The Chicago Public Schools budget that is short half a billion dollars is officially enacted. The fate of that $500 million assistance is in the hands of the Illinois House, where support is currently tenuous at best. Thursday, some House lawmakers sent a message to the city and Chicago Public Schools: certain things have to happen before that chamber gets on board. What are they?

Speaker Michael Madigan and the House return to work today as the overtime session begins. Is it political theater or is this a sign of a compromise with Gov. Bruce Rauner?

The Illinois General Assembly is in session. The governor-elect talks about the state budget, and we dive into legislation that could make state government less transparent.

Alison Ruttan & Rauner's Relationship with IL Leaders

We share what you had to say about Artist Alison Ruttan and governor-elect Bruce Rauner’s relationship with the Illinois Senate and House leadership in tonight's viewer feedback.

Frankie Knuckles, Chicago's "godfather" of house music, died at age 59. Brandis Friedman has the story of his impact on Chicago's music culture. Watch a 2004 Artbeat special about Knuckles, and read thoughts and reflections from Chicagoans about the legendary DJ.

We revisit Jay Shefsky's profile of Norma Gatto, a suburban woman who has turned her house into a glass mosaic masterpiece. Watch web extra videos and view a slideshow of artwork.

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

Have Illinois leaders, at long last, come to a pension deal? Will it pass? Paris Schutz has the story.

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.

We check in with Chief Deputy Whip Peter Roskam about the ongoing government shutdown.

The Illinois House voted against Gov. Pat Quinn's amendatory veto of concealed carry legislation, 77-31. See how House members voted in our interactive graphic.

The Illinois House approves a concealed carry compromise deal by 89-28. The bill was approved earlier in the day by the Senate, and now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn's desk. See how House members voted in our interactive graphic.

The Illinois Senate passes a concealed carry bill by 45-12-1. See how Senate members voted in our interactive graphic.

House Speaker Madigan's pension reform bill clears the Illinois House. Chicago Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney has the latest Springfield news.

The Illinois House approved House Speaker Michael Madigan's pension reform deal. See how House members voted in our interactive graphic.

The Illinois House passed a medical marijuana bill by a 61-57 vote.