The fiscal cracks may be turning into floodgates as the state government approaches a fifth month without a budget. A major ratings agency on Monday dealt a blow to the state as a result of the inaction in Springfield. Has it emboldened either side to get off the sidelines and work together on a solution? Paris Schutz has the latest.

Joel Weisman and his panel of guests discuss the Cubs triumphant march to the National League Championship Series, Barbara Byrd-Bennett’s plea deal and apology and more top stories of the week.

Test your news knowledge with this week's set of questions.

The fifth of six planned east-west runways at O'Hare International Airport is officially open today. Will this development help to quiet residents' noise complaints or make the problem worse? Paris Schutz has the story.

A dire report from Illinois' comptroller today: The state budget stalemate has reached an alarming point in the state's ability to make a significant pension payment and pay bills. 

Living in the Chicago area is about to get even more expensive. Not only is Mayor Rahm Emanuel seeking a record high property tax increase to help shore up police and firefighter pensions. But today Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is asking for a county tax on recreational activities like golfing and cable TV to help plug the county's budget deficit. 

The political heavyweight and her populist upstart challenger grabbed the spotlight Tuesday night, joined by candidates Jim Webb, Lincoln Chafee and Martin O'Malley. We take a deeper look at the debate and its potential impact on the race with Jason DeSanto, a senior lecturer at Northwestern University law school.

Joel Weisman and his panel of guests discuss the Cubs victory over the Pirates, corruption charges against former CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett and other top stories of the week.

From three Chicago MacArthur Foundation fellowship winners to Chicago aldermen calling for Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy’s ouster amid a rise in violence to the Bears first victory of the season: Test your news knowledge with this week's set of questions

As the state budget stalemate drags on for a fourth month, Gov. Bruce Rauner tries again to make his pitch for compromise. Paris Schutz has the story.

Chicago’s top cop is expected to be in the hot seat as the City Council holds a hearing on the police department’s proposed 2016 budget.

During a testy news conference, the City Council's Black Caucus called for Mayor Emanuel to fire Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy. Paris Schutz has the story.

The Independent Police Review Authority is under fire. The group allegedly did not fully investigate what might have been an attempt by Chicago police to seize security footage during a 2013 raid on a tanning salon. We talk with the WBEZ reporter who's been covering the story.

A proposal from the Department of Labor would hold retirement advisers to what's called a "fiduciary" standard. The goal is to protect investors from advisers with a conflict of interest, but financial companies say the change will be costly and could keep many people from getting retirement advice at all. We'll take a closer look at the proposal.

Joel Weisman and his panel of guests discuss top stories of the week, including the issue of gun violence and a new push for tighter gun laws. 

For nearly half of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s term, Illinois has been without a budget. Rauner argues the budget impasse constitutes a state of emergency, which is his rationale for using an obscure rule-making procedure to cut spending and set up stricter eligibility requirements for social services. Amanda Vinicky joins us to discuss the governor’s plans.