Crime statistics continue to soar. Police arrest 77 in a gun and drug raid. Chicago schools open without a teachers' contract. Cub playoff tickets go on sale, and is there any hope for the Bears? These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

The rank-and-file members of the Chicago Teachers Union have already approved a strike, but the union is planning a second vote. Find out why.

For the second year in a row, Chicago Public Schools begins the school year without a teachers contract. Can a deal be struck soon?

Classes resumed Tuesday for students across Chicago, but many of the 500-plus teachers laid off in August could be left outside the classroom this school year.

August is Chicago's most violent month in 20 years. The historic Tribune Tower is sold. Chicago teachers are set to vote on an October strike. And the Cubs are still on top. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

Trump makes a bold claim about Chicago violence. Mark Kirk says Tammy Duckworth is mocking stroke victims. CPS teachers threaten an October strike. And U.S. Cellular Field gets a new name. Those stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

Without a new contract agreement with CPS, Chicago teachers are looking at their second work stoppage this year. 

The day before Chicago Public Schools board members are set to vote on the district’s budget for fiscal year 2017, some analysts are expressing concerns.

On top of a $5.4 billion proposed budget and nearly $950 million in long-term borrowing, Chicago Public Schools is also seeking to increase its line of credit for the upcoming school year by nearly $500 million.

Nearly two dozen speakers attended a pair of hearings Friday to voice their concerns about the district's proposed 2017 budget, questioning the morality and legality of funding cuts and staff layoffs within the cash-strapped district.

Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson orders firings in the Laquan McDonald shooting cover-up. Donald Trump is trouble for Illinois Republicans. CPS pitches a billion-dollar bond sale, and the Cubs cruise towards the playoffs.

An email sent to Chicago teachers this week claims the union is “likely to strike” and advertises a strike training session this weekend.

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich will serve out his full sentence. Chicago Public Schools wants to end teacher pension pickups, and the Chicago Cubs continue to win. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

Now that Chicago Public Schools has released its budget plans for the coming year, can the district and the Chicago Teachers Union finally nail down a contract agreement?

Declining enrollment and vacancies at other schools cited as Chicago Public Schools announces layoffs for hundreds of educators

A day of special session for the Illinois House and Senate ended with no significant action on a budget agreement. Amanda Vinicky shares details of what’s been happening behind the scenes.