors who are dreaming up the products of the future. Report: Chicago a world leader when it comes to innovation

Is a bottom anywhere in sight for the stock market or is the worst yet to come? Eddie Arruza discusses the country's economic outlook with financial analyst Terry Savage and the Chicago Tribune's Greg Burns.

Was it a vision from heaven or an everyday sight in the city? A theater company looks at the Chicago phenomenon known as "Our Lady of the Underpass."

We take a sneak peek at WTTW's new documentary on the history of the Irish in Chicago.

The Dow Jones industrial average dropped below 7,000 for the first time since 1997 closing at 6,762. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780's "Noon Business Hour" joins us with more.

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

Starbucks is hoping its new instant coffee attracts some buzz and jolts the company's lackluster performance. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz talks about how his coffee empire is weathering the weak economy.

Former Chicago Bulls coach and broadcaster Johnny "Red" Kerr died on Thursday. We take a look back at Bob Sirott's 2005 interview with the Bulls legend.

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.