Both sides admit that closing schools means chaos for students, families and educators. But is this a necessary step for reform? We discuss the future of Chicago Public Schools.

The Chicago Transit Authority says it's not getting into the banking business, but their new Ventra card could charge customers as much as $188 per year if linked to a MasterCard account. CTA President Forrest Claypool joins us with more on the new fare card.

Bringing manufacturing back to America is being called "reshoring." But will the U.S. ever regain its manufacturing supremacy? We take a look at the phenomenon and how the Chicago area is faring.

Northerly Island is getting a facelift. Plans are in place to develop the Charter One Pavilion to hold larger concerts during the summer. We look at the proposed changes and what big names you can expect this summer.

Shakespeare set in the decadent disco-era? Hedy Weiss reviews Measure for Measure, plus four more shows on local stages.

High school students marched in protest of school closings, as faculty and staff at six turnaround schools face forced resignations.

Pension reform made some strides before the General Assembly went on Spring Break.

Can the city’s top watchdog be independent of the mayor? A recent Illinois Supreme Court ruling strikes a blow to those prospects. Inspector General Joe Ferguson joins us to talk about the ramifications.

A new documentary confronts America's destructive economic trade relationship with a China. Author and filmmaker Peter Navarro joins us.

A new exhibit takes a revealing look at animals from the inside -- out. Ash-har Quraishi takes us behind the scenes at the Museum of Science and Industry.

We share some of your comments on our recent interview with Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett regarding school closures in

The Chicago Board of Education plans to close 54 schools, citing a $1 billion deficit and under-enrollment. Critics say this move will disrupt communities and put kids in danger. For both sides of the debate, PBS NewsHour's Jeffrey Brown talks with School Board vice president Jesse Ruiz and Karen Lewis, president of the Chicago Teachers Union.

Eddie Arruza and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

Eddie Arruza and his panel of journalists discuss the installation of Pope Francis, and what impact they think he’ll have on the Catholic Church, in this web-exclusive conversation.

Caves, Death by China and the madness of March; Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.