Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislative leaders are trying to find ways to close a gap in the current year's budget and will soon start debating the governor's austere proposal for the coming fiscal year. We talk with lawmakers about what to expect.

Election Day is tomorrow. Besides the high-profile race for mayor of Chicago, there are several elections playing out among the city's 50 wards. Which races are highly contested? We discuss the issues and dynamics that define this aldermanic election season.

After the shocking murder of three Muslim Americans in North Carolina, we examine whether Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crimes are on the rise. In a post-9/11 world, is it inevitable that some people will always view Muslim Americans with suspicion? And what role has mainstream media and movies such as American Sniper and Zero Dark Thirty played in demonizing all Arabs and stirring anti-Muslim sentiment? We have analysis.

The nearly 40-acre site of the former Finkl Steel Company is prime real estate in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. After the company's move to the south side of Chicago last year, there are  many questions over how to reuse and revitalize the parcel of land Finkl left behind.

The president visits the Pullman neighborhood to commemorate its new National Monument Designation.

Gov. Rauner's budget cuts funding to Medicaid and public transportation, and recommends changes to public worker pension plans. We take a look at what would be the likely impact on services and public worker pensions should Gov. Rauner's proposed budget become law. 

The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) celebrates 50 years with Free at First, a new exhibition at the DuSable Museum.

The author of The Mockingbird Next Door details her friendship with Harper Lee, the reclusive author of the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird. We revisit the conversation.

We share what you had to say about Gov. Rauner's budget address, the Civic Federation's five-year budget roadmap, and our interview with Victor Henderson, the attorney representing the Jackie Robinson West Little League, in tonight's viewer feedback.

• Unpacking Gov. Rauner's Budget Address

Gov. Bruce Rauner reveals his fiscal plans for the state today. What spending cuts should Illinois residents anticipate and how does Rauner plan to dig the state out of a colossal hole of debt? Illinois Public Radio's Statehouse Bureau Chief Amanda Vinicky breaks down Rauner's budget address.

Gov. Bruce Rauner releases his budget for the coming fiscal year. We'll analyze his priorities with fiscal experts, and discuss how likely he is to get the Democratically controlled General Assembly to see things his way.