A new proposal before the City Council aims to prevent another controversial privatization deal like the infamous parking meter lease of 2008, but some critics say the plan doesn’t go far enough. Joining Chicago Tonight to discuss the proposed ordinance is Judy Stevens, policy coordinator at the Better Government Association, which consulted the Emanuel administration when crafting the ordinance. 

Two leaders in the Illinois House of Representatives join Phil Ponce on Chicago Tonight to discuss the budget stalemate in Springfield and a possible property tax freeze.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Democratic candidate for president, brings his campaign to Chicago Monday evening. The senator and self-avowed socialist has attracted huge crowds and national attention, with polls that show he is gaining on Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. What is behind the buzz, and who in Chicago is behind him? Paris Schutz joins us with that story.

Should downstate and suburban school districts pay the hundreds of millions in costs to fund their teacher pensions? A group of Chicago area state lawmakers say yes. They say it’s a better way to level the playing field between Chicago and other school districts. But not everyone is on board.

The House today passed a bill freeing up nearly $5 billion in federal money. But Democrats failed to get enough support for an amendment to spend state dollars on some human services. After the vote, House Speaker Michael Madigan expressed frustration over the failed effort, but Republicans weren't buying it. We'll get the latest from Springfield with Chicago Tonight's Amanda Vinicky.

Former Mayor Richard J. Daley redefined almost every aspect of Chicago during his 21 years in office. And his impact on the city is still felt today in politics, the city's skyline, and neighborhoods. A new website from the UIC's Richard J. Daley Library examines the late mayor's life through archival footage and dozens of interviews with his family and colleagues. 

An Illinois House committee voted Tuesday on a bill already passed by the state Senate that will allow the state to start spending $5 billion in available federal money. We have the latest from Springfield with Chicago Tonight's Amanda Vinicky.

Chicago residents who say that the reconfiguration of O’Hare’s runways will lead to higher noise levels in their neighborhoods sound off in front of Federal Aviation Administration officials. On Chicago Tonight, we find out what the FAA is saying about the new flight paths, and how they plan to mitigate the skyrocketing number of community complaints.

A new, in-depth report looks at how Illinois politicians pulled the state into the current pension mess after decades of poor planning, non-existent estimates, and last-minute decision making. Journalist Dave McKinney wrote the story for Crain's Chicago Business and joins Chicago Tonight to discuss the story and how it provides important context for our current crisis.

The state has been without a budget for 41 days. Is there a compromise on the horizon? Carol Marin talks with four members of the Illinois House of Representatives about what's happening this week in Springfield.

From the investigation of Blackhawks star Patrick Kane, to a multi-million dollar makeover at Midway Airport, Joel Weisman and his panel have your week in review.

Gov. Bruce Rauner on Thursday said his administration would be willing to help Chicago Public Schools and the city’s pensions, provided the city helps Rauner give local municipalities the ability to limit collective bargaining with public employees. On Chicago Tonight Mayor Rahm Emanuel responds to Rauner’s challenge.

Illinois Senate President Cullerton's plan to have the state bailout $500 million in Chicago teacher pension costs moves to the House. What will Speaker Michael Madigan and Gov. Bruce Rauner do? We get the latest from Chicago Tonight Springfield reporter Amanda Vinicky.

Voters will get a chance to see 10 of the 16 leading declared Republican presidential candidates square off Thursday in the first primary debate, which is hosted by Fox News and Facebook. We discuss the surge behind Donald Trump’s candidacy and what the crowded field of candidates means for the Republican Party with our panel.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel joins Chicago Tonight on Thursday to discuss Chicago Public Schools and the city’s budget deficit, the city’s plan for funding its pensions, his plan to phase out seven TIF districts, and whether he expects any financial help from Springfield. What are your questions for the mayor? Share them with us.

The Illinois Senate is back in session in Springfield to consider a property tax freeze and possible funding relief for social service providers. Amanda Vinicky will join us with the latest on Chicago Tonight.