Rep. Tammy Duckworth joins us to talk about her exchange with an IRS contractor last week, today’s jump in student loan rates and what to expect when Congress returns from the holiday break. Watch a video.

We share what you had to say about the demolition of St. James Catholic Church and the city's new Divvy bike sharing program in tonight's viewer feedback.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines. Check out Chicago Tonight's weekly roundup of all of this week's stories.

Republican Sen. Bill Brady officially announces his run for Illinois governor in 2014. He joins us. View a timeline of his political career.

We share your comments about a controversial severance package for Metra CEO Alex Clifford in tonight's viewer feedback.

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act in a 5-4 ruling. The 1996 law blocked federal recognition of same-sex marriages. In a separate case, the court ruled that it could not take up a challenge to Proposition 8, the California law banning gay marriage. Read the full opinions.

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which is considered a landmark in civil rights legislation. The 5-4 ruling declared that the formula for preclearance is unconstitutional and unnecessary. Read the full opinion and reaction.

Gov. Pat Quinn set a July 9 deadline for a pension committee of lawmakers to come up with a compromise. We check in with two of the members to see what the likelihood of comprehensive reform is. See how House and Senate members voted on pension bills.

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

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the political ramifications of Mayor Rahm Emanuel accepting $10,000 in campaign contributions from the spouses of top executives of long-time city contractors. Also, they delve into the correlation between hot weather and rising crime statistics. And, sports reporter Chris Boden explains why Patrick Sharp is the most fun Blackhawk to interview. Watch the web extra conversation.

The last time an American president asked Congress for a declaration of war was in 1941, after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Longtime CBS and NBC News correspondent Marvin Kalb says this new normal undercuts Congress' constitutional authority and undermines America's reputation worldwide. Read a Q&A with Kalb.

The one-day Springfield special session comes and goes with the fate of pension reform now in the hands of a committee. Find out who is on that committee.

Citing the state’s inability to deal with a crippling financial crisis, Bill Daley is stepping into the governor’s race. We talk with the former White House Chief of Staff. View a timeline of Daley's career.

Sources tell Chicago Tonight that a long-awaited deal on a gaming bill was reached last month -- until a clerical misunderstanding killed it. Paris Schutz has details, and what it says about the current state of dysfunction in Springfield.

The Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction found billions of dollars wasted from corruption and mismanagement during the war. We talk with him about what went wrong and right with the government's $60 billion effort. Read Stuart Bowen Jr.'s full report.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Daley offers a three-point plan for pension reform, calling Gov. Pat Quinn out for "failed leadership." Daley is calling on Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to issue an opinion on the constitutionality of pension reform bills. Watch the full news conference.