President Obama invites House Democrats to a meeting at the White House to discuss the budget crisis. Is the government shutdown nearing its end? Carol Marin and her guests have analysis. Watch web extra videos.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the challenges Mayor Rahm Emanuel faces trying to win back voters amid the Chicago Public Schools' budget crisis, massive school closings, and rampant gang violence. Watch the web extra video.

We share what you had about the to say about the legalization of medical marijuana in Illinois and the city's budget shortfall in tonight's viewer feedback.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists debate the ramifications of the Chicago Public Schools’ budget deficit, and whether Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett have credibility with the voters. Watch the web extra conversation.

With a budget shortfall projected at over $300 million, what’s a city budget director to do? Alexandra Holt joins us to discuss her plan of action for the City of Chicago. Read the city's 2013 Annual Financial Analysis.

The Chicago Public Schools have announced more layoffs. This round cuts more than 2,100 people, including 1,036 teachers -- half of whom are tenured. This reduction follows the June announcement of 855 layoffs. Eddie Arruza and his guests examine the latest round of cuts, and how it will impact students and the system’s $1 billion budget deficit. Read the CPS fact sheet.

We share what you had to say about Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and a recent giraffe birth at Brookfield Zoo in tonight's Viewer Feedback.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has released an initial budget for the next fiscal year, and in it she estimates a $152 estimated deficit. We talk with President Preckwinkle about what to expect with Cook County’s fiscal health. Read her preliminary budget.

We look at how the so-called sequestration budget cuts are affecting air traffic and passengers at O'Hare and Midway airports.

President Obama proposed a $3.77 trillion budget for 2014 that would cut deficits by $1.8 trillion over the next decade. Eddie Arruza and his guests gauge market reaction to the potential cuts.

Defense is one of many areas facing cuts in Congress' expected sequester. Economics professors debate what this means for your budget.

A mixed report on the backlog of Illinois' unpaid bills is released. Carol Marin breaks down the billions with the study's author.

Saddled with heavy debt, the Field Museum is facing painful cuts. We talk with the museum president about how the museum will adapt.

Ald. Sandi Jackson is a no-show as the Chicago City Council passes Mayor Rahm Emanuel's budget by a 46-3 vote. Paris Schutz has the details.

We have both sides of the debate on the mayor's controversial proposal to have the city purchase electricity in bulk on behalf of residents.

Chicago teachers are ramping up their strike threat as the Board of Education readies to vote on a budget. Paris Schutz has the latest on why contract negotiations are appearing to stall.