Illinois is in a deep fiscal crisis, with a budget deficit of $13 billion, additional billions in unpaid bills, and unfunded pension obligations that are through the roof. Governor Quinn joins Phil Ponce and Carol Marin to talk about his budget proposal, which offers the choice of education cuts or a tax hike, plus much more.

St. Patrick's Day is nearly here. "Check, Please!" host and master sommelier Alpana Singh joins us with her picks for St. Paddy's Day to make sure your glass doesn't go empty.

The U.S. Census Bureau mailed out its 2010 Census forms this week. Alvin Boutte, who is heading up Mayor Daley's "Complete Count Committee," joins us to talk about the process and why the census is important.

We meet some beginning cross-country skiers -- and some experts -- at one of Cook County's premier cross-country ski destinations.

Students at the University of Illinois will be paying a lot more in tuition if the state continues not paying its bills. Interim President Stanley Ikenberry talks about the school's plans.

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An Illinois Supreme Court ruling could mean state hospitals have to treat more patients for free, or else give up their tax-exempt status. We take up the issue.

In a fast and surprising move, state legislators approved radical changes to Illinois' pension laws. Elizabeth Brackett reports on Governor Quinn's reaction.

A preview of Joel Weisman's Friday Night Show interview with conservative icon Karl Rove.

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A week after signing the historic health care bill, President Obama continues to sell the measure in the face of significant skepticism. Eddie Arruza sits down with two members of Congress with opposing views of the sweeping legislation.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: The state's bond rating was downgraded to the second-lowest in the country; voters are getting to know Governor Quinn's running mate, Sheila Simon; drivers are bracing for construction season delays; trade show customers are threatening to leave pricey McCormick Place; and the Cubs and Sox open the new baseball season next week.

And we'll hear your opinions about our recent stories when we open up our viewer mailbox.