Gov. Bruce Rauner releases his budget for the coming fiscal year. We'll analyze his priorities with fiscal experts, and discuss how likely he is to get the Democratically controlled General Assembly to see things his way.

Possible presidential contender Jeb Bush delivers a foreign policy speech and raises money in Chicago. We have the details.

Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration has been tight-lipped about its first budget proposal, as it grapples with a potential $6 billion hole for next year. But, sources familiar with the plan say the pain will be spread far and wide, with $1.5 billion in cuts expected in the state's Medicaid program, and $387 million to higher education, a 31 percent reduction.

Gov. Bruce Rauner is preparing for his first budget address. We get a preview from Illinois Public Radio's Statehouse Bureau Chief Amanda Vinicky.

When Gov. Bruce Rauner announced the hiring of former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, he called the two-term Republican a "superstar governor" with a proven track record. We'll learn more about Lingle's time in office and her legacy in Hawaii from Chad Blair, political reporter for the Honolulu Civil Beat.

Gov. Bruce Rauner lauds Donna Arduin as “the best [budget person] in America,” justifying an eye-opening four-month contract that will pay her firm $120,000 to provide “consulting services” on this year and next year’s budget.

In an effort to better inform voters about the candidates running for Mayor of Chicago, WTTW offered all five of the candidates free air time to address our audience directly. Candidate Free Time is an unedited two minutes of air time to give viewers a concise, unfiltered look at where the candidates stand.

As President Obama requests a war authorization from Congress, we examine whether the battle against ISIS has reached a tipping point. And, in the Ukraine, will a fragile new ceasefire pave the way for a comprehensive settlement of that crisis? We have analysis.

The Chicago Park District voted to approve a plan for public parkland on the south side to be transferred to the city.

Ald. JoAnn Thompson (16th) died Monday night of heart failure. Thompson, 58, overcame alcoholism and homelessness and was seeking a third term on the Chicago City Council, representing parts of Englewood and Back of the Yards. 

The governor issued an executive order absolving state workers who don't want to be union members from paying so-called "fair share" fees. Is this the first step toward Illinois becoming a so-called "right-to-work state?"

Early voting has begun for the Chicago mayoral and aldermanic races. The Board of Elections opened up 51 locations today.

A new book takes a comprehensive look at the patronage, cronyism and criminality in Illinois politics -- from stolen elections and crooked courts to corrupt congressmen, governors and aldermen.

As Gov. Bruce Rauner lays out his policy priorities in his first State of the State address, Illinois lawmakers analyze what he had to say -- and what we can expect from his budget address later this month.

Chicago mayoral candidates—Ald. Bob Fioretti, Cook County Commissioner Jesús "Chuy" García, and businessman Willie Wilson—gave a brief news conference following the forum.

Chicago Tonight hosted a live candidate forum with contenders for the office of Mayor of Chicago, including the incumbent Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Ald. Bob Fioretti, Cook County Commissioner Jesús "Chuy" García, and businessman Willie Wilson.