Chicago and the U.S. are in a transitional phase in terms of how they are perceived on the global stage according to Ivo Daalder, President of The Chicago Council on Global Affairs. We talk with Daalder about Council initiatives that are working to bring Chicago and the country into a new age of diplomacy. Read an article.

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

A new investigation by the Better Government Association, with the Chicago Sun-Times, raises serious questions about a well-known Chicago congressman and how he handled a sizable grant from a special interest. Where did the money end up? And were constituents ill-served? Read the full BGA story.

Is a new City Council office the answer to curing the city's financial woes or just another layer of bureaucracy? Paris Schutz has the story.

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama leave on Air Force One to attend a memorial service for Nelson Mandela Tuesday as Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan recalls her year in South Africa while Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island. Elizabeth Brackett has the details. Watch web extra videos about the anti-apartheid icon from WTTW's archives.

Now that Gov. Pat Quinn has signed the bill to fix Illinois' underfunded pension system, will it be found unconstitutional? Carol Marin and her panel of experts explore the issue.

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

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. Watch the web extra video.

Gov. Pat Quinn officially signed what he calls “historic legislation,” and “his number one priority,” into law today. Read an article.

Carol Marin and her panel of guests look at Tuesday's historic pension vote in Springfield. View interactive graphics to see how Senate and House members voted on the bill, and read a Q&A with Republican Sen. Matt Murphy.

Pension reform passed the Illinois House and Senate today. Read official statements from politicians and policy institutes.

The Illinois House passes pension reform by 62-53-1. View an interactive vote graphic to see how each member voted.

The Illinois Senate passes pension reform by 30-24-3. View an interactive vote graphic to see how each member voted.

The pension reform bill passes both the Illinois House and Senate. Carol Marin and Paris Schutz join us live from Springfield with the details. View interactive graphics to see how Senate and House members voted on the bill.

Known for holding their rank and file members’ feet to the fire, Illinois legislative leaders were on the hot seat early Tuesday morning. House Speaker Mike Madigan, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R), and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R) testified about the merits of their pension reform compromise before a panel of lawmakers in a prelude to today's big vote. Read an article.

Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield this week to vote on pension reform. Carol Marin and her guests discuss the deal, and what it would mean for employees. Read the full Conference Committee Report on Senate Bill 1 and details of the proposal.