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There's been a flurry of activity in Springfield. We have the latest news on the new state budget, Governor Quinn's amendatory veto of the McPier bill and more -- live from the Capitol with the Chicago Sun-Times' Dave McKinney.

The long-awaited trial of former police commander Jon Burge officially commenced today. He is accused of perjury and obstruction of justice surrounding alleged torture of suspects in his South Side police district. Carol Marin and her panel take a look at the charges and the trial.

We talk with Blackhawk and NBC broadcaster -- and Chicago native -- Eddie Olczyk about the upcoming Stanley Cup Finals, and his own days as a Hawk.

The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism We talk with the author of a new book that gives parents tools to help advocate for a child with autism.

The Lurie Garden is in full glory in Millennium Park. We talk with the gifted gardeners who have helped this urban oasis grow healthy and green.

Live music tonight from a critically acclaimed young band from Chicago -- Canasta. Canasta's upcoming shows

It was another wild day on Wall Street. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a closer look at the market's recent volatility. They also have some advice for the average investor.

As the crisis in the Gulf of Mexico worsens, we look at the future of offshore drilling.

Sue, the Field Museum's iconic T-Rex, is being brought to life with the help of cutting-edge technology. We get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of RoboSue. More on the story...

Fire up the barbecue -- we get Memorial Day tips from the guru of the grill, Steven Raichlen. He's the host of the PBS series Primal Grill and the author of the new book Planet Barbecue! Read Steven's BBQ Blog Steven's recipe for Gaucho-Style Beef Ribs Steven's recipe for Colombian Grilled Corn with Butter and Cheese

For the seventh year in a row, a pair of pigeon-eating peregrine falcons has started a family atop the Evanston Public Library. Bird lovers are delighted; pigeons are not. Eddie Arruza gives us a peak at the nest housing three fledgling falcons. Peregrine Falcon Banding--Evanston Public Library See the falcons on a webcam

Governor Quinn is headed back down to Springfield as the battle over the budget heats up again before the May 31st deadline. Rich Miller of Capitol Fax joins us via Skype to give us the latest.

The Blackhawks sweep their way into the Stanley Cup Finals. We talk to ESPN-AM Blackhawks reporter and blogger Jesse Rogers.

The U.S. Supreme Court deals a major blow to the City of Chicago. The winners: 6,000 African-Americans who claim they were prevented from becoming firefighters because of discrimination. We talk to the chief civil rights lawyer on the case about today's decision that could cost the city millions. More on story

Our state's underfunded pension fund is a ticking time bomb just waiting to explode. But Illinois isn't alone -- several pension funds across the country will run out within the next decade. We talk to a finance professor about the drastic action needed to avoid a nationwide financial meltdown. More on the story

Chef Rick Bayless tells us what was cooking in Washington, D.C. during President Obama's state dinner for the President and First Lady of Mexico. More on the story (including recipes from Rick Bayless)

When he's not playing French horn with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, he has a rather unusual hobby. We meet Dan Gingrich and his monarch butterflies. More on the story

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: A New Trier honor student is jailed in a hit-and-run case; Cook County Board Presidential candidate Toni Preckwinkle backtracks on her pledge to eliminate the rest of the controversial county sales tax increase; Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis says he is willing to cut his $310,000 salary; Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bill Brady launches a television ad blitz; a Congressional probe is called for after a bank in President Obama's old neighborhood avoids being seized by the government; and the mighty Blackhawks are just two wins

Elizabeth Brackett sits down with award-winning sports columnist and best-selling author Mitch Albom.

We talk to the runners-up in the gubernatorial primary, State Comptroller Dan Hynes and Republican State Sen. Kirk Dillard, about the state's budget mess and whether the current candidates for governor really have all the answers.

Sam Adam, Jr. is one of Rod Blagojevich's defense attorneys and in a revealing interview with Chicago Magazine, the spirited lawyer has some choice words about his celebrity client. The author of that article tells us about his exclusive interview. Read an excerpt from the article

A tragic personal loss leads to an unusual scholarship program that's more about mentoring than money. Bardwell Scholarships

We asked if you'd like to hear from House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton about the budget process. The answers might surprise you.

Elizabeth Brackett reports on the visit to Chicago of General David Petraeus. Watch web exclusive of General Petraeus' presentation

We meet one Chicago woman who became the domino that allowed eight people to get a life-saving kidney. We find out about altruistic living kidney donations, and why they are on the rise.

As the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico worsens, environmental groups around the country are standing by to help. We talk with Ken Ramirez from the Shedd Aquarium about what it will take to save and rehabilitate threatened wildlife.