A shocking report from the Chicago Public Schools' inspector general: more than $800,000 of CPS funds spent on everything from parties to a search for eavesdropping devices. Eddie Arruza talks to Inspector General James Sullivan about his findings.

The Chicago Teachers Union and other community organizations would like to end appointments to the Chicago Board of Education -- they want the superintendent and board members to be elected. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest on their proposal and the response to their plan.

The Renaissance Schools Fund wants to raise $40 million in the next five years for more charter schools, but proposals for four new charter schools were withdrawn at last week's contentious Chicago Public Schools Board meeting. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take a look at the debate over charter schools.

A revolutionary robotic hand was created by a team that included Chicago scientists. We talk about that invention, plus the brain boosting power of estrogen and more in our Scientific Chicago segment with University of Chicago paleontologist Neil Shubin.

Her controversial tactics as Washington, D.C. schools chief were chronicled in the documentary Waiting for Superman earlier this year. Now Elizabeth Brackett talks with Michelle Rhee about the challenges faced by Chicago Public Schools and what she thinks the district should be doing for its students. Students First

The United Neighborhood Organization Charter Schools is one of the major charter school operators in Illinois with long lists of students wanting to get in. Eddie Arruza tells us why the organization's political ties have made them controversial.

Want to raise chickens in your backyard? Why some are flocking to an "urban chicken consultant." Find out about Jennifer Murtoff's urban chicken consultant business and read her blog

We meet this year's fellowship winner, who is being recognized for starting schools for girls and women in Afghanistan.

The Chicago Teachers Union wants a more transparent process as they choose the next Chicago Public Schools chief. We talk with representatives from the teachers and principals unions about the public school system's future.

The Golden Apples have been honoring Chicago-area teachers for 25 years. We talk with the founders of this inspirational program as it celebrates its silver anniversary. WTTW's Golden Apple website

We have a Chicago News Cooperative story about a Chicago high school that's re-tooling vocational training. Austin Polytechnical Academy

A lawsuit filed by the Chicago Urban League would force the state to rely more on income tax and less on local property taxes to fund public schools. We talk to the Urban League's new President about the status of the suit and other issues facing the African-American community.

We have the latest on reports that Ron Huberman will step down later this school year as Chicago Public Schools CEO.

We take a look at how the science taking place at Chicago State University may revolutionize urban agriculture. Aquaponics at Chicago State University

On tonight's edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week In Review -- The campaign season heats up with Governor Quinn fighting back in response to Bill Brady's criticism of the union deal; dueling ads get ugly in the race for Barack Obama's old Senate seat; Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s mayoral hopes fade in light of renewed accusations of an improper Senate seat deal along with new allegations that he had a fundraiser pay to fly a female "acquaintance" to Chicago; rumors circulate that Rahm Emanuel is leaving his White House post next month to run for mayor, and Sheriff Tom Dart is coy about his own poss

A bipartisan reform group says education in Illinois just isn't making the grade. We talk with the group's co-chair Bill Daley and the group's executive director to discuss this and more. Advance Illinois