Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780's "Noon Business Hour" takes a look at the week's top business stories, including the soaring profits posted by Illinois-based McDonald's.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: History unfolds in Washington D.C. at President Obama's inauguration; Governor Blagojevich's Senate impeachment trial set for Monday; will President Obama make an immediate impact on the economy?; the suddenly struggling Blackhawks skate into the All-Star break; and violence is on the rise at Chicago Public School sporting events. Guests:

Chicago BusinessKris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780's "Noon Business Hour" takes a look at how all the inauguration hoopla is affecting businesses not just in Washington, D.C but here in Chicago as well.

Tonight's panel discusses the week's top headlines: Controversial pick Roland Burris sworn in by the U.S. Senate; politicians are lining up to fill Rahm Emanuel's vacant congressional seat; Gov. Blagojevich swears in the Illinois state senators presiding over his upcoming impeachment trial; the Chicago Tribune unveiling a tabloid edition on Monday; investors feeling queasy after another wild week on Wall Street; and Bears coach Lovie Smith taking charge of the defense next season. Guests:

The Cubs could decide on a new owner this week. WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel tells us more about the finalists and bring us the other business headlines of the week, including the big job cuts at Deerfield-based Walgreens.

Sherman Kaplan of WBBM Newsradio 780 will be here with a roundup of the economic mystery that was 2008 and a look at whether or not 2009 might bring some recovery.

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett The impeachment committee continued their work today in Springfield hearing extensively from Governor Rod Blagojevich's attorney, Ed Genson. Elizabeth Brackett sits down with former Cook County State's Attorney Dick Devine, the Better Government Association Executive Director, Jay Stewart and Roosevelt University's Paul Green to discuss the latest developments.

Governor's Scandal Rich Samuels has the latest on the governor and the Illinois House's impeachment investigation. View Clip News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Elizabeth Brackett sits down with one of the architects of President-elect Barack Obama's historic run for president, David Axelrod. View Clip

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7 PM Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Governor Blagojevich vows to fight corruption charges; Chicago Public Schools chief Arne Duncan joins the Obama cabinet; Motorola freezing employee pensions; holiday retail sales as cool as the temperature; mortgage rates at historic lows; the young Blackhawks red-hot; and the Bears battle Packers on Monday night. Guests:

Special Session in Springfield Carol Marin is live from Springfield with the latest from the first day of the landmark special legislative session. View Clip News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Elizabeth Brackett sits down for a one-on-one with Abner Mikva. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan appointed him special assistant attorney general for the Illinois Supreme Court case she filed against the Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Republic Windows & Doors Laid-off workers from Republic Window & Doors continue their sit-in as union leaders, Bank of America representatives and company representatives meet. Rich Samuels has the latest details. Bank of America Statement Regarding Republic Windows and Doors View Clip

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7 PM The day after Thanksgiving traditionally marks the opening of the holiday shopping season. This week on a special edition of the Week in Review, Joel and a panel of Chicago's top business reporters take a closer look at a retail season that promises to be challenging. Will Black Friday be awash in red ink? And just how much of an impact will layoffs, cutbacks and recession have on the bottom line? Guests:

Obama's Economic Plans President-elect Barack Obama says his new economic team will hit the ground running given the extraordinary stresses the economy faces. Obama unveiled his team at a Chicago press conference this morning, though the names had been circulating for days. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. View Clip

City Layoffs Reduced Mayor Daley announced today that he would reduce the number of proposed city layoffs for next year by 145 positions. Rich Samuels has more on the announcement, which city officials say is the result of negotiations between labor unions and the city. View Clip

Obama's Transition Elizabeth Brackett reports on the president-elect's plans as he prepares for his new role. View Clip News Analysis with Carol Marin State Senator Emil Jones is retiring and the race is on to succeed him as senate president. Carol Marin and a panel of candidates for the position discuss why they should be senate president and how it could change the dynamic in Springfield.

Former Alderman Vrdolyak Pleads Guilty Former Alderman Edward Vrdolyak pleaded guilty today to charges in connection with a real estate kickback scheme. The case came to light when Stuart Levine testified during Tony Rezko's trial. Carol Marin has the latest on the details surrounding the guilty plea. View Clip