Television writer and producer Norman Lear took a lighthearted approach to many challenging social and political issues in groundbreaking sitcoms such as “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons.” Lear, 93, joins us to reflect on the many adventures of his long life and to discuss the new edition of his memoir "Even This I Get to Experience."

Joshua Bell has been a violin virtuoso since he was teenager in Bloomington, Indiana back in the 1980s. He talks with "Chicago Tonight" about his early years, the greatness of the Stradivarius and his favorite collaborators. He'll also treat us to a live performance with pianist Sam Haywood.

The Chicago Bears have released 34-year-old veteran defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff after two-and-a-half seasons and signed former first-round pick Ziggy Hood from the Jacksonville Jaguars, the organization announced on Thursday.

Cook County Democratic Party officials have voted to withdraw their support of Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown after reports surfaced that FBI agents seized her cellphone as part of a federal investigation. 

Joel Weisman and his panel of guests discuss the case of former Chicago Alderman Sandi Jackson, who reports to prison this week, the mayor's proposal to privatize the 311 center and the Cubs' storybook season that came to a bitter end.

The 26th annual festival returns with a new-and-now group of talented writers, performers and creative thinkers who head up 130 events throughout the city. We'll help you navigate the options.

Getting swept by the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series is something the Chicago Cubs team and fans will soon want to forget. But the loss came during a memorable season for the Cubs. We reflect on the team’s 2015 season and look at what moves they will want to make in the off-season to keep them in contention next year.

Former Bears tight end Desmond Clark is at the center of a high-profile police case in the suburbs involving allegations of disorderly conduct, battery and racism. Clark joins us share his side of the story ahead of his court appearance Monday in Lake County.

Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich is one of eight American delegates at Pope Francis' synod on the family. He joins us from Rome to discuss what conversations with his fellow bishops have been like, and what we can expect to come out of the synod.

Fall festivals this weekend highlight film, food and critical thinking. What are you waiting for?

While a monthslong architecture celebration underway in Chicago, there are some big changes in store for the city’s architectural landscape. We discuss the planned and potential changes to the city’s skyline with Lee Bey, host of Rivet Radio’s Architecture360; and architect and author Edward Keegan. 

Robert Louis Stevenson's adventure novel "Treasure Island" became a children's classic almost from the moment it was published in 1881. Scores of adaptations followed. But a new stage production at Lookingglass Theatre, adapted and directed by Tony award-winner Mary Zimmerman, is being praised for its original take on the story. Zimmerman joins us tonight.

We share what you had to say about some of our recent stories when we read viewer feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.