The clown princes of classical music, Igudesman and Joo, join us in advance of their performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Watch web extra performance clips from the duo.

We take a look at the current state of fiscal talks in the U.S. House and Senate. Will Congress beat the debt limit clock? Or is the United States facing default? Our panel has analysis.

Chicago Housing Authority CEO Charles Woodyard's resignation was announced at a CHA board meeting on Tuesday. Natalie Moore, WBEZ's South Side reporter, joins us with the details. Read Woodyard's resignation letter.

17-year-old criminal offenders in Illinois will go to juvenile detention instead of jail beginning next year. We have the details about why that has some concerned. Read an article.

The O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP) is one of the largest construction projects in the country at one of the world’s busiest airports. The airport currently has intersecting runways, which will be modernized to parallel runways, and in return reduce flight delays and increase capacity. However, the new runway, which is set to open on October 17, is not being welcomed by area residents. We find out why. Read an interview with Congressman Mike Quigley.

Paddy Woodworth is an Irish journalist who has traveled the globe looking at ecological restoration projects, including right here in Chicago. He joins us to discuss his new book, Our Once and Future Planet: Restoring the World in the Climate Change Century. Read an excerpt.

Congressman Luis Gutierrez joins us to talk about the government shutdown, his recent arrest, and his new book, Still Dreaming: My Journey from the Barrio to Capitol Hill.

Researchers in the fight against Alzheimer’s may have found a way to detect the disease early on. They discovered small toxins related to Alzheimer’s, which builds up in the brain, attacking the brain’s memory centers. Collaborators  are trying to discover a way to protect the brain from these toxins, or even better, prevent them from building up in the first place. Dr. William Klein, an Alzheimer’s disease researcher at Northwestern University, joins us with details. Read facts and figures about Alzheimer's disease and watch a video.

Catholic school enrollment rises for the first time in years. The rise comes as Chicago Public Schools lose 3,000 students. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Read an article.

Bruce Springsteen’s right-hand man Steven Van Zandt joins us for a wide-ranging discussion about the Boss, The Sopranos, and why he thinks The Rascals is one of the greatest American bands ever. View a behind-the-scenes slideshow of Van Zandt's visit to our studio and watch a web extra conversation.

Delve into an epic 33-pound book by the artist and naturalist, John Audubon. Birds of America is getting its first complete reproduction by a Chicago gallery owner more than 150 years after its first printing. View a slideshow.

We share what you had to say about this week’s stories in tonight’s viewer feedback.

A very bumpy start to the CTA's new Ventra payment system has forced the transit agency to change gears. We hear what some passengers have to say, and get the latest on the CTA's newly revised plan. Read an article and share your thoughts.