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The ex-governor took to the airwaves this morning as guest host on the "Don Wade and Roma Morning Show." He bashed his successor, Governor Quinn, but had little to say about an upcoming federal indictment. Elizabeth Brackett has the details.

Small businesses are taking a big hit in this recession. Many banks have cut off lines of credit. But the Obama administration says it has plans to get loans flowing again to small businesses. What are those plans and will they work? That is tonight's focus of our series, "The Bottom Line."

We meet the choreographer who has been motivating dancers in Chicago for 35 years. Joel Hall Dancers & Center Upcoming Joel Hall Dancers Performance

A new classical music ensemble from Evanston is garnering critical acclaim. The founder of Dempster Street Pro Musica joins us and performs live in our studio.

President Obama addresses the nation tonight in his second primetime news conference in front of the Washington press corps. Economic matters are sure to be front and center, and the White House says the president will update the American people on the steps his administration is taking to get the economy moving again. We carry the president's remarks live.

Former Streets and Sanitation boss Al Sanchez was found guilty today on four counts of corruption. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest details from the trial and what it could mean for the mayor.

Gov. Pat Quinn has released his proposed budget, which has been met with great criticism and scrutiny. The governor himself sits down with Phil Ponce and Carol Marin to discuss his proposals and many more issues facing the state.

Chicagoan Edward Liddy is getting battered from all sides as he attempts to navigate AIG through a lot of negative press about bonuses. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio's "Noon Business Hour" takes a look at Liddy's background and reputation.

We view a half century of paintings from a prominent Chicago artist whom you might not know.

The transition to digital television on June 12th is fewer than 90 days away. Christian Farr joins us once again with some updates and also tackles some viewer questions.

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

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Governor Quinn delivers his bad news budget; Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis gets a no-confidence vote from the police union; Chicago traffic cameras may be used to nab uninsured drivers; AIG bonuses infuriate the public; Chicago-area Corus Bank fighting for its survival; the Bulls and Blackhawks jostling for playoff positions; and the Cubs and Sox rosters taking shape in spring training. Guests:

29 Chicago Public School students have been murdered this year. Yesterday, friends, family, and activists went to Springfield to push for tougher gun laws. Eddie Arruza and his panel examine the violence and possible solutions. Community Mental Health Council CeaseFire Chicago Catalyst Chicago

Susan Axelrod, wife of political power-broker and presidential advisor David Axelrod tells her family's story of combating epilepsy and their passion to find a cure. Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy

Why is the draw bridge on the north branch of the Chicago River always in the upright position? Geoffrey Baer gives us the answer to that and other questions about Chicago history in tonight's edition of "Ask Geoffrey." Clinton Street Station

Christian Farr takes us to see the Field Museum's latest collection of ancient jewelry from the Middle East and learns how these very old pieces were able withstand the test of time.

Looking to get a great workout and maybe meet that someone special at the same time? Laura Baginski of Time Out Chicago magazine tells us how you can do that when she presents her top picks for the weekend.

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

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.

Gov. Quinn pitched his proposed budget today, which includes tax and fee increases. Are his plans the right direction for the state? Carol Marin sits down with a panel of fiscal experts for more on the governor's proposals.

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.

The recession has brought down the financial markets and among the hardest hit investments have been hedge funds. What are they and why are they controversial? That is tonight's focus for our series, "The Bottom Line.

Hedy Weiss reviews Chazz Palminteri's "A Bronx Tale," on stage now at the Oriental Theatre.

Six students from the Music Institute of Chicago are about to embark on the tour of a lifetime. Two of them join us to talk about the exciting trip and to perform live in our studio.

Tonight we kick off our Chicago Matters series with an exploration of the Chicago region and how it can thrive in a global era. 100 years ago, the Burnham Plan laid the foundation for so much of what Chicagoans value today. But who is planning for the next 100 years? Elizabeth Brackett's panelists offer their visions for Chicago's future.

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.