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Life After Hate

Christian Picciolini was once a neo-Nazi skinhead leader in Chicago. Today he runs an organization called Life After Hate. Jay Shefsky tells the story of Picciolini's remarkable transformation.

John Dillinger Returns to Crown Point with Opening of New Museum

Armed with a fake wooden gun, the infamous gangster John Dillinger made a daring escape from the Crown Point County Jail in Northwest Indiana in 1934. More than 80 years later, Dillinger has returned to Crown Point. Joining us to discuss the new John Dillinger Museum is Speros Batistatos, president and CEO of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority.

City Council Committee Debates ‘Chi-Raq’ Film Title

There was heated debate at a City Council committee meeting Monday on whether or not to strip Illinois Film tax credits from Spike Lee's forthcoming film Chi-Raq. Some say the title validates gang culture while others fumed that aldermen have far better things to do with their time. Is the title Chi-Raq here to stay? 

What's Next for Chicago's Pension Problems?

A Cook County judge ruled Friday that Chicago's plan to change city workers’ pensions was unconstitutional. The city vows to appeal the decision. We look at the ruling, whether any pension reform can be constitutional, what the consequences are to the city's plummeting bond rating, and whether the city will have to raise taxes to cover the pension liability. 

On 25th Anniversary, City Official Addresses Chicago’s ADA Advancements

Sunday marked the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Here to discuss the landmark legislation is Karen Tamley, commissioner of the Chicago Mayor's Office for Persons with Disabilities.

Art Institute Exhibition Draws Attention to 'Underappreciated' Artist

The American-born artist James McNeil Whistler had a profound impact on his 19th century European contemporaries. An exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago looks at Whistler's artistic vision – and his influence on a little-known French artist held in high regard by curators and collectors.

Professor's Success Required Squashing Fear of Insects

National Medal of Science recipient May Berenbaum is an expert in the interaction of insects with plants, the founder of an annual insect-themed film festival, and the namesake of an X-Files character and new species of cockroach. She joins us on Chicago Tonight.

Viewer Feedback: July 27

We share what you had to say about the continued debate over the title of Spike Lee’s new film Chi-Raq and the ongoing budget stalemate in Springfield.

Writer Seeks Best Restaurants from Back Seat of Cab

When Layne Mosler hails a cab, she doesn't have a destination in mind. What her driver doesn't know is that Mosler's next stop will be his (or her) favorite restaurant. This strategy has led her to discover some of the best eats in cities across the globe, which she details on her blog Taxi Gourmet. Now, Mosler shares her adventures in her new book, Driving Hungry.

Chicago Pension Reform Struck Down

Mayor Emanuel and the city of Chicago are back to square one in efforts to resolve the funding crisis for two of the city's four pension funds, likely exacerbating the city's ongoing fiscal problems. 

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, July 24

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss this week’s top stores in politics, business, and sports.

Web Extra: The Week in Review, July 24

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists further discuss the Sandra Bland case, why some police officers treat African-American citizens different than whites, and the effectiveness of video surveillance devices.

Weekend Events Around Town: July 24-26

Stock up on caffeine at CoffeeCon to keep you fueled for a weekend agenda that includes animal adoptions, cocktail celebrations, book browsing and commemoration of a defining moment in Chicago history.