This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Gov. Pat Quinn abolishes the death penalty with a stroke of his pen. An Illinois House committee has resurrected a bill allowing people to carry concealed weapons here. Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel and Finance Committee Chair Ed Burke both plan to pour money into various aldermanic races in next month's runoff election. Rod Blagojevich asks Judge Zagel to sentence him and dismiss the counts in the former governor's upcoming corruption retrial.

Peter Sellars is renowned for his unique stagings of classical and contemporary operas and plays. We talk with the noted theater director about his latest production. "Hercules" at Lyric Opera of Chicago More on the Story: Web-exclusive video

Former governor Rod Blagojevich has asked a judge to cancel the retrial against him and sentence him for the one count he was found guilty of, lying to the FBI. Carol Marin and our panel analyze Blagojevich's unusual request, and the chances the judge will listen. Chicago Tribune article about what Blagojevich wants

We sit down with the two aldermanic candidates in the 6th ward runoff. Meet the incumbent, Ald. Freddrenna M. Lyle, and the person running against her, Roderick T. Sawyer. 6th Ward aldermanic runoff page

We know many kids and workers are off today, but do we really have any clue why? Paris Schutz has the history behind a holiday that is unique to Illinois. Learn more about Pulaski Day The Polish Museum of America

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, Police Superintendent Jody Weis steps down on the final day of his contract. Mayor Daley taps former top cop Terry Hillard as Weis' temporary replacement. Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel says he'll have his picks for both police and school superintendent by his inauguration day. Former governor George Ryan talks about his death penalty decisions as Gov. Quinn mulls over abolishing it permanently. Gas prices spike, and air traffic controllers are making more close-call mistakes at O'Hare airport. And in sports, the Bears cut Tommie Harris.

Today, March 1, marks the expiration of Jody Weis' contract. Instead of staying on until Mayor Daley finishes his term, sources are reporting that today is Weis' last day as Chicago police superintendent. We have the latest on this Chicago police saga. More on Jody Weis and his three years as head of police

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's tough talk continues in his budget address today. We debate the issues with the head of Common Cause and others.

We meet the man who created a fake Rahm Emanuel on Twitter and kept his real identity secret -- until yesterday. Meet the Chicago teacher who solved this Twitter mystery @MayorEmanuel's Twitter page

A new book co-authored by a WBEZ journalist and university professor provides a comprehensive, multi-faceted look into the history of one of Chicago's most prolific gangs. One of the authors joins us in the studio. Chicago Tonight profile of co-author Lance Williams Information about the book

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle's $3 billion budget passes in the wee hours of Saturday morning after a marathon session. Carol Marin goes one-on-one with President Preckwinkle.

We hear what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer mail.

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week In Review, Rahm Emanuel wins the race for mayor easily, with 55 percent of the vote, and wastes no time naming his transition team. Is his victory a sign of "post-racial politics" in Chicago? The mayor-elect also sets his sights on City Council changes and the city's issues, including pensions, the budget, schools, police and changing city services. There are 14 aldermanic runoffs, including Vice Mayor Bernie Stone in the 50th ward and Zoning Committee Chair Danny Solis in the 25th ward.

Tuesday's elections in Chicago brought about a number of changes, including a historic first: State Representative Susana Mendoza was elected the first female Chicago City Clerk. Eddie Arruza talks with Mendoza about what she'll bring to the job. Meet Susana Mendoza

In 2007, Colin Goddard was playing dead in his French classroom, shot four times by the Virginia Tech shooter. He's now the subject of a documentary making its Chicago premiere this weekend. He joins us to talk about how he's using the Virginia tragedy to fight for stricter gun laws. Peace on Earth Film Festival

All the votes are counted: Rahm Emanuel will be the city's next mayor. Eddie Arruza shares some of the highlights from Chicago's 2011 Election Day. Look up Chicago election results