Politics

News Analysis with Carol Marin

Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced today that she would be seeking re-election to her current post, dispelling rumors that she would run for U.S. Senate or the office of Governor. She sits down with Carol Marin to discuss her decision and the state of Illinois politics.

• Full text of Lisa Madigan's announcement
• Office of the Illinois Attorney General

Blagojevich Trial 2010

Former Blagojevich Aide in Court

John Harris, Rod Blagojevich's one-time chief of staff, has turned against his former boss. Rich Samuels tells us what happened today when he appeared in court.

• (PDF) Harris' complete plea agreement

Live Music Wednesday

Live Music Wednesday: Los Pichardo

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Sen. Roland Burris not running for another term; Lisa Madigan decides not to run for governor or the U.S. Senate; the never-ending state budget battle rages on; a cemetery scandal is unearthed by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart; Michael Jackson's memorial seen around the world; Is Sam Zell finally ready to unload the Cubs?; Chicago's downtown condo market tanking; and the Cubs and Sox ready for the All-Star break.

Guests:

• Leah Hope - ABC 7 News
• Bruce Levine - ESPN Radio 1000
• Mary Ann Ahern - NBC 5 News
• Ann Saphir - Crain's Chicago Business

Arts & Entertainment

Michael Jackson Memorial Service

We take a look at some of the tributes from today's memorial service for pop icon Michael Jackson.

Business

Gas Prices and Society

How the inevitable rise in gas prices will change our lives for the better -- that's the tagline of the new book $20 Per Gallon. The book's author, Christopher Steiner, tells us how he thinks higher gas prices could improve society.

• Read excerpts from $20 Per Gallon

Politics

Chicago Sun-Times Columnist Lynn Sweet

President Obama is hoping to boost Chicago's bid to get the 2016 Olympics, but will his support be enough to put the bid over the top? Chicago Sun-Times columnist Lynn Sweet joins us with that story, and all the latest news from Washington, D.C.

Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham

Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham

What's the region doing to prepare for its future water needs? Rich Samuels tells us as we continue this year's Chicago Matters series, Beyond Burnham.

• (Audio Slideshow) Conserving water in your garden

Politics

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett

Elizabeth Brackett sits down with a panel of lawmakers to get their reaction to Quinn's proposed cuts.

Politics

Spending Cuts for Illinois

Today, Governor Quinn laid out more than a billion dollars in spending cuts to close the state's budget gap. Christian Farr tells us what state programs could be slashed.

• (PDF) State of Illinois Fiscal Year 2010 Budget

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