U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts recently presented Cook County's top Judge Timothy Evans a prestigious award for judicial excellence. Judge Evans will be here to discuss the honor and more.

Rich Samuels was with the mayor today. He tells us what was on the mayor's mind.

Today is the first day on the job for the city's new Inspector General. Joseph Ferguson sits down with Carol Marin to discuss the new position, his career path and much more.

President Obama reveals his strategy for Afghanistan. Just how many more troops will be heading overseas? We have the president's remarks live.

The City Council passed Mayor Daley's $6.1 billion 2010 budget today. It includes no new taxes thanks to a dip into reserve funds. Carol Marin and her panel take a look at how the city is spending its money.

In an exclusive interview with the Chicago News Cooperative, Todd Stroger talks about racism, what he feels is a biased media, and a silent Mayor Daley. Eddie Arruza talks to the reporter who got the interview.

We hear your thoughts on our conversation with PBS travel expert Rick Steves when we read some viewer mail.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Dueling Democrats turning up the rhetoric in the governor's race; Illinois trying to stave off an Asian carp invasion; Cook County commissioners slash president Todd Stroger's controversial sales tax hike; Chicago's rainy-day parking meter fund is nearly depleted already; Brian Urlacher has some harsh criticism for the Bears woes; and the Tiger Woods saga is drawing worldwide attention.

Prosecutors in the case against former Governor Rod Blagojevich are revising their indictment because the anti-fraud law they are using is facing a Supreme Court challenge. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a closer look at the impact this may have on the upcoming trial.

Governor Quinn signed Illinois's first campaign finance reform legislation on the one-year anniversary of Governor Blagojevich's arrest. Rich Samuels has the details.

What does it mean when the State of Illinois's bond rating is lowered? It happened yesterday, and Carol Marin and her panel discuss the impact.

We have some of your thoughts on Cook County Board President Todd Stroger when we read our viewer mail.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Cook County Board President Todd Stroger's re-election bid suffers a set-back after a new poll of Democratic primary voters shows him in third place; Governor Quinn signed a sweeping law this week that limits campaign donations; Illinois now has the second-worst bond rating in the nation; Chicago is battling the bitter cold; and Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro is on the hot seat after the team loses 9 of their last 10 games.