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Appointed vs. Elected School Board

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.

Out of Jail, Back to School

Whether it’s been 10 years or 30 years since they dropped out of high school, men and women who went on to serve time in jail or prison are finally getting their diplomas. We explain how programs like St. Leonard’s Ministries are getting help from Cook County to keep people out of jail and reduce violence.

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Rethinking Retirement and the Golden Years

Some may characterize the years following retirement as relaxing and blissfully uneventful. Author Chris Farrell challenges that interpretation with his book Unretirement: How Baby Boomers Are Changing the Way We Think About Work, Community and the Good Life. He joins us.

Bass Guitars Homemade in Chicago and Played Around the World

Lakland Guitars has made an impact in their 20 years in Chicago. Their instruments are played in U2 and the Rolling Stones. Chicago Tonight goes behind-the-scenes to find out what it takes to make an electric bass that can bring a bottom-heavy sound to a band's rhythm section.

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Viewer Feedback: 1/12

We share what you had to say about the great pension debate and schools closing due to cold weather in tonight's viewer feedback.

Springfield Special Session

Illinois lawmakers met in Springfield for a special session to decide how to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.

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Should Schools Close on Cold Days?

For the second day, Chicago Public Schools are closed because of cold weather, but not everyone agrees.

Founding Editor of “The Onion” on Paris Terror Attacks

The shooting massacre at the Paris office of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo has shaken the tenets of not only parody, but freedom of expression. Scott Dikkers is the founding editor of The Onion and served as editor-in-chief of the popular satirical news organization for 14 years. He joins us to discuss his experiences working in news satire, and how the deadliest attack France has seen since 1961 may affect the genre’s landscape.

The Great Pension Debate

Illinois still has one of the worst funded pension systems in the nation. But reform efforts seem to be at a standstill until the Illinois Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of a pension bill passed last year. The court is scheduled to hear arguments in March.

Mayoral Candidate Willie Wilson

Chicago businessman Willie Wilson has put $1 million of his own money into his effort to take down incumbent Mayor Rahm Emanuel. We talk with Wilson about his background, why he wants to be mayor, and whether he thinks he has enough support to win.

‘The City Lost and Found’

A show at The Art Institute looks at the transformation of American cities in the 1960s and '70s. We revisit the story.

Viewer Feedback: 1/8

We share what you had to say about the proposed Washington Park site for the Obama Presidental Library, the unethical conduct at Chicago Public Schools, and finding the joy in the everyday with Mike Leonard in tonight's viewer feedback.

CPS Cancels Classes for Second Day

Chicago Public Schools will be closed for a second day tomorrow because of the extreme weather.