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News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Three Chicago journalists will make their picks for the top local stories of 2005. While some stories will probably be a little obvious, there are other important things that happened here in Chicago that you might not have heard about. Bears Alumni Club The Bears clinch the NFC North division against their archrival, the Green Bay Packers. We'll talk with former Bear Jim Covert about the game and the playoff picture.

Busy Day in Cook County County board president John Stroger may find his bid for a fourth term a little more difficult. County commissioner Mike Quigley today announced he's ending his campaign for board president and throwing his support behind Commissioner Forrest Claypool. Rich Samuels has the latest on a busy day at the county building.

Chicago Tonight is abbreviated this evening for pledge programming. Daley on Concealed Weapons Though recent federal legislation allows retired cops to carry concealed weapons, Mayor Daley says Chicago won't certify them. Rich Samuels tells us why.

Chicago Tonight is abbreviated this evening for pledge programming. News Analysis with Phil Ponce Forrest Claypool is running for Cook County Board President. Phil Ponce and his panel discuss his chances and other hot local political stories. Bears Alumni Club The Bears defense propels the team to its eighth win in a row. We'll catch up with the Bears' former defensive powerhouse, Richard Dent.

Chicago Tonight is abbreviated this evening for pledge programming. News Analysis with Phil Ponce The debate over a smoking ordinance in Chicago restaurants and bars continues to smolder. Phil Ponce and his panel tackle this hot issue. Neil Steinberg Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg is back in print as of this morning. He'll talk to Bob about his road back from alcohol rehab and domestic abuse charges.

Bob Sirott is off tonight. News Analysis with Eddie Arruza Tempers are flaring in Washington on both sides of the aisle as the debate to pull troops out of Iraq escalates. Rep. Jan Schakowsky and Chicago Tribune's Jim Warren are on tonight's panel. Chicago's Grand Hotels We'll get a taste of Chicago history as seen through its historic hotels - the Drake, the Hilton and the Palmer House. Author Robert Allegrini is here with his new book Chicago's Grand Hotels. For more information: Arcadia Publishing or (888) 313-2665.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce A sign that asks parents to have their kids use "indoor voices" while at a north side cafe has angered local parents and touched off an international story. Phil Ponce and his panel, which includes the cafe's owner, take a look at what it means to run a family-friendly business.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce Judy Baar Topinka is eyeing the governor's mansion. Phil Ponce and his panel of political pundits assess her chances. Guests: Craig Dellimore, Greg Hinz and Carlos Hernandez Gomez Terry Hillard Chicago's former police superintendent Terry Hillard has written a new book, Chicago Police: An Inside View. We'll talk to him about his work, his legacy and the city's changing crime numbers.

President Bush's High Court Nominee Four days after Harriet Miers told President George Bush she was withdrawing her name from consideration for Supreme Court Justice, the President today nominated another potential successor to Sandra Day O'Connor. But if the Republican right had problems with Ms. Miers, now it seems Senate Democrats have some reservations over the new nominee, federal judge Samuel Alito. Rich Samuels has the reaction to the nomination from Senators Dick Durbin and Barack Obama.

News Analysis with Phil Ponce White Sox fans are ecstatic after Friday's Red Sox sweep. Phil Ponce's panel previews tomorrow's American League championship game. Guests: Ron Kittle, Tom Shaer, and Lou Canellis. Bears Alumni Club In Chicago we can't have good sports news without some bad as well. Super Bowl Bears tight end Emery Moorehead breaks down the Bears' latest debacle — and reminisces about better football times.

Hurricane Rita Update We'll have a live report from Elizabeth Brackett who is in Houston covering the aftermath of Hurricane Rita. News Analysis with Phil Ponce City officials have announced plans to crack down on jaywalkers. Phil Ponce and his panel take a closer look at the embattled pedestrian and other traffic issues. Guests: John McCarron, Joseph Schofer and Siim Soot.

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.

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.