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Lawmakers Head Back to Work

Some have described the atmosphere in Springfield as toxic. Will lawmakers and Gov. Rauner move beyond the ugliness to get a deal done on the budget? Two lawmakers join us to talk about what's ahead.

Former Gov. Jim Edgar on State Stalemate

As Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democrat-controlled General Assembly continue to battle over the state’s budget, we talk with former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar (1991-1999) about the state’s pension-funding plan he signed into law, how he worked with Democrats in Springfield, and what advice he has for the governor. 

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Debating Illinois’ Energy Future

There's a lobbying and advertising war going on in Illinois. No, it's not related to the state budget. It pits the state's largest producer of energy, Exelon, which is asking for a rate hike to help its struggling nuclear power plants, against wind and solar energy groups that say Exelon is merely a billion dollar corporation seeking a bailout.

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Overtime Session Begins in Springfield

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?

Blair Kamin on The 606

This Saturday, The 606, park and trail system will officially open. Chicago Tribune Pulitzer-prizewinning architectural critic Blair Kamin shares his thoughts about the trail ahead of its opening.

Planting Summer Crops

Now that the temperature has warmed up, we’re ready to plant the seeds and transplants for our summer crops. The Organic Gardener Jeanne Nolan visits our garden to help us plant our latest round of viewer selected crops and check in on the crops we planted a month ago.  

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Rauner Calls for Property Tax Freeze

Gov. Bruce Rauner wants a freeze on all property taxes in Illinois. He says that’s what he needs before he’ll agree on new revenue in a budget. Will it work? Paris Schutz has the latest.

The Battle Over Workers’ Comp Reform

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan plans to bring a workers’ compensation reform measure to the floor Thursday when the House returns to session. It’s the latest move in an ongoing fight over workers’ comp reform between Democrats and Gov. Bruce Rauner. We take a look at what Rauner's proposing, whether it has any chance of passage, and how workers’ comp has already been reformed in Illinois.

A Different Kind of Comic Convention Hits Town

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. 

Durkin on the Battle Over an Illinois Budget

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.

Principals’ Union President on Dirty Classrooms and Budget Shortfall

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. 

Chicago Blackhawks Gear Up for Stanley Cup Final

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.