It's a first for Chicago -- all neighborhood libraries are now closed every Monday. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel talk about why, and if it could change.

Chicago protesters file for permits to demonstrate against the G-8/NATO summits. But some of the "temporary" rules appear to be permanent. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

We speak with two of Chicago's financial leaders -- the city budget director and comptroller -- about how they've overachieved their budget, and what's next for Chicago in 2012.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants to avoid the kind of clashes with protesters that occurred at past G-8 and NATO Summits. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel look at the benefits and possible problems that await the city in May.

A new federal grant aimed at speeding up travel time between Chicago's downtown and O'Hare airport was announced on Thursday. Ash-har Quraishi has the story.

After months of acrimony and racial undertones, a powerful alderman says there is consensus on a plan to redraw the city's 50 wards. Paris Schutz has the latest on that, and other news from an action-packed day at Chicago City Council.

Parents in some Chicago neighborhoods are angry over changes proposed by Chicago Public Schools.

The Mayor's budget gets unanimous approval, despite earlier controversy over some of the fee hikes and service cuts. Is it the "rubber stamp city council" all over again? Carol Marin and her panel have more.

Corporate advertising on Chicago bridge houses -- a clever way to raise funds, or cheap commercial clutter? Chicago Tribune architecture writer Blair Kamin joins us to talk about the city selling itself as a billboard.

Aldermen propose new taxes on cigar and pipe smokers, as well as higher fees for loading and valet zones. The goal: staving off cuts to libraries, the 911 center and mental health facilities. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel promised an administration of transparency, but is he living up to that promise in his own office? We hear from the Chicago Tribune reporter looking into the issue.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel gets some aldermanic push back over his budget cuts. Carol Marin and a panel of aldermen break down the issues.

McCormick Place sees an immediate return after striking a major new union deal. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 joins us to discuss this, and more top business news.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and First Lady Michelle Obama met on Chicago’s South Side for a day-long food desert tour, announcing plans to build 36 grocery stores in the city’s under-served communities.

Should larger, heavier vehicles pay more for a Chicago city sticker? We have some of your thoughts in tonight's Viewer Mail.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposed budget contains a number of controversial ideas, but there's one proposal that has the City Clerk fired up. And depending on the kind of vehicle you drive, you may not like it either. City Clerk Susana Mendoza is here to tell us why.