The conclusion of the presidential Inauguration marks the end of what may have been the biggest party in U.S. history. Tens of thousands of people head back home today and the real work in the Capitol begins. The Takeaway checks in with two reporters who covered the inauguration. Josh Rogers is a political reporter for New Hampshire Public Radio and Ben Calhoun is a political reporter for Chicago Public Radio.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested on Tuesday on charges that including attempting to sell Illinois Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama. Political reporter for Chicago Public Radio, Ben Calhoun, joined John and Adaora from Chicago this morning.

Illinois Democratic governor Rod Blagojevich must find a replacement for President-elect Barack Obama, who will resign his Senate seat Sunday. The first-term Senator was the only black in the Senate and the choice of his successor will be a huge political gift to whomever gets it (for Blagojevich as well — he's become reviled since his election in 2002). But with no choice expected soon, Democrats retain a tenuous majority in the Senate — McCain supporter Senator Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., is a wild card — as lawmakers consider economic stimulus legislation.

In an historic night, Democrat Barack Obama won the 2008 race for the presidency. Essence editor Patrik Henry Bass reflects from New York City, and WBEZ Chicago Public Radio's Ben Calhoun gives a first-hand account of Obama's victory rally from Chicago.