For the third time in six seasons, the Chicago Blackhawks are headed to the Stanley Cup Final. The Western Conference champions face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday. We discuss the matchup with a former Blackhawks player.

Millionaire businessman and one-time Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson announced Monday he plans to run for president. Wilson says he’s running as an anti-tax Democrat and a candidate of the people

Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic lawmakers were unable to agree on a budget plan for the state on Sunday, the deadline for the spring legislative session. Powerful House Speaker Michael Madigan said his chamber plans to be in “continuous session” this summer to address the state’s $6 billion budget shortfall. We’ll talk with Chicago Tonight Springfield reporter Amanda Vinicky about the public relations battle between the governor and Democratic leaders.

The charges against former U.S. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert include perjury and using a complicated series of financial maneuvers to hide a $3.5 million payoff to someone from Yorkville, where he taught high school decades ago. We take a closer look at the legal issues behind the indictment and the possible ramifications.

CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett has resigned. She has been on paid leave from her post since mid-April when the district announced it was under a federal investigation. We'll have reaction from the mayor and the Chicago Teachers Union.

The Illinois General Assembly passes Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s long-anticipated changes to police and fire pensions. But will it stave off a massive property tax hike? And will Gov. Bruce Rauner sign on? Paris Schutz has the latest.

A much anticipated plan to shore up Chicago’s beleaguered police and fire pension funds has finally surfaced in Springfield. The measure would double the city's payment into the fund next year and triple it in the next five years.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists break down the week's top local stories.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists delve further into U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk's re-election campaign.

Engage the left side of your brain with science activities; watch a family drama unfold on stage; and celebrate the arrival of spring with Chicago’s German community; Chicago Tonight has your weekend picks.

Late Thursday afternoon, former U.S. Speaker Dennis Hastert was charged in a scheme to withdraw millions of dollars to pay off an accuser for “past misconduct.” The indictment says Hastert lied to the FBI about the purpose of the withdrawals. Paris Schutz has more on the developing case.

It’s the final stretch of the legislative session. Will lawmakers be able to approve a budget by Sunday or will a special session be necessary? Chicago Tonight Springfield reporter Amanda Vinicky updates us on that and more.

Dr. Nneka Jones Tapia, a clinical psychologist, is the new director of the Cook County Jail. She joins us in conversation.