Cook County faces a budget shortfall of almost $500 million, and new Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has ordered across-the-board cuts. Eddie Arruza talks to three top officials about how they plan to comply.

On the campaign trail today, Miguel del Valle said he is sure he will be the "poorest" candidate in the race, but that he will have the most to offer. Carol Moseley Braun refused to elaborate on the tax returns that she released yesterday. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest on the mayoral race.

How will Cook County close a $487 million budget gap? Newly sworn-in Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joins Carol Marin for a one-on-one interview.

Did George W. Bush's distinct personality help lead to the war in Iraq? We talk with the author of a new book that offers a psychological analysis of America's 43rd President and argues that early events in his life would later shape one of his most controversial decisions. Find out more about the book: George W. Bush and the Redemptive Dream: A Psychological Portrait

A Cook County Circuit Court judge upheld the Chicago Election Board's ruling that Rahm Emanuel is eligible to appear on the ballot. Elizabeth Brackett has the details.

Chicago Sun-Times Bureau Chief Dave McKinney recaps what happened in the legislature today as the veto session winds down.

Carol Moseley Braun says she will not release her income tax returns until after the February 22 primary. She also says she would try to regain control of the city's privatized parking meters if she is elected mayor. Elizabeth Brackett was with the candidate today and has the latest.

Carol Moseley Braun received a nice holiday gift when James Meeks and Danny Davis both dropped out of the race-- leaving Braun as the only major African American candidate. Danny Davis joins us tonight, as well as Rev. Jesse Jackson, who helped make it happen.

We hear what you have to say about some of our recent stories when we read our viewer mail.

Governor Quinn reportedly wants to borrow $15 billion to bridge the state's biggest-ever budget gap. Will that only worsen Illinois' finances, and will anyone even loan the state that amount of money? Eddie Arruza and his guests weigh the options.

The Chicago Teachers Union and other community organizations would like to end appointments to the Chicago Board of Education -- they want the superintendent and board members to be elected. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest on their proposal and the response to their plan.

Mayor Richard M. Daley has passed his father and is now Chicago's longest-serving mayor. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel discuss the Daley Dynasty, its legacy, and what it has meant to the city of Chicago.

Eddie Arruza takes a look at some new laws going into effect on January 1, 2011, including one concerning child safety seats

President Obama may be the most admired man in the country according to a new Gallup poll, but how's his presidency doing? We hear from journalist Richard Wolffe, who received exclusive access inside the Obama White House and has written a new book about the President's time in office. Find out more about the book

What's the process moving forward as the Chicago Board of Elections gets set to rule on Rahm Emanuel's residency? Ash-har Quraishi tells us what could happen after a decision is handed down.

Illinois will lose one of its congressional seats. What does this mean for the state as it prepares to redraw its maps? Elizabeth Brackett and her panel discuss this and much more. Proposed redistricting legislation in the Illinois General Assembly