A new, in-depth report looks at how Illinois politicians pulled the state into the current pension mess after decades of poor planning, non-existent estimates, and last-minute decision making. Journalist Dave McKinney wrote the story for Crain's Chicago Business and joins Chicago Tonight to discuss the story and how it provides important context for our current crisis.

A predilection for social media and a jet-set lifestyle brings the political career of Congressman Aaron Schock, the once rising star of the Republican Party, crashing down. With reports that Schock over-billed taxpayers by misreporting travel expenses, could the young congressman be in real legal jeopardy? We discuss the issue with our panel.

Editorial Endorsements, Jobs, McKinney Resignation

We share what you had to say about Chicago Sun-Times reporter Dave McKinney's resignation, editorial endorsements and Illinois' job growth when we read some of our viewer feedback.

Veteran political reporter and frequent Chicago Tonight contributor Dave McKinney resigned from the Chicago Sun-Times today. The resignation brings to a head the brewing controversy over the owner's association with GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner, and whether or not that association has influenced the paper's reporting in recent days. Paris Schutz has the story.

The Justice Department asked state lawmakers to hold-off having members of Gov. Quinn's inner circle testify about an anti-violence program tainted by scandal.

The end of the legislative session in Springfield looms. Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan declared an extension of the 2011 income tax increase dead and as a result, Democrats are crafting a "middle-of-the-road" budget with less austere spending cuts. Chicago Sun-Times’ Springfield bureau chief Dave McKinney joins us with an update. 

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan presses for an income tax surcharge on millionaires, Toni Preckwinkle lobbies hard for her proposed Cook County budget. Chicago Sun-Times’ Springfield bureau chief Dave McKinney joins us with an update on these topics and more. 

Springfield legislators enter the final stretch for the spring session and Chicago Sun-Times’ Springfield bureau chief Dave McKinney joins us with an update on where Gov. Quinn’s efforts to make his “temporary” income tax extension permanent stand, more general assembly news.

Springfield bureau chief for the Chicago Sun-Times Dave McKinney joins us to discuss all the latest action in Springfield, where things stand for Gov. Quinn’s proposed budget and the latest on efforts to pass pension reform for Cook County workers.

Carol Marin takes a look at the state of the race for Illinois governor with Dave McKinney, Springfield Bureau Chief for the Chicago Sun-Times, Amanda Vinicky, Illinois Public Radio and WUIS Statehouse Bureau Chief, and Mark Anderson, NBC-5 Chicago's Ward Room political blogger.

Going into the final week of the veto session in Springfield, the big ticket items on the docket were pension reform, same-sex marriage and mandatory minimums. Chicago Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney joins us with the latest details.

The Illinois House narrowly approved the same-sex marriage bill that passed in the senate earlier this year. Chicago Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney joins us to with the latest.

Republican candidates for governor State Sen. Kirk Dillard and Treasurer Dan Rutherford announce their picks for lieutenant governor. We take a look at their running mates with Chicago Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney. Learn more about their picks.

The Illinois State Fair kicks off in Springfield. Chicago Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney breaks down the political scene, including the start of the governor's race.

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With two days left in the legislative session in Springfield, there's a flurry of work to be done on the budget, pension reform, guns and gay marriage. Chicago Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney joins us with the latest news.

Senate President John Cullerton's version of pension reform passes out of committee. What comes next? We break things down with Chicago Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney.