Leasing Parking Meters Chicago's leasing its parking meters for $1.1 billion. Rich Samuels tells us how the meter deal will nickel and dime you. View Clip News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett The quest to grant former Governor George Ryan a pardon has drawn plenty of criticism. Elizabeth Brackett sits down with the man who prosecuted Ryan and the head of the Illinois Republican party.

Trouble on Wall Street The Dow Jones industrial average dropped nearly 700 points today despite positive Christmas shopping news. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 helps us understand the forces at work. View Clip

Should Former Governor Ryan Be Freed From Prison? Should President George W. Bush commute the prison sentence of former Governor George Ryan? Rich Samuels brings us up to date on a growing controversy. View Clip

County Budget Cook County President Todd Stroger introduced his 2009 budget to county commissioners today. While he doesn't plan to raise taxes, he is asking commissioners to approve a pretty big loan to keep the county running. Christian Farr explains why some commissioners are concerned with that part of the budget. View Clip

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

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7 PM

News Analysis with Eddie Arruza The Dow closed down 444 points today amidst job worries and auto industry uncertainties. Eddie Arruza and his panel take a look at this crisis of confidence and where things might go from here. Crate & Barrel Co-Founder Gordon Segal Mayor Daley says top area CEO's are warning of mass layoffs in the coming months, and new reports indicate the nationwide jobless rate is at a 16-year high. We get insight from a top former Chicago CEO about what's happening in the private sector.

City Budget Only one alderman voted against Mayor Daley's hard-times budget today. Rich Samuels tells us why and how many layoffs it will take to balance next year's spending plan. View Clip News Analysis with Carol Marin Why is the state 90 days behind on paying its bills with concerns that the backlog could grow even larger? Carol Marin will talk with Comptroller Dan Hynes for answers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SOME OF TONIGHT'S STORIES:

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

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7 PM Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Politicians are lining up to fill President-elect Barack Obama and Congressman Rahm Emanuel's seats; the CTA and Pace hiking fares; Chicago cabbies threatening to strike; holiday jobs a lot harder to come by this year; nearly forty percent of local homeowners who bought in 2006 now owe more than their homes are worth; the Cubs cut ties with injury-plagued pitcher Kerry Wood; and the Bears head to Green Bay. Guests:

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SOME OF TONIGHT'S STORIES:

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.

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Former Alderman Edward Vrdolyak pleads guilty; Obama's election night rally in Grant Park; the election's Chicago impact; Cook County new state's attorney Anita Alvarez; and the Rep. Rahm Emanuel as President-elect Barack Obama's White House Chief of Staff. View Clip

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SOME OF TONIGHT'S STORIES:

Obama's Neighborhood Celebrates Hyde Park was thrilled by the success of its most prominent resident. Elizabeth Brackett reports from Hyde Park's main street. View Clip