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Chris Kennedy is reportedly close to entering the race for the U.S. Senate. What might that do to an already crowded field of potential Democratic challengers? Elizabeth Brackett and her panel weigh in.

They're among the most complex investments in the financial world and a major cause of the economic meltdown: "Derivatives." What are they and why are they are largely unregulated? It's our focus on tonight's The Bottom Line.

He was one of a handful of white baseball players who got to play in the Negro Leagues. Christian Farr talks with Lou Clarizio about his time with the League, and the racism he and his teammates had to face. Official Site of the Negro League Legends

Chicago's favorite literary blogger "bookslut" is packing up and moving to Europe. What is the fate of her popular web site bookslut.com? Jessa Crispin will be here to tell us.

He is a gospel singing sensation and Grammy winner. Smokie Norful will be here to perform and discuss his latest album. More about Smokie Norful EMI Gospel's web site

There will be no sales tax relief for residents of Cook County. Rich Samuels tells us why commissioners failed in their effort to override President Todd Stroger's veto of their proposed rollback, and why more tax battles lie ahead.

Could the city terminate the billion-dollar deal that privatized Chicago's parking meters? That is exactly what some fed-up aldermen are exploring. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have more on the parking meter controversy. Contact your alderman

The art is priceless and the admission fees are going up, but there are more ways than ever to experience the Art Institute for free. We hear the latest from the home of the Modern Wing.

We talk to the young founder of Groupon, a new local website that proves there is "strength in numbers" when it comes to getting special deals on products and services.

We look back on the deadliest plane crash in U.S. history -- American Airlines flight 191, which came down in a field near O'Hare almost 30 years ago.

Everyone's favorite sorority sister Elle Woods has arrived at the Ford Center for Performing Arts. Hedy Weiss joins us with a review of Legally Blonde. Legally Blonde The Piano Lesson Buried Child

Governor Quinn painted a grim picture of the state's finances today, saying that if his budget does not pass, the state will have to cut spending by 37 percent. What programs and funding could be cut? Rich Samuels has the details about the state's financial woes.

The Cook County Board votes tomorrow on whether or not to override President Stroger's veto of the sales tax repeal. Carol Marin talks to a couple of commissioners about the critical vote. Contact your Cook County Commissioner

President Obama sought common ground on the issue of abortion during yesterday's much-publicized commencement address at Notre Dame. Was his speech effective at bringing the opposing factions of this debate closer together? A former political speechwriter gives his take.

Has Chicago's Playboy Enterprises lost its luster? Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio's Noon Business Hour joins us with the details about big changes coming to the magazine.

It was a history-making moment this past weekend at the Art Institute with the opening of its new Modern Wing. Geoffrey Baer sits down with architect Renzo Piano to talk about architecture in Chicago.

Where exactly does our food come from? The answer to that may not be very appetizing. Michael Pollan, the author of the bestselling book "The Omnivore's Dilemma," is here to talk about his philosophy on food, and what he calls "our national eating disorder."

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Cook County Board President Todd Stroger owes the IRS nearly $12,000; Is Lisa Madigan eyeing a potential Senate run?; lawmakers still wrestling with budget and ethics reforms in Springfield; Chrysler and General Motors closing car dealerships all across the country; major layoffs at Loyola Medical Center; and the Blackhawks skating against the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference finals. Guests:

John Callaway sits down with former Chicago Tribune sports reporter Melissa Isaacson to talk about her new book about Cubs skipper Lou Piniella.

Chicago kicked off its 30th season of city-sponsored farmer's markets. Rich Samuels has more on a Chicago tradition that offers farmers a chance to share their unique foods and local produce directly with consumers. Find a farmer's market near you

Mayor Daley has asked all city employees for sacrifices to help deal with a deteriorating fiscal situation. But is City Council doing its part? Eddie Arruza and a panel of aldermen weigh in. Contact your alderman

The cash-strapped CTA uses one of the first stimulus grants for transportation to make badly needed track repairs on the Blue Line. Elizabeth Brackett reports on the impact of federal stimulus funds on the region's economy.

History is being made at the Art Institute of Chicago this weekend. The Modern Wing is opening, and we have a preview with architecture critic Blair Kamin.

We preview John Callaway's Friday Night interview with former Chicago Tribune reporter Melissa Isaacson. She's just written a new book about fiery Cubs skipper Lou Piniella.

Was the world-renowned jewelry designer Tiffany & Co. also once known as a brick maker? Geoffrey Baer joins us with the answer to that question and others about Chicago history and landmarks in tonight's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

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