Politics
The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7 pm
Mayor Daley picks an outsider to run the Chicago Police Department, charges of racism at the Cook County Board, lawmakers still deadlocked on transit deal, Motorola CEO Ed Zander stepping down, Sears profits plunge, Bears running back Cedric Benson out for the rest of the season, and Chicago lost two familiar names this week, longtime television news anchor John Drury and former congressman Henry Hyde.
Guests:
Any Progress in Springfield?
Two weeks ago, Springfield leaders met with Mayor Daley, and the governor said a transit solution could be reached by Thanksgiving. Now one week past the holiday, what progress has been made? Carol Marin brings us a live report from Springfield.
Stem Cell Developments
Recent news about breakthroughs in stem cell research has some saying the ethical wars are over. But are they? We'll take a look at the new discovery and what it means for medicine.
Mass Transit Compromise?
Will the compromise proposed today by House Democrats end the mass-transit funding crisis? Rich Samuels tells us who's changed their tunes and why.
Remembering John Drury
Veteran Chicago broadcaster John Drury died yesterday after battling Lou Gehrig's Disease. We'll look back at a 2003 "Chicago Tonight" conversation with Drury.
News Analysis with Eddie Arruza
The internet has become a social gathering place for many people. But a new study has uncovered some surprising facts about where young people go when they're online. Eddie Arruza talks to Northwestern University researcher Eszter Hargittai.
Urban Chickens
Will the City Council banish live chickens from Chicago's residential neighborhoods? Rich Samuels introduces us to three hens and their owner, all of whom plan to fight City Hall.
Governor's Special Session
Governor Blagojevich is calling lawmakers back to Springfield next week to resolve the mass transit funding crisis. Is the end in sight? Or will it be more of the same? Rich Samuels has the details.
News Analysis with Eddie Arruza
Cook County taxpayers paid more than $800 million in 2006 toward TIFs, or tax increment financing. Cook County Clerk David Orr joins Eddie Arruza to talk about the impact on individual tax payers.
The Week in Review at 7pm
The Stacy Peterson case drawing national attention, Mayor Daley's record budget passes, top lawmakers bicker at critical transit summit, United and Delta airlines reportedly talking about a merger, Chicago rap star Kanye West's mother dies during plastic surgery, four local transplant recipients get HIV from a donor, and Rex Grossman back at quarterback for the Bears.
Guests:
Mass Transit Mess
Labor leaders are threatening "job action" if Springfield fails to pass a comprehensive transit funding package. Rich Samuels has the latest on the escalating transit crisis. Then Eddie Arruza and his panel of legislators discuss whether a looming strike will finally get Springfield moving. Guests: State Rep. Julie Hamos, State Rep. Brent Hassert, State Sen. Rickey Hendon and State Sen. Christine Radogno.
City Council Budget Vote
The Chicago City Council signed off today on more than $275 million in new taxes and fees. Rich Samuels has the details.
News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
Chicago rap star Kanye West's mother, Donda, died this weekend reportedly of complications from cosmetic surgery. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel examine the dangers of America's obsession with looking young. Guests: Dr. Edward Lack, Jennifer Parks, Lisa Tsoutsas and Keith Heibeisan.
The Week in Review at 7pm
Former Governor George Ryan reports to prison, the feds investigating City Hall influence in Bridgeport real estate deals, the plunging stock market shocks investors this week, the test score gap between white and minority public high school students widening, more than 30 public schools now on a year-round schedule, the Bulls finally win their first game of the season, and the rested Bears get ready for the Raiders.
Guests:
Daley Meets the Press
Rich Samuels treats us to another round of Mayor Daley vs. the press today. We'll have the blow-by-blow.
News Analysis with Eddie Arruza
The Fed chair said today that he expects the U.S. economy to slow noticeably in the months to come. What does that mean for the average consumer? Eddie Arruza and his panel take a closer look. Guests: Terry Savage, Gail MarksJarvis
Daley Stands Firm
Mayor Daley said today he still wants his property tax increase, despite aldermanic proposals to pare it back. Rich Samuels has details.
News Analysis with Carol Marin
Former governor George Ryan reported to federal prison today. This comes after exhausting all legal options to keep him free while he appealed his conviction. Ryan biographer Jim Merriner joins Carol Marin with a closer look at George Ryan, the man.
George Ryan to Prison
His options have expired and George Ryan is going to federal prison tomorrow. Rich Samuels brings us the latest.
News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
The CTA barely avoided yet another doomsday deadline this weekend after the governor came up with another band-aid solution. Elizabeth Brackett sits down with CTA president Ron Huberman to find out what he thinks of all the transit drama.
City Tax Hikes
A property tax hike and increased fees have passed the first hurdle at City Hall. Elizabeth Brackett spent the day there and brings us the latest.
News Analysis with Carol Marin
Springfield legislators are still figuring out how to use taxpayers money for this fiscal year. But how much has all this cost the taxpayers in the meantime? Carol Marin and her panel take a closer look at the numbers. Guests: Cindi Canary, Laurence Msall and Ralph Martire.
The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7pm
Lawmakers wrestling with the transit budget crisis, Mayor Daley unveiling a scaled down city budget on Monday, former Governor George Ryan may be heading to jail next week, we'll take a closer look at crime coverage in the media, Oprah Winfrey dealing with a sex scandal at her South African girls school, big changes on the local radio landscape, Bulls general manager John Paxson shoots down Kobe Bryant trade rumors, and Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher battling a bad back and the local media.
Guests:
News Analysis with Eddie Arruza
Things are moving quickly in Springfield for a possible casino in Chicago. But should it happen without the input of Chicago residents? Eddie Arruza talks to Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn and the mayor of Elgin, which has the most profitable casino in the state.
Dan Hynes
The state's chief fiscal officer is not happy with what he says are egos in Springfield. State Comptroller Dan Hynes joins us in the studio to tell us what's on his mind.