On this edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review with Joel Weisman, the Drew Peterson murder trial almost ends before it really gets going. Missteps by the prosecution come close to derailing the Joliet trial. Gov. Pat Quinn calls lawmakers back to Springfield for a special session to solve Illinois’ pension problem. After Chicago homicides skyrocket in the first six months of the year, the murder rate drops in July compared to the same month last year. The Chick-fil-A war of words rages, with thousands buying chicken sandwiches in support of free speech. Ald. Joe Moreno now supports the fast-food expansion into his ward. Chicago’s budget shortfall is only half as bad as expected. Three proposed corridors for an Illiana Expressway spark controversy among homeowners and businesses. And in sports, the Cubs finally trade Ryan Dempster to Texas.

Guests:
- John McCarron, Chicago Tribune
- Kristen McQueary, Chicago Tribune
- Abdon Pallasch, formerly of the Chicago Sun-Times
- Dan McGrath, The New York Times

In our web-extra Week in Review video, Joel Weisman and his panel delve further into the new law prohibiting employers from asking job candidates and employees for their social networking passwords. Also, we hear what story most intrigued Abdon Pallasch during his Chicago Sun-Times career. View the video in the player above.

Here is a roundup of Chicago Tonight‘s web stories from this week:

Monday, July 30:
- Special Session Ordered for Pension Reform
- Exclusive: City Council Watchdog Looks at Top Alderman
- The Planets
- World War II Planes
- Viewer Mail: Medically Fragile Children

Tuesday, July 31:
- Opening Statements Begin in Drew Peterson Trial
- Journatic’s Fall from Grace
- City’s Financial Forecast
- Duodenal Switch Explained
- Vivian Maier
- Ask Geoffrey

Wednesday, August 1:
- Pension Working Group
- ComEd President
- Field Museum Biologist Works to Protect Biodiversity
- Chicago Business News
- The Meteoric Rise of Vivian Maier

Thursday, August 2:
- Infrastructure Trust Holds First Meeting
- America's Impending Budget Cuts
- Searching for Vivian Maier
- Tracy Letts
- Going Solo

Friday, August 3:
- Weekend Events Around Town: 8/3-8/5