1. Risky Bonds Prove Costly for Chicago Public Schools

The bet CPS made on auction-rate securities is likely to be a loser, to the tune of $100 million. The Tribune investigates, in a multi-part series.

2. Fire Valerie Jarrett

With nothing left to lose, Obama could make a big move by reassigning his lightning-rod advisor. Politico makes the case.

3. The Obama Whisperer

Why Valerie Jarrett is most able to challenge Obama, and why she’s “uniquely unqualified” to do it. The New Republic explains her role.

4. Six Big Photos of the Coolest Jobs in Chicago

From the side of the Hancock to the bottom of the Shedd Aquarium, a new perspective on the city from its pros. Chicago goes inside (and outside).

5. Burn or Fizzle? Public Art, Economic Renewal, and the Curious Case of the Great Chicago Fire Festival

What the “fiasco” says about Chicago’s public-art priorities. Belt revisits the debacle on the river.

6. Eight Questions for Your New Republican Overlord

Bruce Rauner left a lot of reporters wondering what his plans for the state are. Here are the big ones, from taxes to pot. The Reader asks again.

7. Rep. Phil Crane Was a Pioneer in Spreading the Conservative Gospel

The late northwest suburbs politician replaced Donald Rumsfeld in Congress, remaining for 35 years as a Republican stalwart. In the Sun-Times, Lynn Sweet remembers him.

8. How Has Chicago Fared Under Rahm Emanuel? Here Are the Stats

The mayor by the numbers—and in his own words. Crain’s takes his measure, and asks him to do the same.

9. Where Bruce Rauner Won in Chicago

It’s not the first time a Republican has won a Chicago ward, but the governor-elect succeeded in edging out Pat Quinn on the near north side. Chicago examines his victory.

10. Palestinian-American Activist Found Guilty in US Immigration Case

A prominent local activist faces up to 10 years in prison for immigration fraud—lying about her involvement in a 1969 supermarket bombing in Israel. Al Jazeera America reports from Detroit on her case.