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The Works of Henry Darger, 1892 - 1973

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7pm Former Cook County Board president John Stroger died today, lawmakers finally pass a transit deal, Democratic front-runners Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton get ready for tomorrow's Nevada caucuses, it was another rough week on Wall Street, Oprah Winfrey buying her own television network, United and Delta airlines talking merger again, new Olympic venues will cost Chicago at least $900 million, and Illinois high school athletes facing drug testing. Guests

Mass Transit Vote Carol Marin is live from Springfield with the very latest on today's mass transit bailout vote and what the Illinois General Assembly is saying about the governor's last minute "sweetening" of its original bill. News Analysis with Eddie Arruza The last 6 months in Springfield have been among the most rancorous of times in recent memory. And Governor Blagojevich has been at the center of the storm. Eddie Arruza and his panel look at the governor's governing style.

Mass Transit Funding There were multiple pleas to Illinois legislators today to sign off on the governor's version of the transit funding bill that would give free rides to seniors. Will Sunday's "doomsday" be averted? Rich Samuels has the latest from Chicago and Carol Marin is live in Springfield.

Mass Transit Update Senior citizens gave the governor an earful today. Rich Samuels brings us up to date on efforts to end the mass transit funding crisis. News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton recently came under fire for comments about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a closer look at the sometimes explosive role of race in politics. Guests: Ralph Conner, Robert Starks and Laura Washington.

TONIGHT'S ENTIRE HOUR WILL FOCUS ON MASS TRANSIT. Speaker Michael Madigan Will the general assembly go along with the governor's idea of free rides for seniors? We'll hear from House Speaker Mike Madigan on when he'll call lawmakers back to Springfield.

The Week in Review at 7pm Lawmakers finally close to a transit deal, Senator Hillary Clinton upsets Senator Barack Obama in the New Hampshire primary, the City Council approves new Chicago police superintendent Jody Weis and a $20 million torture settlement in the John Burge case, the Chicago Sun-Times staff and paper shrinking, the stock market off to a rough start in the new year, and the Bulls and Blackhawks mired in last place. Guests

Mass Transit Funding Update Governor Blagojevich says he will sign a mass transit bailout that includes a tax increase but he wants senior citizens to ride for free. Elizabeth Brackett has details on a busy day in Springfield. News Analysis with Eddie Arruza Reports are in today about the strength of consumer spending during the holiday season. The short answer is spending was down. But is the news all bad? And what does it mean for the larger economy? Eddie Arruza and his panel weigh in. Guests: Robert Stein and Diane Swonk.

New Top Cop Chicago has a new police superintendent. Rich Samuels tells us more about Jody Weis and the one alderman who voted against his confirmation. News Analysis with Carol Marin Hillary Clinton pulled off a surprise upset against Barack Obama last night in New Hampshire. Carol Marin and her panel examine what happened and what is likely to transpire before the Illinois primary on February 5.

Voter Registration There's an unprecedented last minute surge in voter registrations in Chicago. Rich Samuels tells us why the election board is burning the midnight oil tonight. New Hampshire Primary Voters also showed up in record numbers in the New Hampshire primary today. We'll have the latest results and be joined on the phone by a local reporter covering the election.

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

Iowa Caucuses The Iowa caucuses are underway. Eddie Arruza talks to one Chicago political blogger who doesn't think much about all the attention given to our neighboring state. Guest: Scott Jacobs, TheWeekBehind.com News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett Lake Michigan's water levels have reached record lows in recent weeks. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel look at why and what can be done to improve the situation. Guests: Steven Forman and Joel Brammaier.

Iowa Caucus Countdown Presidential candidates make their pitches to win over voters in the final hours before the Iowa caucuses tomorrow. Carol Marin joins us with more, live from Iowa. News Analysis with Eddie Arruza Governor Blagojevich again called legislators into special session today to deal with mass transit funding issues. But is it too little late? Eddie Arruza and his panel take a closer look. Guests: Chris Fusco and Kristen McQueary.

Chicago Tonight has the night off so we can bring you Live From Lincoln Center: New York Philharmonic New Year's Eve Gala with Joshua Bell. Please be sure to join us on Wednesday, January 2, 2008. Happy New Year!

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7pm On this special year-end edition of the program we take a look back at the biggest local stories of 2007 in politics, business, sports, and more. Our panel of all-star journalists weigh in on the past year. Guests

Bhutto Assassination The assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto has major implications both inside Pakistan and around the world. We'll look at what's next for Pakistan. Smoke-Free Chicago Illinois' new restrictive smoking ban goes into effect next Tuesday. How are smokers planning to cope? And what effect will it have on local businesses? Elizabeth Brackett has the story. More information and tips on quitting:

Tonight we take a special look back at some of our favorite musical guests of the past year. Back for an encore are:

The Week in Review with Joel Weisman at 7pm Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton in Chicago this week, Mayor Daley apologizes for his son's questionable city contract, travelers brace for holiday gridlock, airport screeners now using psychology tactics, the Chicago Tribune hikes daily paper price to 75 cents as Sam Zell takes over, Chicago Sun-Times staffers worried about potential layoffs, and the Chicago Bears home for the playoffs. Guests

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett There has been mixed news about the economy all through the year. How does the state of the U.S. economy affect the average person? Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a closer look. Guests: Terry Savage - Chicago Sun-Times, Carl Tannenbaum - economic consultant and Christopher Davis - Morningstar.

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.

Daley Criticizes Son's Judgment Mayor Daley today said his son's failure to reveal his interest in a company doing business with the city was a "lapse of judgment". Rich Samuels has the details.

Gambling Referendum? Should Illinois voters have a say in whether or not gambling is expanded in the state? Lt. Governor Pat Quinn thinks so. Christian Farr tells us why the Lt. Governor thinks a referendum is necessary. News Analysis with Carol Marin Mayor Daley's son, Patrick, invested in a sewer inspection company that did business with the city - and he failed to disclose his ownership as required by law. Carol Marin and her panel take a closer look. Guests: Jay Stewart, Tim Novak and Dick Simpson.

The Week in Review at 7pm The Feds indict one of Governor Blagojevich's top advisors, CTA workers threaten to walk off the job on Monday, former House Speaker Dennis Hastert throws his support behind Jim Oberweis, the state looks into buying Wrigley Field, former Chicago Sun-Times owner Conrad Black sent to jail, Sam Zell's Tribune deal set to close next week, baseball's long-awaited steroids report released, and quarterback Kyle Orton takes the reigns for the Bears. Guests:

Tax Fraud A top fundraiser for Governor Blagojevich is indicted on tax charges. Christian Farr will have the details. News Analysis with Eddie Arruza The long awaited report on steroid use in professional baseball is out and it's a bombshell. Among those named in the report are former Cubs and White Sox players. Eddie Arruza and his panel look at what it means to the future of the game.

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.