Ryan's Trial Begins The much-anticipated corruption trial of former Illinois governor George Ryan finally got underway today with opening statements. Eddie Arruza reports on what the prosecution and defense told jurors about Ryan's alleged fraud and racketeering crimes.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce On the eve of George Ryan's corruption trial, Phil Ponce and his panel take a look at what the prosecution and the defense teams might be planning. Guests: Mike Flannery, WBBM-TV; Patrick Cotter, Arnstein & Lehr and Phil Rogers, WMAQ-TV. Saul Bellow Memorial Author Saul Bellow was remembered today in a service at the University of Chicago. Rich Samuels shares highlights of the day.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review Mayor Daley's former top political aide implicated in city hiring scandal, jury selection underway in former Governor George Ryan's corruption trial, Marshall Field's facing extinction, the fatal Metra accident investigated, and the White Sox on the verge of an epic collapse. Guests:

News Analysis with Phil Ponce For years, he's been known as the dogged consumer advocate who was head of the Citizens Utility Board. Now Martin Cohen is shifting positions. Governor Blagojevich named him as the chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission, the same agency he has battled for more than 20 years. Cohen joins us for a panel discussion about his new job.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce It's day three of jury selection in the trial of former Governor George Ryan. What kind of people do prosecutors and defense attorneys want on this jury? Phil Ponce and his panel will take a look. Iraq Update Escalating violence in Iraq has shaken the suburban Chicago businessman who recently served as Minister of Electricity in Iraq. On a recent trip back to Chicago he told Elizabeth Brackett he fears Iraq is moving closer to civil war. That conversation is coming up tonight.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce Governor Blagojevich vehemently denies any wrongdoing in an alleged pension scheme. Phil Ponce and his panel take a closer look at the governor's latest controversy. Guests: Greg Hinz, Kristen McQueary, Chris Fusco Bears Alumni Club The Bears put it all together against the Lions: Offense, defense and special teams all scored. Superbowl champ Steve McMichael is here for our Bears Alumni Club.

The Week in Review Governor Blagojevich's name surfaces in pension probe, former Governor Ryan accused of media blitz just before his jury selection on Monday, Hurricane Katrina prompts Chicago officials to reevaluate evacuation plans here, get ready for soaring gas bills, the White Sox division lead evaporating, and the Bears hope to tame the Detroit Lions. Guests:

Mayor Daley's Press Conference Mayor Daley warned of record high gas prices this winter as he announced programs to help seniors and low income residents deal with the soaring costs of energy. Elizabeth Brackett reports on this and other news from the mayor's wide ranging news conference today.

City Council Meeting An impassioned city council meeting today included an unexpected health scare by one of the alderman. News Analysis with Phil Ponce The average tab for heating a home this fall and winter is expected to be $1500. On top of that, gas and electric companies are asking for rate increases. Representatives of People's Energy and ComEd will be here to explain.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, how prepared are we for a major disaster? Phil Ponce examines that question with a panel that includes Mayor Daley's Chief of Staff, Ron Huberman. Hurricane Relief Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the closest major city to New Orleans, has absorbed tens of thousands of evacuees. How has the disaster changed that town? Elizabeth Brackett recently returned from the region and has the story.

Chicago's Katrina Response Mayor Daley was on hand today as Chicago geared up to receive survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Rich Samuels reports from the city's new intake center on the west side. News Analysis with Eddie Arruza On this first day of school, Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan sits down with Eddie Arruza to talk about the new school year.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review Chicago reacts to Hurricane Katrina, Mayor Daley apologizes to Chicagoans for recent scandals, West Nile virus on the rise here, the White Sox continue to struggle, and the Bears finally sign top draft pick Cedric Bensen. Guests:

News Analysis with Steve Edwards Many say your medical bills are so high because of runaway jury awards. Today Governor Blagojevich signed a bill that could change that. Chicago Public Radio's Steve Edwards sits down with doctors on both sides of the medical malpractice debate. Guests: Ed Murnane, Illinois Civil Justice League; Dr. Richard Geline, Illinois State Medical Society; Keith Hebeisen, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association; Dr. Scott Kale, internist and expert medical witness.

This week on Chicago Sunday: Host Phil Ponce talks with Cook County Republican Party Chairman Gary Skoien about the state of the Republican party in Cook County and his controversial comments about Mayor Daley. We'll meet activist Alex Wilson who's helping some underprivileged Chicago kids beat some pretty tough odds by fixing and riding bicycles.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce Tomorrow is Republican Day at the State Fair in Springfield. But the GOP has been less than unified lately. Would another Jim Edgar gubernatorial run re-energize the party? Phil Ponce and his guests, Greg Hinz and Kristen McQueary, weigh in on the GOP disarray. WTTW's 50th Birthday We'll have parody from Second City and poetry from Gwendolyn Brooks as Rich Samuels continues his look at the earliest years of WTTW.

New Corruption Charges U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald claims that $137,000 in bribes were given in exchange for $8 million worth of park district business - the scheme involving a former park district official and a mundelein landscape firm. Rich Samuels has the details.