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Why Are There So Many Fireflies in Chicago?

You’re not crazy. A local expert says people are seeing “substantially more flashing activity in the evening.” He tells us why there are so many of our favorite summertime bug – and why they light up.

Brendt Christensen Sentenced to Life in Prison for Yingying Zhang Killing

A 12-person jury deliberated for more than eight hours over the course of two days in Peoria’s federal courthouse, but failed to reach a unanimous decision in the death-penalty case. 

July 18, 2019 - Full Show

Watch the July 18, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Number of US Overdose Deaths Appears to be Falling

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday posted data showing nearly 68,000 drug overdose deaths were reported last year. Overdose deaths had been climbing each year since 1990, topping 70,000 in 2017.

Northwestern Develops Tool to Help Scientists Play Nice While Collaborating

Scientists are often the foremost experts in their fields of study, but they aren’t necessarily well versed in the tricky science of collaboration.

Hot Weather, Pollution Fuel Unhealthy Air Conditions in Chicago

Rising temperatures this week could lead to unhealthy air quality, particularly for people with respiratory conditions, as the heat combines with pollution from vehicle emissions and other sources, says the American Lung Association. 

US Heat Wave Just Warming Up for Long and Scorching Weekend

More than 100 local heat records are expected to fall Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Most won’t be record-daily highs but record-high nighttime lows, and that lack of cooling can be dangerous, meteorologists say. 

Spotlight Politics: New Investigation of Ex-Alderman with Madigan Ties

Why the federal probe into a former Chicago alderman could spell trouble for House Speaker Michael Madigan. Our politics team takes on that story and more in our weekly roundtable.

Reflections on the Life of Justice John Paul Stevens

John Paul Stevens was a born-and-bred Chicagoan who rose to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Local legal scholars, historians and attorneys who worked with Stevens reflect on his life.

Chicago International Port Considering Massive Investment Deal

A new deal could be worth up to $100 million for the giant Port of Chicago on the city’s Southeast Side.

Ask Geoffrey: What’s the History of the Chicago Huskies?

A youth basketball league from the 1940s and ‘50s is a reminder of Japanese American internment during World War II. Geoffrey Baer has that story and more in this edition of Ask Geoffrey.

How Exposure to Violence Impacts Young Children in Chicago

New analysis of Chicago homicide data by the Erikson Institute underscores the effect violent crime can have on young children.

July 17, 2019 - Full Show

Watch the July 17, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Open-Water Swim in Chicago River Delayed, New Goal September 2020

A bold plan to get hundreds of people into the Chicago River for a 2.4-mile swim remains docked for a year or so after organizers struggled to secure permits and coordinate with a number of city agencies.

Brendt Christensen Jury Deliberations Begin After Lengthy Closing Arguments

A 12-person jury is in the process of deciding whether the former Ph.D. candidate will live out the rest of his natural life behind bars or if he’ll be put to death for the kidnapping and killing of Yingying Zhang.