*Dave McKinney of WBEZ tells John how the Illinois GOP is fighting to take control of the state's Supreme Court for the first time in 58 years.

*Jason Meisner of the Chicago Tribune discusses today's closure of the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse and gives the latest on the R. Kelly trial.

*ABC News Correspondent Alex Stone covers the continuing heat wave in California that threatens rolling blackouts.

*John breaks down how the commute of Dr. Hartley during "The Bob Newhart Show" didn't really make sense.

*Plus, U of I at Chicago professor and former 44th Alderman Dick Simpson looks back on his career after announcing his retirement.