On this edition of Chicago Tonight: Week in Review with Joel Weisman, Chicago murders plummeted in February. Did Police Supt. Garry McCarthy’s new “hot-spot” policing strategy play a role? A panel recommends 80 public schools close, while Mayor Rahm Emanuel touts the “ideal” class size as 30 students. In Springfield, Gov. Pat Quinn delivers a harsh reality in his budget address. Pension reform, gambling expansion, and education cuts all play a role in improving the state’s fiscal health. Some high-profile Chicago athletes support gay marriage in Illinois. Pioneering politician Dawn Clark Netsch dies at the age of 86. And in sports, the Blackhawks garner national attention with their record-breaking 24-game points streak.

Guests:

- Frank Main, Chicago Sun-Times

- Kerry Lester, Daily Herald

- John McCarron, Chicago Tribune

- Mike Mulligan, 670 The Score & Chicago Tribune

Watch our panel’s web-exclusive conversation in Web Extra: The Week in Review: 3/8.

Here is a roundup of Chicago Tonight‘s web stories from this week:

Monday, March 4:

- History Behind Pulaski Day

- Rep. Nekritz on Pension Reform

- Bill Kurtis & Walter Jacobson

- Viewer Feedback: 3/4

Tuesday, March 5:

- Remembering Dawn Clark Netsch

- 'Winter Storm Saturn' Touches Down in Chicago

- Former Irish President Mary Robinson

- Neil Shubin on The Universe Within

Wednesday, March 6:

- Analysis of Gov. Quinn's Budget Address

- Looking Deeper at Claims of "Environmental Racism" in Chicago

Thursday, March 7:

- Latest Springfield News

- Chicago State University President Wayne Watson

- Artist Theaster Gates

Friday, March 8:

- Weekend Events Around Town: 3/8 – 3/10

- Web Extra: The Week in Review