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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.

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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.

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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.

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Rezko Trial Update
Rich Samuels has the latest from the Rezko corruption trial.

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News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
Massive layoffs at Channel 2 shocked the local TV landscape. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a closer look at the bloodletting and assess the future of local news.

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News Analysis with Eddie Arruza
The stock market has been on a roller coaster ride lately. Today the Federal Reserve hoped to calm queasy investors after slashing interest rates three quarters of a percent. Eddie Arruza and his panel weigh in on the latest economic news.

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News Analysis with Eddie Arruza
We kick off our new Chicago Matters series called "Growing Forward." How is Chicago doing on the mayor's stated goal of becoming the greenest big city in the nation? Eddie Arruza talks with Chicago's Environment Commissioner for an update.

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Transit Funding on Hold
Congressmen from the land of Metra call on state legislators to resolve transit funding issues before more than $1 billion in federal funding travel elsewhere. Rich Samuels has details.

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
House Speaker Michael Madigan unveiled a major gambling expansion plan yesterday. We'll hear what tonight's panel of lawmakers think of the proposal. Guests: State Sen. Rickey Hendon, State Rep. Bob Biggins and State Rep. Lou Lang.

Cook County Budget Crisis
A Cook County commissioner plays the race card as the county board finds itself unable to pass either new taxes or spending cuts. Rich Samuels brings us up to date on the Cook County budget crisis.

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City Council Budget Vote
The Chicago City Council signed off today on more than $275 million in new taxes and fees. Rich Samuels has the details.

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
Chicago rap star Kanye West's mother, Donda, died this weekend reportedly of complications from cosmetic surgery. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel examine the dangers of America's obsession with looking young. Guests: Dr. Edward Lack, Jennifer Parks, Lisa Tsoutsas and Keith Heibeisan.

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News Analysis
Momentum is gathering in Springfield for casino expansion. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel examine what some believe are the many social ills we could face if new casinos are in the cards. Guests: Doug Dobmeyer, Nancy Duel and Wayne Burdick.

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Cook County Budget Crisis
A blue ribbon panel today said it's urgent that an independent commission take control of the Cook County health care system. Rich Samuels tells us why and brings us reaction from county board members.

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
Taxpayers are up in arms over Mayor Daley's proposed $293 million budget increase in taxes, fees and fines. We'll hear what aldermen have to say about the controversial proposal. Guests: Ald. Joe Moore, Ald. George Cardenas, Ald. Manny Flores, Ald. Helen Shiller

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Chicago Tax Hikes?
Mayor Daley is zeroing in on tax and fee hikes for Chicagoans. Rich Samuels tells us where the increases may come.

News Analysis with Christian Farr
Cell phone giant Nokia just bought NAVTEQ, a Chicago-based digital mapping company, for more than $8 billion. Christian Farr and his panel look at what the mega-deal means to the average cell phone user. Guests: Roger Crockett, Eric Benderoff

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News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
Mayor Daley yesterday suggested racism may be behind the opposition to the Chicago Children's Museum's move to Grant Park. But critics say the lakefront is public space and should remain so. Elizabeth Brackett tackles the issue with a representative from the Chicago Children's Museum and Alderman Brendan Reilly, whose ward includes Grant Park.

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Olympics in Chicago?
The U.S. Olympic Committee made it official today, submitting Chicago as its choice to host the 2016 Olympics. Rich Samuels has details on the city's marathon quest to bring the games back to the U.S.

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
Lawmakers are weighing a mass transit bill in Springfield. Will the CTA, Metra and Pace finally get the funding they've been pleading for? Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have the latest. Guests: George Ranney, Joe Ryan, John Norquist

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George Ryan Appeal Rejected
It was a roller coaster of a day for former Illinois Governor George Ryan as a federal appeals court upheld his conviction on corruption charges and ordered him to prison. Later in the day the court said he could stay out of jail pending another appeal. Eddie Arruza reports on the defense strategy. Then Elizabeth Brackett and her panel analyze today's ruling and why a dissenting opinion could be Ryan's last hope. Guests: Greg Hinz, Diantha Parker, Jeff Stone, Zach Fardon

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Daley's Deal with Unions
On a hot day Mayor Daley announced a cool deal with 33 labor unions doing business with Chicago. Rich Samuels brings us up to date.

News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
The federal government says Chicago-area coal-fired power plants are breaking the rules and putting too much pollution into the air. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel discuss the environmental and health consequences to the city. Guests: Ann Alexander, Joel Africk

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News Analysis with Elizabeth Brackett
As Democrats continue to bicker over the state budget, what's going through the minds of Republican lawmakers?
Elizabeth Brackett talks to Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson and House Minority Leader Tom Cross from Springfield.

YouTube Debate
Questions for the Democratic presidential debate last night came from the website, YouTube. We'll see how well the candidates fared. Guest: John McIntyre, RealClearPolitics.com