Oak Park’s West Suburban Medical Center and Uptown’s Weiss Hospital both closed this year following federal funding cuts and reports of poor infrastructure and working conditions.

Some borrowers will be hit with higher monthly payments. New professional and graduate students will have to contend with stricter loan limits. Parents will also face tighter caps on how much they can borrow to help their kids.

Chicago school board members join us to discuss their recently passed budget. And how the Shedd Aquarium’s new residents are doing.

A divided Chicago Board of Education last week approved a nearly $10 billion budget that relies on an additional $150 million in state funding. The spending plan comes after weeks of debate among CPS officials, board members and labor unions over how the district should close a $732 million budget gap.

Barely a week after four beluga whales were transferred from Marineland, a defunct Canadian water park, to Shedd Aquarium, the newcomers have already made an impression on their caretakers.

While hospitals have so far not reported major disruptions to services, more frequent supply shortages show the need for contingency plans.

Designed to help people with serious mental illness, Joliet Treatment Center repeatedly failed to prevent or respond to fires, despite two deaths.

Until recently, these state programs were split across three state agencies and the governor’s office. But since July 1, they’ve all been brought under the umbrella of the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC). 

Chicago Board of Education members weigh a budget vote. And what’s behind dozens of fires at a suburban prison facility.

Chicago Public Schools leader Macquline King on Thursday's anticipated budget vote. And mayoral candidate Lisa Nee joins us to talk about her campaign as ballot petitions begin.

Chicago’s race for mayor is officially underway as candidates begin collecting signatures this week for a spot on February’s ballot. Former cardiologist Lisa Nee is making the case for her spot through a campaign focused on affordability, safety and fiscal responsibility.

CPS CEO Macquline King joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss her revised budget and why she thinks board members should pass it. 

Chicago has a rat problem and it isn't likely to improve if the city doesn't come up with a new playbook, according to a just-released analysis by the city's watchdog.