Could Illinois Republicans agree to a tax hike? We talk to a panel of lawmakers about how they plan to solve a state budget crisis that is among the worst in the nation.

Election officials have thousands of petition signatures to sort through and hundreds of ballot challenges to deal with. Now Mayor Daley calling on the Feds to investigate fraud. We take a closer look at the ballot challenge process.

There are five fewer candidates for mayor today. Elizabeth Brackett tells us who is off the ballot and why.

On this week's edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week In Review: legendary Cubs third baseman and broadcaster Ron Santo dies in Arizona; the Illinois legislature passes Civil Unions, granting same-sex couples some of the same rights as those currently married; police and firefighter pension reform also passes; Mark Kirk is sworn in as Illinois' junior U.S. senator; and controversial Cook County Board President Todd Stroger is out. Chicago-based Groupon is targeted to be gobbled up by Google for more than $5 billion.

The Illinois Senate passed a bill permitting civil unions for same-sex couples -- now what? We speak with a law expert on the particulars of this historic bill. Read the bill

The Cook County Sheriff's office will no longer have to comply with the Shakman Decree. Sheriff Tom Dart and his court-appointed monitor join Eddie Arruza to talk about this major development.

The Illinois Senate passed legislation today that would allow civil unions for same-sex couples. Chicago Sun-Times Springfield bureau chief Dave McKinney joins us to talk about this historic development, and other news from the state capitol. Read the bill

Medical marijuana goes up in smoke in Springfield. We have the latest on this, civil unions, and pension reform from the state capitol.

Elizabeth Brackett and her guests take up the debate over police and firefighter pensions. The Commercial Club of Chicago Illinois Public Pension Fund Association

Carol Marin talks with Rahm Emanuel about his bid for mayor. Rahm Emanuel's campaign website

The fall veto session is set to wrap up next week in Springfield. We talk with Chicago Sun-Times Springfield reporter Dave McKinney about whether or not lawmakers are planning any major action.

Former Governor George Ryan's attorneys press for his release from jail. Elizabeth Brackett has the details.

Mayoral candidate Gery Chico unveils a new plan to ensure transparency and accountability in government. Carol Marin talks to him about this and his vision for the city. Gery Chico campaign website

We hear what you have to say about some of our recent stories when we read our viewer mail. Link also mentioned on the show: Chicago Board of Elections Unofficial Candidate List

On this week's edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week In Review: Speaker Mike Madigan shoots down Governor Pat Quinn's tax hike in the veto session. Congresswoman Melissa Bean finally concedes the election. Mayoral candidates file their petitions, and Mayor Daley reacts to mayoral candidate and former CPS school board president Gery Chico's criticism of the city's schools. Facing a half-billion-dollar deficit, Cook County President-Elect Toni Preckwinkle orders all Cook County offices to slash their budgets by 21%.

City Council passed Mayor Daley's budget today by a wide margin with no new taxes or amendments. Elizabeth Brackett has the details.