Politics
Political Update
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Wilmette businessman Tony Rezko, who now faces a federal indictment, owns a vacant lot next door to Senator Barack Obama. Rich Samuels tells us more about the relationship between a rising star and a possibly sinking ship.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Tonight's edition of Chicago Tonight is abbreviated to be able to present Candidate Free Time during our second half hour.
The Week in Review with Joel Weisman
Election countdown, we'll look at all the hot races, Mayor Daley scraps blue bag recycling program, housing prices continue to slump, the undefeated Bears back in action, and the Bulls set to tip off a new season.
Guests:
Note: Governor Rod Blagojevich originally accepted our invitation to join tonight's candidate forum. Several weeks ago, he backed out of that commitment, saying he couldn't reach an agreement with his opponent on when or where to appear.
Race for Governor of Illinois
Phil Ponce talks one-on-one with Republican candidate Judy Baar Topinka about her vision for Illinois.
Blagojevich Clout Connection?
A ride in a private jet chartered by indicted political operative Stuart Levine was the issue of the day in the race for governor. Rich Samuels tells us why.
News Analysis with Carol Marin
The candidates for Illinois treasurer will be here talk about how they'd handle the state's money. Guests: Democrat Alexi Giannoulias, Republican Christine Radogno, and Green Party candidate, Dan Rodriguez Schlorff
Eat Your Veggies!
Even more evidence is out today that eating leafy green veggies will protect your brain.
We'll hear from the Rush University Medical Center 's epidemiologist with more details.
News Analysis with Carol Marin
It's a congressional race that's garnering national attention. Henry Hyde is retiring after three decades in Congress, and there's a bruising battle to succeed him - and perhaps tip the balance of Congress. We'll hear from Republican Peter Roskam and Democrat Tammy Duckworth live in our studio tonight.
Rezko Pleads Not Guilty
Democratic fundraiser Tony Rezko pleaded not guilty in federal court today on fraud charges. A plea in a separate case is expected later today. Rich Samuels brings us the latest.
News Analysis with Carol Marin
Tony Peraica, Republican candidate for Cook County Board President, joins us to talk about what he plans to do for the county if he wins. His democratic opponent, Todd Stroger, declined to participate on tonight's program.
Obama-rama
Oprah, the queen of talk, helped Sen. Barack Obama launch his latest campaign this morning - for his new book. We'll hear about his barnstorming book tour with Chicago Sun-Times columnist Lynn Sweet.
News Analysis with Eddie Arruza
In the first of our candidate forums, Eddie Arruza talks with Dan Seals, Democratic candidate for the 10th Congressional District. Seals' opponent Mark Kirk declined our invitation to participate.
The Week in Review with Joel Weisman
Governor Blagojevich's longtime confidant indicted, President Bush comes to town, Mayor Daley unveils new city budget, Andersonville may put the reins on retail chains, the undefeated Bears get ready for "Monday Night Football," and the Cubs managerial search in full swing.
Guests:
News Analysis with Eddie Arruza
Mayor Daley has appointed reform-minded State Senator Miguel del Valle as the new City Clerk. Eddie Arruza will ask del Valle why he took the job and what he's going to do with it.
Patricia Hitchcock
We'll talk to Patricia Hitchcock about her famous father, the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. Click here for more on the upcoming Hitchcock Festival.
New Indictments Announced
Businessman and top advisor to Governor Blagojevich Tony Rezko was indicted today in two fraud cases. Carol Marin reports on what else came out of today's press conference by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. Then she and her guests will talk about what this could mean for the governor, with just weeks to go before the election.
News Analysis with Carol Marin
Governor Blagojevich's campaign is choosing a "rose garden" strategy when it comes to debates. Carol Marin and her panel weigh in on that and other political news.
Bears Alumni Club
Something special is happening at Soldier Field this year. Former Bears linebacker and special teams standout Jim Schwantz is here to recap yet another dominating performance by the Bears.
Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
House Speaker Dennis Hastert in a political firestorm, Governor Blagojevich and Judy Baar Topinka debate, Lord & Taylor leaving the Magnificent Mile, protests in Carpentersville over immigration ordinance, the Cubs search for Dusty Baker's replacement, and the undefeated Bears host the Buffalo Bills.
Guests:
Goodbye, Dusty
Cubs manager Dusty Baker is OUT! After one of the most disastrous seasons in years, Baker was let go by the team one day after the resignation of team president, Andy McPhail. Elizabeth Brackett reports on what might happen next to the north siders.
Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review
Oprah Winfrey endorses Barack Obama for president, County Board presidential hopefuls Todd Stroger and Tony Peraica debate, 5-year-old Diamond Brownridge dies after dental procedure, Wal-Mart opens in Chicago, traffic e-mail alerts now available, and the undefeated Bears take on the Seattle Seahawks.
Guests: