The risk of that third shutdown may now be over late today after a funding announcement from FEMA and a tentative stop-gap measure in the U.S. Senate. Carol Marin and her panel have the latest. 

We hear what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer mail. 

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

Could the city's massive budget shortfall lead to closing Chicago police stations? The top cop says it could happen. Eddie Arruza and his panel look at the economics of public safety.

In a showdown with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, several county commissioners refuse to take unpaid furlough days. Elizabeth Brackett has the story.

The City of Chicago announces a new initiative to invest in the CTA's aging infrastructure in an effort to upgrade the commuter experience and boost ridership. Ash-har Quraishi has the story. 

Former Vice President Dick Cheney and daughter Liz spoke to a packed crowd at the Union League Club of Chicago Monday afternoon to discuss their best-selling political memoir. Ash-har Quraishi has the story.

Did we give financial analyst Terry Savage short shrift last week in favor of our interview with the prime minister of Zimbabwe? We have some of your thoughts in tonight's Viewer Mail.

President Barack Obama unveils a $3 trillion deficit reduction plan. But can he find a consensus in Congress? Carol Marin talks with two Illinois Congressmen about the proposal and more. 

Former United States Senator Charles Percy died this weekend at the age of 91. We revisit Percy's 1984 appearance on Chicago Tonight, and hear about his political philosophy and his presidential aspirations.

Former Senator Charles Percy died just one day before the 45th anniversary of his daughter's notorious murder in their Kenilworth home. From our archives, we take a look back at the story of this high-profile and unsolved crime.

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

The African country of Zimbabwe has had a violent and tumultuous history, but now the country is ruled by a coalition government. Eddie Arruza talks with Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister about his nation’s massive economic meltdown, controversial president and what role Illinois might play in reviving the beleaguered country. 

How would you cut Chicago's budget? We share some of your ideas in tonight's Viewer Mail.

More efficient garbage collection remains one possible way to help solve the city's budget shortfall of more than $600 million. Carol Marin takes up the budget debate with a group of Chicago aldermen.

In part three of our conversation with United States Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, he weighs in on the politicization of the bench, the confirmation process, and why he likes talking about his job.