Springfield’s inability to reform the state’s pension system has all sorts of consequences: for unions, for the markets, and for taxpayers across the state. We discuss the future with some of the key players.

Photographer Jon Lowenstein has been documenting the South Side for over a decade. His latest project, "Chicago's Bloody Year," depicts the intricate and intimate effects of gun violence in the community. He joins us.

Chicago Public Schools says 78 percent of students from closed schools have already enrolled in their new schools. But parents say the process is too difficult. Elizabeth Brackett has the details.

Illinois legislators from both sides of the aisle, and both houses, weigh in on what was and was not accomplished during the spring legislative session.

The Illinois House approves a concealed carry compromise deal by 89-28. The bill was approved earlier in the day by the Senate, and now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn's desk. See how House members voted in our interactive graphic.

The Illinois Senate passes a concealed carry bill by 45-12-1. See how Senate members voted in our interactive graphic.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists delve further into the sociology of hockey and its dearth of African American players in this web extra conversation.

Chicago's best young violinists and cellists in concert, a German spring celebration, & lively street fests; Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.

House Speaker Michael Madigan's pension reform bill failed in the Illinois Senate 16-42. See how Senate members voted in our interactive graphic.

With only one day left to the legislative session, lawmakers in Springfield are still deciding what to do on critical issues – like pensi

In a major round of cuts at the Chicago Sun-Times, the newspaper lays off its entire photography staff. We get reaction from the union that represents them.

Johnson Publishing Company is a Chicago media institution, known for its magazines EBONY and Jet, as well as its impacts on the civil rights movement, fashion and politics. JPC chairwoman Linda Johnson Rice joins us.

Chef Rick Bayless shows us how to make Salsa Huevona served over grilled lobster.

The Merit School's Suzuki-Alegre String Ensemble, a diverse group of young violin and cello players, joins us to perform in-studio, fresh off their recent trip to Japan.