Should Chicago have an elected school board? The issue separates Mayor Rahm Emanuel from his challengers. And voters from 38 wards will have a chance to weigh in on Feb. 24 when they can vote on an advisory referendum. We take a closer look.

Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Jesse Sharkey is filling in as president of the union, while Karen Lewis battles an illness.

During a press conference this afternoon, the CTU announced there will be a temporary changing of the guard at the union while Karen Lewis recovers from what is described as a serious illness. Brandis Friedman has the latest.   

A Facebook group entitled “Karen Lewis for Mayor of Chicago” posted an offensive comment Sunday  that brought back reminders from Rahm Emanuel’s first campaign for congressman.

CPS officials say they will close a massive budget gap this year with an accounting change that will result in a $650 million windfall. Paris Schutz has more on how that works and reaction from the teacher’s union.

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis discusses her opposition to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s re-election, who she would like to see run against him, the union’s proposal for a new tax on financial transactions and much more. 

There may be a painless way to solve pensions without raising property taxes that is sitting right before the mayor's eyes. Paris Schutz breaks it down for us. Read a response from Mayor Emanuel's office. 

The Chicago Teachers Union blasts district plans, but Chicago Public Schools says it has turned around other schools under the nonprofit management firm Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL).

About 3,000 teachers and staff have already been laid off this summer in a massive downsizing effort by the Chicago school district. What’s the big picture impact for student education? Carol Marin and her guests assess the issue.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists break down how Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett, Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis, and Mayor Rahm Emanuel are responding to the CPS budget crisis. Watch the web extra conversation.

Chicago Public Schools introduced its 2014 school budget on Wednesday amid protesting parents and teachers. Officials say they will fill the $1 billion budget gap with $68 million in classroom cuts and the use of $700 million from reserve funds. Elizabeth Brackett has the details.

Hearings begin Tuesday on a lawsuit seeking to block the planned closure of 50 Chicago Public Schools. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of parents, are backed by the Chicago Teachers Union. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest.

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis says Chicago has to break its addiction to tax-breaks and find ways to generate revenue for our schools. She joins us to talk about the fate of teachers and students under the new-look CPS. Read Lewis's full statement in response to CPS' proposed five-year action plan and read 11 Things About Lewis you may not have known.

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis  joins us to discuss the largest school closing in CPS history.

After months of community meetings, debate and protest, the Chicago School Board is set to vote on possibly closing 54 schools. Elizabeth Brackett previews Wednesday's vote.

Chicago teachers, parents and students march for a third day to protest impending school closures. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest.