Stories by Hunter Clauss

Not all comic books are about spandex and capes. Fans of independent comic books will gather at the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo, which is also known as CAKE, on June 6 and 7. The comic convention will feature signings from some big names in the industry, such as Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez, as well as panel discussions and workshops. 

Late Tuesday afternoon, the Rauner administration released a statement outlining steps it’s prepared to take in response to the budget passed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton and their caucuses. The Democratic budget is nearly $4 billion short for fiscal year 2016 which begins July 1.

Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin joins Chicago Tonight to talk about the general assembly's recently wrapped-up spring legislative session. The session, which saw sometimes tense battles between the Democratic majority in the legislature and rookie Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, ended without a budget deal.

It’s literally a mess at Chicago Public Schools, according to the head of Chicago principals’ union. Clarice Berry, president of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, joins us to discuss a controversial CPS contract for janitorial services that did not include 22 schools, and some ways the cash-strapped district can save money. 

For the third time in six seasons, the Chicago Blackhawks are headed to the Stanley Cup Final. The Western Conference champions face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday. We discuss the matchup with a former Blackhawks player.

Millionaire businessman and one-time Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson announced Monday he plans to run for president. Wilson says he’s running as an anti-tax Democrat and a candidate of the people

Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic lawmakers were unable to agree on a budget plan for the state on Sunday, the deadline for the spring legislative session. Powerful House Speaker Michael Madigan said his chamber plans to be in “continuous session” this summer to address the state’s $6 billion budget shortfall. We’ll talk with Chicago Tonight Springfield reporter Amanda Vinicky about the public relations battle between the governor and Democratic leaders.

The charges against former U.S. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert include perjury and using a complicated series of financial maneuvers to hide a $3.5 million payoff to someone from Yorkville, where he taught high school decades ago. We take a closer look at the legal issues behind the indictment and the possible ramifications.

CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett has resigned. She has been on paid leave from her post since mid-April when the district announced it was under a federal investigation. We'll have reaction from the mayor and the Chicago Teachers Union.

The Illinois General Assembly passes Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s long-anticipated changes to police and fire pensions. But will it stave off a massive property tax hike? And will Gov. Bruce Rauner sign on? Paris Schutz has the latest.

A much anticipated plan to shore up Chicago’s beleaguered police and fire pension funds has finally surfaced in Springfield. The measure would double the city's payment into the fund next year and triple it in the next five years.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists break down the week's top local stories.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists delve further into U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk's re-election campaign.

Engage the left side of your brain with science activities; watch a family drama unfold on stage; and celebrate the arrival of spring with Chicago’s German community; Chicago Tonight has your weekend picks.

Late Thursday afternoon, former U.S. Speaker Dennis Hastert was charged in a scheme to withdraw millions of dollars to pay off an accuser for “past misconduct.” The indictment says Hastert lied to the FBI about the purpose of the withdrawals. Paris Schutz has more on the developing case.

It’s the final stretch of the legislative session. Will lawmakers be able to approve a budget by Sunday or will a special session be necessary? Chicago Tonight Springfield reporter Amanda Vinicky updates us on that and more.

Dr. Nneka Jones Tapia, a clinical psychologist, is the new director of the Cook County Jail. She joins us in conversation.

Pastor Corey Brooks sits down with Paris Schutz to discuss his controversial endorsement of Republican Bruce Rauner for governor, his mission to curb violence and bring economic development to his community, and why he is inviting presidential candidates from both sides of the aisle to come to the South Side for a series of town hall meetings.

CoRiccio Baskin has been making tiny, remarkably accurate replicas of everyday objects for more than 20 years. Jay Shefsky has a profile.

Robert Ryan was an Oscar-nominated actor best known for roles in The Wild Bunch and The Dirty Dozen. The Chicago Reader’s J.R. Jones’ new biography of the Chicago actor looks at the political activism behind the actor’s tough-guy onscreen persona.

We share what you had to say about our conversation with Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis, the CTA's proposed Belmont flyover project, and the most recent progress of the Chicago Riverwalk project.

The showdown between Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan continues as state lawmakers stare down a May 31 deadline to approve a budget plan. On Wednesday, lawmakers will continue to vote on a series of measures that make up the spending plan, backed by Madigan, that’s about $3 billion short. At the same time, lawmakers will hold hearings on items that make up Rauner’s Turnaround Illinois agenda.