The state’s capital was filled today with advocates rallying against charter school bills under consideration. President of Chicago International Charter Schools David Chizewer and Legislation Coordinator for the Chicago Teachers Union Stacy Davis Gates join us with details. Read an article.

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.

Carol Marin and her guests discuss Chicago Public Schools' announcement of charter school expansion.

Chicago magazine and the Better Government Association break a special report on the rise and fall of Juan Rangel of the United Neighborhood Organization (UNO), and the future of the clout-heavy charter school network. Read an article and view a slideshow.

We asked what you thought about Noble Street Charter Schools charging students fines for minor infractions. We hear what some of you had to say in tonight's Viewer Mail.