Mayor says he's 'ready to work' with Rauner on workers' comp reform

Gov. Bruce Rauner on Thursday said his administration would be willing to help Chicago Public Schools and the city’s pensions, provided the city helps Rauner give local municipalities the ability to limit collective bargaining with public employees. On Chicago Tonight Mayor Rahm Emanuel responds to Rauner’s challenge.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel joins Chicago Tonight to talk about the pension payment owed by CPS next week, the school system and city's budget deficits, and whether he expects any good news from Springfield.

While the talk today is about the governor's executive order on unions, a projected $2 billion budget deficit still goes unsolved. We have the latest details.

Gov. Bruce Rauner steps up the attack on public employee unions with an executive order allowing members to opt out and not pay union dues if they so choose.

After state lawmakers finally passed pension reform in December, Illinoisans could be forgiven for assuming the state is now on track to balance its budget. But a report out this week says the reforms don't do nearly enough to fix the state's budget gap. Two of the authors of the report join us to discuss their findings and the implications for the state.

Jean-Claude Brizard

CPS Budget Deficit & Contract Negotiations

With a ballooning budget deficit, angry teachers and some top administrators leaving, Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard has a lot on his plate. We talk with him about what he's facing.

Longer School Days for CPS Despite Deficit & Public Outcry

A longer school day and extended year is slated to take effect for Chicago Public Schools, despite public outcry and what officials call a staggering budget deficit. Paris Schutz has the details.

Gov. Pat Quinn

Illinois could eventually face nearly $35 billion in unpaid bills. A new report suggests the governor and general assembly can fix the problem.

CTA President Forrest Claypool

The Chicago Transit Authority says it's facing a $277 million shortfall. Eddie Arruza talks with new CTA president Forrest Claypool about possible cuts and fare increases.

Elizabeth Brackett

There’s no good news on the Illinois budget, says the state's comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. Despite a hefty tax increase and new budget cuts, the state will still face an $8 billion budget hole next year. Elizabeth Brackett reports.