Arts & Entertainment
Chicago Public Schools
The ax fell today in the Chicago Public Schools latest effort to leave no child behind. Rich Samuels reports on the cuts—-and the political fallout.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier officials have proposed a major makeover for the popular lakefront complex. They call it "visionary" but one critic says that McPier's honchos need their vision checked. Eddie Arruza will talk to the Chicago Tribune's architecture critic, Blair Kamin, about what he thinks of the plan.
ComEd
The Illinois Commerce Commission voted yesterday to allow Commonwealth Edison to buy electricity through a controversial auction system. Critics say it will make electric rates go up. Elizabeth Brackett explains how the auction system works and what it could mean to consumers.
News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
Ambassador Paul Bremer was the highest ranking American official in Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. We'll talk to him about the latest news from Iraq, the election, the insurgents, the future and his new book, My Year In Iraq.
News Analysis with Carol Marin
Chicago Public School officials warn of dire budget crisis. A thousand teachers may lose their jobs and class sizes may increase. Carol Marin's panel includes the public schools budget director.
Betty Loren-Maltese Update
She's been gone for a while but now former Cicero town president Betty Loren-Maltese is back in the news. We'll tell you why she's returning to her new home in California.
Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
Former Chicago Bull Antonio Davis charges into the United Center stands, Governor Blagojevich delivers the State of the State address, Marina Towers condos used in nationwide prostitution ring, Peoples Energy customers getting $100 refunds, United Airlines exiting bankruptcy next month, and the Bears season comes to an abrupt and disappointing end.
Guests:
Durbin's Alito Vote
Senator Dick Durbin is the second highest ranking democrat in the senate. If he says "thumbs down" to Samuel Alito's nomination, does that mean a filibuster is in the offing? Rich Samuels has with the latest.
News Analysis with Eddie Arruza
Embattled City Clerk James Laski has had his four police bodyguards taken away from him. Eddie rruza and his panel look at which other city officials have bodyguards and whether they're necessary.
James Laski Update
James Laski, the embattled Chicago city clerk is still on the job, but he lost one of his perks. Rich Samuels has the latest from City Hall.
State of the State
Governor Blagojevich gave his Sstate of the State address today touting his administration's performance and calling for several new initiatives, but political opponents say the speech was just election-year rhetoric. Eddie Arruza has the highlights of the governor's address along with reaction from legislators of both parties.
News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
Governor Blagojevich wants to bring Keno to Illinois. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel discuss his proposal to authorize Keno.
News Analysis with Carol Marin
Reputed mob boss, Joey "The Clown" Lombardo, was nabbed by authorities last week after nine months on the lamb. Carol Marin takes a look at the importance of this arrest with her panelists who include Lombardo's attorney, Rick Halprin.
News Analysis with Eddie Arruza
Chicago's new health commissioner already has a prescription for city residents: he wants you to get in shape. Eddie Arruza talks with Dr. Terry Mason about the health of the city and the most pressing issues facing the health department.
Corruption Probe Continues
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, City Clerk James Laski could soon be resigning from office, this in the wake of a federal probe in which at least one of Laski's friends allegedly secretly recorded him making incriminating statements. Rich Samuels has the reaction from City Hall. And Carol Marin and her panel will have analysis.
Bird Flu Prevention
The so-called bird flu is causing concern worldwide, and this week it's been the subject of a major meeting here in Chicago. Eddie Arruza reports on how Lincoln Park Zoo officials have teamed up with federal officials to monitor the spread of the deadly virus.
News Analysis with Carol Marin
The CTA is facing criticism for turning down a $15 million discount on gasoline provided by Venezuela and its controversial president Hugo Chavez. Carol Marin's panel tonight includes Congressman Luis Gutierrez.
NAVTEQ
There's a new art to making maps in this digital world and the Chicago company NAVTEQ is at the forefront. Elizabeth Brackett has that story.
Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
Tonight we'll gaze into the 2006 crystal ball. What lies ahead for the city and state in politics, the arts, sports, and more? Will it be a prosperous, scandalous, or problematic year?
Guests:
Discounted Fuel for CTA?
CTA president Frank Kreusi says he'll meet with Citgo and elected officials tomorrow to try and work out a way to accept Citgo's offer of discounted fuel for the CTA. Yesterday Kreusi rejected the offer which could save the cash-strapped CTA as much as $15 million. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest developments.
Olympics in Chicago?
Mayor Daley is appointing an exploratory committee to look into whether Chicago could host the 2016 Olympics. Eddie Arruza reports on the city's new partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee and what it could mean.
News Analysis with Carol Marin
Police Superintendent Phil Cline joined the mayor today in calling for new gun control laws. The superintendent will be here to give Carol Marin an update on the city's fight against crime.