News Analysis with Carol Marin Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert and former Congressman Glenn Poshard are trying to gain support for their $31 billion public works plan. They have just three days before Sunday's budget deadline for the General Assembly. Carol Marin looks into its chances. View Clip

R. Kelly Trial Opening statements got underway today in the R. Kelly child pornography trial. Rich Samuels will report on what prosecutors and Kelly's defense attorneys told jurors. View Clip News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Brain cancer strikes Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy. Elizabeth Brackett talks with medical experts on what that kind of diagnosis can mean.

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Chicago's vibrant concert scene might get a lot quieter if a proposal requiring pricey liability insurance and costly licenses comes to fruition in the City Council. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel weigh in on the debate. View Clip

CTA Improvements Faster bus rides are coming to the CTA. Rich Samuels brings us up-to-date on a new initiative to reduce congestion on the streets of Chicago. View Clip News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Hefty government rebate checks are in the mail and the Fed may cut interest rates tomorrow. But gas and food prices continue to soar. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take the temperature of the economy.

College Campus Security A task force created by Governor Blagojevich to analyze college campus security in Illinois issued its report today. Eddie Arruza tells us what some of the recommendations are and the potential costs involved. View Clip

CTA and Google Rich Samuels reports on the new relationship between the CTA and Google. Google Transit CTA Bus Tracker View Clip

Capital Funding State Rep. Julie Hamos says a capital spending plan should be on the front lesiglative burner. She says the time may have arrived for the "inmates to take over the asylum" to get it passed. Rich Samuels has details. View Clip News Analysis with Eddie Arruza Home sales are on the rise here and nationwide. Is the frigid real estate market finally thawing out? Eddie Arruza and his panel take a closer look.

Rezko Trial Update The government's star witness in the trial of Tony Rezko returned to the stand today. Rich Samuels tells us what Stuart Levine had to say about his relationship with Governor Rod Blagojevich. View Clip News Analysis with Carol Marin Senator Barack Obama's impassioned speech in Philadelphia yesterday took on the issue of race. Carol Marin and her panel take a closer look at the speech and the concerns he raised.

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger The Cook County Board of Commissioners has until Friday to pass a balanced budget or face a partial shutdown of the county government. So far the gridlocked board has been unable to reach a consensus. Cook County Board President Todd Stroger joins us to talk about the budget debate.

Mexico's President Mexican President Felipe Calderon is visiting the U.S. for the first time since his election in 2006. He spoke in Chicago this afternoon and Eddie Arruza tells us what the President - and some of his opponents - had to say. News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Pollution from Midwest oil refineries could increase by 40% over the next decade. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a closer look at the high cost of our nation's addiction to the so-called "black gold."

Cook County Sales Tax Update Cook County Board President Todd Stroger took his quest for a sales tax hike to the county morgue today saying without new revenue, there will be a major backlog of dead bodies. Eddie Arruza has reaction from county commissioners.

News Analysis with Eddie Arruza

Chicago Police Update Mayor Daley's choice for Chicago's new top cop submits to a grilling from city aldermen. Rich Samuels has details.

The Week in Review at 7pm Tonight on a special edition of the program we gaze into the 2008 crystal ball. What lies ahead for the city and state in government, politics, business, sports, the arts, and more? Will it be a prosperous, scandalous, or problematic year? Our panel of all-star journalists weigh in on the big stories of the new year. Guests

Cook County Budget Crisis There were protests at the county building today against proposed budget cuts. Rich Samuels brings us up to date on Cook County's budget crisis.

City Council Update Rich Samuels will bring us the latest from today's City Council meeting. News Analysis with Carol Marin The Cook County Board has until February to pass a balanced budget. But nobody can agree on how to close a $238 million shortfall. Carol Marin will talk to a panel of county commissioners on what their solutions are to the budget impasse.