Chicago Transit Authority and Ventra officials promise a quick fix to the new Ventra system. How? Paris Schutz has the details.

Researchers at two local universities are looking into how poverty impacts young minds. We have the story. Learn more about the studies, and view a photo gallery.

In what turned out to be a battle of backup quarterbacks, Josh McCown and the Chicago Bears beat the Packers and secured a share of first place in the division. James “Big Cat” Williams joins Ann Kreiter to break down the Bears improbable road win.

It’s profane to even call it “art.” Art usually inspires a viewer to think deeply. But this art wasn’t about inspiring -- it was about conspiring.

The Legislative Veto session is winding down. If something is to get done this year on the big ticket items like pension reform, marriage equality and mandatory minimum prison sentences for gun offenders, it has to happen in the next three days. Which of these will get done and which will get put off yet again? Paris Schutz has the details.

What does Chicago’s borrowing $9.8 billion over 13 years buy?  A Chicago Tribune investigation found it bought obsolete software, trash bins, flowers and dog waste bags—among other spending that’s driven up the city’s long-term debt.  We talk with the journalists who uncovered the unmonitored spending spree.

This year, for the first time in this country, more poor people live in suburbs than in American cities. Here in the Chicago region, the number of suburban poor increased 99% over the past decade. Brandis Friedman has the story of how some are confronting these challenges.

Author Rich Cohen joins us to talk about Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football, his new book that captures the heart of the 1985 Monsters of Midway. Read an excerpt.

Carol Marin talks with Ald. Michele Smith (43^rd) and Ald. Scott Waguespack (32^nd) about the newly announced City Council Office of Financial Analysis.

Bruce Springsteen’s right-hand man Steven Van Zandt recently joined us for a wide-ranging discussion about the Boss, The Sopranos, and why he thinks The Rascals is one of the greatest American bands ever. During his visit to our studio, we also recorded a web extra conversation—which we are broadcasting on Chicago Tonight. Read an Artbeat blog about Van Zandt, view a behind-the-scenes slideshow of his visit to our studio, and watch a web extra conversation.

We share what you had to say about state employee pensions in tonight's viewer feedback.

A Michigan man described as “an accomplished international gem merchant” says he’s owed $25 million from the FBI for allegedly giving them the tip that led to the death of Osama bin Laden. Read an article.

SOFA CHICAGO is the exceptional art fair devoted to design, and this year marks its 20^th anniversary. It fills Festival Hall at Navy Pier through Sunday.

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

Joel Weisman and his guests take a closer look at the Chicago Cubs trial run of new signage at Wrigley Field, and the rooftop owners strenuous objections. Watch the web extra conversation.