Among the most hotly contested races in the congressional primary season is between Jesse Jackson, Jr. and former Rep. Debbie Halvorson, both vying for the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 2nd District. Jackson, Jr. has served the South Side and south suburbs for nearly two decades, but recently has encountered “distractions,” as Halvorson likes to call them. There’s his alleged involvement in the Blagojevich scandal, among others, but Jackson, Jr. says he has never been afforded the presumption of innocence.

Today is the first day of early voting for the March 20th primaries in Cook County. County Clerk David Orr is here to talk about that, and much more.

An obscure state law allowed former alderman and Cook County Commissioner William Beavers to more than double his city pension; and he did it legally. Carol Marin and her guests have the details.

ComEd could lose more customers if hundreds of Illinois municipalities change the way residents get electricity. We take a closer look at the Election Day referendums, and what it could mean for you.

Native American children struggle with traditional public education; their dropout rate is close to 40 percent.

Was a North Side building Charlie Chaplin's go-to movie theater? Or just a local auto shop?

We have your thoughts on Gov. Pat Quinn's budget address and your thoughts on barefoot running in tonight's Viewer Mail.

Donald Manzullo touts himself as the true conservative in the race for Congress in the 16^th District. He is running against Adam Kinzinger, a Tea Party freshman in Congress, endorsed last election cycle by former vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin. This race presents an interesting dynamic because both Manzullo and Kinzinger are incumbents.

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

Need some ideas for what to do this weekend? Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on!

Jonathan Farnick is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 14th District.

Adam Kinzinger candidate questionnaire.

Adam Kinzinger is a candidate for the Republican nomination for Congress in the 16th District. He is also an incumbent.

Donald Manzullo candidate questionnaire.

Donald Manzullo is a candidate for the Republican nomination for Congress in the 16th District. He is an incumbent.