City Council voted overwhelmingly in favor of Mayor Emanuel's budget proposals last week. Does the mayor wield a rubber stamp or do aldermen provide significant input? Plus, we look at Notre Dame's new place atop the BCS rankings. And Rick chats with Goose Island's John Hall.

Michigan Avenue will be ablaze with more than a million lights Saturday for the city's festival of lights. But it's not the only festival in town. Rick talks to two foodie filmmakers in town for the Chicago Food Film Festival. Plus the stars of Northlight Theater's The Odd Couple.

Nearly a year after his wife Maggie's death, former Mayor Richard M. Daley sits down with Rick Kogan for an extended interview. Then we'll invite you to share your thoughts on Daley's legacy. Plus Ald. Fioretti tells us why he voted against Mayor Emanuel's budget today. And filmmaker Mary Fishman.

The Better Government Association boys return to field questions and concerns about local government. Curious City goes all graphic novel on this week's question about neighborhood formation. And Walter Payton's older brother, Eddie, talks about life in Sweetness's shadow.

We talk with Salim Muwakkil and WBEZ's Richard Steele about the rise and potential fall of the Jackson family. Chicago sports photographer Bill Smith will tell us about his work with children in Cambodia. Finally, comedian Jeff Garlin stops by to chat with Rick--and share some laughs.

After years of struggling to keeps its doors open, the National Veterans Art Museum has found a new home on North Milwaukee Avenue. Chicago Tribune reporters Gary Marx and David Jackson look at how a small town's anti-truancy methods might help CPS. Plus, popcorn pioneer Tim Donnelly.

Comedian Robert Klein stops by Afternoon Shift on his way to UP Comedy Club for a weekend run. And the Music Institute of Chicago's Artist in Residence, Tammy McCann, regales us with her versatile voice. Plus Eric Klinenberg talks about a topic largely absent during the election, climate change.