News Analysis with Carol Marin Nearly 1,300 people have been hired by Cook County this year in spite of a hiring freeze. Who was behind these new hires made after former board president John Stroger's stroke? Carol Marin and her panel discuss the latest mystery coming out of the Cook County offices. Guests: Commissioner Mike Quigley, Alderman Todd Stroger, Commissioner Tony Peraica.

Topinka Plan Republican candidate for Governor Judy Baar Topinka unveils a major school funding plan but her democratic opponent says her numbers don't add up. Eddie Arruza will have details.

Cook County Debrief Will Cook County join the city in getting a federal monitor overseeing its hiring practices? That's what Republican candidate for Cook County Board President is demanding. Eddie Arruza will have the latest on alleged patronage hiring at the county level. News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Mayor Daley weighs in on the city ban on foie gras. Elizabeth Brackett's panel includes the alderman who proposed the ban. Guests: Ald. Joseph Moore, Chris Robling, Paul Green

Obama in Africa Illinois' U.S. Senator Barack Obama has visited Nelson Mandela's prison cell. We'll be joined on the phone by Sun-Times reporter Lynn Sweet, who is in South Africa, travelling with the senator on his journey through the continent.

News Analysis with Eddie Arruza An undocumented immigrant facing deportation has taken refuge in a Chicago church. Now her plight has turned into a rallying cry for immigration reform. Is she the Rosa Parks of immigration reform? Or a law-breaker who should be deported? Eddie Arruza and his panel will take that up. Friday Night Preview John Callaway talks to former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz.

Phil Ponce is off tonight. News Analysis with Eddie Arruza Marshall Field's has started easing into its new Macy's moniker. Eddie Arruza and his panel of experts debate whether it's a good fit for Chicago. Guests: Ellen Warren, Louis Stern Critic for a Day We review the Oliver Stone movie "World Trade Center" with film critic, Bruce Ingram. Artbeat With this ring... you know it's summertime at the Chicago Botanic Garden. We'll climb inside the Carillon to meet the "lord of the rings".

Olympics Bid The United States Olympic Committee met with Chicago business leader Pat Ryan and others today to polish Chicago's Olympic bid. A stadium large enough for opening and closing ceremonies remains Chicago's biggest problem. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

Durbin & Obama In a speech before AFSCME today, Sen. Barack Obama, sounding very much like a presidential candidate, blasted the Bush administration for fostering a society in which everyone is out for themselves. Sen. Dick Durbin also addressed the delegates, attacking the Bush administration for its handling of the Iraq war and Hurricane Katrina. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

Big Box Consequences Target is threatening to pull out of a south side development if the mayor doesn't veto the "big box" ordinance. Rich Samuels reports on today's developments.

City Council Update Rich Samuels reports on some controversial matters coming up in tomorrow's city council meeting, including the big box ordinance and aldermanic raises. News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett The Emerald Ash Borer has now spread to ash trees in Evanston. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have the latest news on what's being done to stop the unwelcome insect.

Racetrack Deaths The 18th horse of the racing season has had to be euthanized at Arlington Park. Why are so many horses breaking down? Arlington Park board chairman Richard Duchossois says the track is doing everything in its power to find out. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Surprising details about Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid are revealed. Will two separate stadiums for opening and closing ceremonies fly with the International Olympic Committee?

News Analysis with Carol Marin John Stroger plans to step aside as Cook County Board President and pave the way for his son, Todd Stroger, to take his place. This news comes more than three months since he suffered a stroke and has raised considerable controversy. Carol Marin and her panel of commissioners will take a look at where things might go from here. Guests: Commissioners Tony Peraica, Forrest Claypool and Earlean Collins

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Although people often joke about having so-called "senior moments," a new Chicago study says they actually could be early signs of Alzheimer's Disease. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel will take up this new development.

Gang Arrests A major drug raid at the CHA's Dearborn Homes led to the arrests of 30 alleged members of a street gang suspected of trafficking in a deadly form of heroin. Rich Samuels has details of what investigators are calling "Operation Snakebite."

News Analysis with Carol Marin A new report from the Chicago Crime Commission reveals the inner workings of Chicago gangs. Carol Marin and her panel, including a former gang member, look at what the study reveals.