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Viewer Feedback: 1/27

We share what you had to say about pension reform and Cook County boot camp labor in tonight's viewer feedback.

Lawmakers at Odds over Pension Reform Savings

It turns out pension reform could save $15 billion less than legislative leaders initially anticipated. An actuarial analysis done by the pension systems affected by this bill say the real savings will be $145 billion, rather than the $160 billion originally advertised. Read an article.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 1/24

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

Web Extra: The Week in Review: 1/24

The panelists turn the tables and ask Joel Weisman a few questions about his favorite memories of hosting The Week in Review for the past 36 years. Watch the web extra video.

Weekend Events Around Town: 1/24 -1/26

A scavenger hunt, restaurant tour and winter activities; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

Web Extra: New Charter Schools vs. Old Neighborhood Schools

The Chicago School Board approved seven new charter schools for the city. Where are they located in comparison with the neighborhood schools that were closed down? View a map of charter vs. neighborhood schools.

Stealing Homes

With only $40 and forged paperwork, crooks are stealing houses from unsuspecting homeowners. It’s real -- and a felony. Last week, the Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance cracking down on the "Clouding A Title" scammers, adding steep fines to jail sentences. City Treasurer Stephanie Neely and Cook County Recorder of Deeds Karen Yarbrough join us with tips on how to protect yourself from strangers changing your locks and moving in.

Boot Camp Labor Put to Use in Community

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart plans to eradicate abandoned and blighted homes throughout the county, using county boot camp labor. What community is he starting with? Brandis Friedman has the story. Read an article and view a slideshow.

Chicago Incubator Reinventing the Legal Field

Chicago’s shared, professional spaces are popping up all over town, and now there is one for attorneys. The Chicago Bar Foundation-sponsored program supplies new lawyers with the skills and knowledge to start their own businesses while reaching a growing number of those in need. Read an article about the incubator.

Mavis Staples Biography

A new book details the life of one of the most enduring artists in popular music: Mavis Staples.

People’s Music School Youth Orchestras

A remarkable, free music program in a Chicago Public School is changing lives. We revisit Jay Shefsky's story.

Viewer Feedback: 1/23

We share what you had to say about our recent forum featuring high school students from the Mikva Challenge questioning the GOP candidates for Illinois governor in tonight's viewer feedback.

Chicago School Board Approves 7 New Charters

The Chicago School Board voted Wednesday to approve seven new charter schools in the city. Many parents, as well as the Chicago Teachers Union, have said they will protest any expansion following the closing last year of 50 neighborhood schools. We have the latest on the vote and reaction to it. View a graphic and a map on the new proposed charter schools.

John Cullerton

Senate President John Cullerton joins us to talk pensions, the upcoming session and midterm elections.

Report: Pension Reform Will Not Fix IL Budget

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.