Former Chicago Alderman Ed Vrdolyak avoided a jail sentence for his role in a kick-back scheme. US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald wanted a 3-1/2 year prison sentence, but Vrdolyak walked out of the federal building with probation.

It was thirty years ago that Jane Byrne pulled off the most stunning political upset in Chicago history, beating incumbent mayor Michael Bilandic in the Democratic primary. John Callaway has the story of an insider who turned against the machine.

When Sen. Dick Durbin& returned from his overseas trip, he immediately weighed in on the Sen. Roland Burris scandal. Durbin told Burris yesterday that if he were in his shoes he would resign. Carol Marin and her panel talk about the possibilities left for Burris.

President Obama addresses Congress and the nation tonight. We hear from a speech writer about what we can expect to hear from the president during these tough economic times.

Being a spokesman for a politician is a tough job. When that politician is former Governor Rod Blagojevich, tough does not begin to describe the constant headaches. Elizabeth Brackett sits down with former Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero.

The Obama Administration is pushing for transparency, and so are some of our local governments. Christian Farr speaks visit two Chicago Area municipalities to find out how they are using technology to let people know what's going on. DuPage County Chicago City Clerk's Office

Professor Harold Hill he is not, but Rod Blagojevich is the scheming, conniving central character in a world premiere musical. We take you behind the scenes of Second City's smash song and dance extravaganza, "Rod Blagojevich, Superstar."

Residents of Illinois' 5th Congressional District have to choose among 23 candidates when they go to the polls for March 3rd's special election primary. Who are the candidates, and are voters even paying attention? We try to make sense of the wide open race to replace Rahm Emanuel.

John Callaway talks to renowned presidential historian Michael Beschloss about the job President Obama has done so far during his first month in office.

We trace Michelle Obama's path to the White House with author Carol Felsenthal. "The Making of a First Lady"

Tonight's panel discusses the week's top headlines: Calls for embattled Senator Roland Burris's ouster are mounting; CTA officials warn of a major budget shortfall, is another fare hike on the horizon?; Rahm Emanuel's vacant congressional seat a hot commodity; President Obama lays out his mortgage plan; and the Bulls shake up their roster at the trade deadline. Guests:

There were more revelations today that Sen. Burris is still not coming clean about his contacts with the Blagojevich administration. This comes as his support continues to erode. A group of African-American pastors that once backed Burris today called for his resignation. Eddie Arruza and his panel discuss how race is factoring into the evolving Burris saga.

At a Chicago Transit Authority Board Meeting yesterday, CTA officials learned that they are millions in the red. CTA Board chair Carole Brown explains why the CTA budget shortfall and what it could mean for riders.

We hear more of your thoughts on the Sen. Burris controversy when we read some viewer mail.

Sen. Roland Burris offered a spirited self-defense at the City Club of Chicago today. Rich Samuels tells us why he is ignoring questions from reporters.

Carol Marin and her panel discuss Sen. Burris' political future.