Mayor Daley broke his silence today on his nephew's real estate deals using city pension funds. Rich Samuels tells us about that, and about the layoff notices that the Mayor could send out as early as tomorrow.

The Illinois Legislature has not yet approved a budget and is once again facing an overtime session. What effect will this dynamic have on the process? Carol Marin and her panel of legislators weigh in.

Former Cook County state's attorney Ed Hanrahan died yesterday at the age of 88. We look back at a 2005 story about the Black Panther raid that ended his political career

Mayor Daley's nephew Robert Vanecko has left the real estate company he founded, after it came under scrutiny for the way it invested city pension funds. Elizabeth Brackett caught up with Allison Davis, Vanecko's partner and Daley supporter. Watch extended interview with Allison Davis

Gov. Pat Quinn had another meeting with legislative leaders this afternoon. Rich Samuels reports on their progress as they work to end the state's budget crisis.

Mayor Daley has been taking plenty of heat for his nephew's involvement in city employee pension investments. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a closer look at the sometimes uncomfortable relationship between family and politics.

In our ongoing Chicago Matters series Beyond Burnham, we find out more about the debate concerning Chicago's soil and rubble reuse ordinance.

Chicago Alderman Isaac Carothers pleaded not guilty today to bribery and fraud charges. However, an admission of guilt could lie ahead, and Rich Samuels tells us why.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Mayor Daley put on the defensive again by Chicago's parking meter deal; Red-light camera ticket violations could cost $125 if Ald. Ed Burke has his way; Patti Blagojevich defends her husband on national TV in a Costa Rican jungle; slain Chicago police officer Alex Valadez caught in the crossfire of gang violence; Chicago cop Anthony Abbate guilty of aggravated battery for beating up a female bartender on video tape; the White Sox call up first-round draft pick Gordon Beckham; and Blues legend Koko Taylor dies.

State Rep. Deborah Mell sits down with Carol Marin and talks about the special challenges of being Rod Blagojevich's sister-in-law during her freshman year in the Illinois legislature.

Nearly 3 million additional people are expected in the region in the next three decades, and preparing for this increase is no easy task. The chairman of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning explains how the organization is planning for the region's future. Go to 2040

Elizabeth Brackett has the latest on accusations against LAZ Parking, the operator of the city's meters, for not complying with the city's minority and women-owned business requirements.

Chicago's Inspector General released a report on the city's parking meter lease today. The report claims that the parking meters were worth nearly twice the price -- almost $1 billion more -- than the amount for which they were sold. Rich Samuels goes inside the report and tells us what some angry aldermen had to say. Read the full report

Lech Walesa helped loosen the communist grip on eastern Europe. We speak with the former President of Poland about Chicago, President Obama, and trade unions.

Patti Blagojevich is toughing it out in the rainforest of Costa Rica on NBC's reality show "I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" We hear what she had to say about her husband on last night's show.

Freshly indicted 29th Ward Alderman Isaac Carothers returned to City Hall today. Rich Samuels updates us on Chicago's latest public corruption scandal. Read the Carothers Indictment