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Open Seat in a New Ward

Incumbent 36th Ward Ald. Nicholas Sposato decided to run in a different ward after the 36th was re-mapped. Four candidates ran to take over his seat, which covers parts of Belmont Cragin and Portage Park. Two candidates made it to the April runoff: former congressional staffer Omar Aquino and consultant Gilbert Villegas. They join us.

Native American Fashion Sense

An exhibition at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian in Evanston looks at the "haute couture" that has long existed in Native American communities. We get a preview.

Robert Putnam on the American Dream in Crisis

Robert Putnam -- Harvard professor, political scientist, and author of the acclaimed Bowling Alone -- is back with a new book that charts the decline of the American Dream in his hometown of Port Clinton, Ohio. Putnam joins us to discuss his new book: Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis.

Lyric Opera's New Mariachi Opera

Two years ago, Lyric Opera of Chicago presented what was called the world's first mariachi opera. It was well-received and a big hit with audiences--so much so that it spawned another mariachi opera. This time around it's a Lyric Opera commission that has brought back together the same creative team and many of the same performers from the previous work. Its title is El Pasado Nunca Se Termina or The Past Is Never Finished, and it's receiving its world premiere here in Chicago.

Early Voting and the Mayoral Race

Early voting starts today in the mayoral runoff election. We get an update on the campaigns from our news panel.

Rough Run in 31

Support in the predominantly Hispanic 31st Ward is splitting between longtime Ald. Ray Suarez and former TV reporter, Milly Santiago. They meet on Chicago Tonight to talk about the issues.

Changing the Status Quo: Public School Reform

Public schools nationally are at a crossroads, according to Joel Klein. After serving as chancellor of the New York City Department of Education for eight years, Klein took on unions, politicians, and the status quo to improve public education and give students and parents more choice. He joins us.

Teen Living Programs

Homeless youth are one of Chicago’s most vulnerable populations. Estimates vary, but roughly 2,000 Chicago teens are thought to be homeless each night. But homelessness for youth often looks very different than it does for adults. Advocates call it "housing instability." We visit one program trying to prevent these teens from becoming chronically homeless adults.    

Second City and Life Lessons

The head honchos at The Second City discuss their book about the importance of improv in everyday life.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 3/20

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the heated runoff campaign debate between Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Jesús "Chuy" García, U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock’s resignation, and the sale of the Willis Tower.

Web Extra: The Week in Review: 3/20

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the impact Gov. Bruce Rauner's proposed budget would have on public transportation.

Weekend Events Around Town: 3/20-3/22

Taste what Chicago has to offer; hear Chicago stories; and listen to the sounds of Chicago blues. Chicago Tonight has your weekend picks.

Chicago Film Honored at White House Student Film Festival

A video made by a group of young Chicago filmmakers is an official selection of the 2015 White House Student Film Festival. It was one of 15 selected from 1,500 entries and it will be honored at the White House on Friday.