1969 was a pivotal point in Eric Clapton's career. Cream had broken up the previous year, and the 24-year-old Clapton was now part of the super-group Blind Faith, which would dissolve within months. But not before Clapton did a surprise show in Skokie, Illinois.

Carol Marin and her panel of political reporters and observers discuss the Illinois governor's race, pensions, Mayor Rahm Emanuel's relationship with the black community, and more.

A fired-up Chicago Bears team takes down the Minnesota Vikings. James "Big Cat" Williams gives us his perspective on yet another fourth quarter comeback. Watch a web extra video.

Mark your calendars for October 17 to witness a painting that is as gruesome as it is great.

With two weeks to go before the October launch of the online health insurance marketplace, confusion abounds over the realities of ObamaCare. Julie Hamos, director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and Cristal Thomas, Deputy Governor for Public Policy, explain the new health care law and the state's insurance marketplace exchange.

Northwestern University launches its first Massive Online Training Course, or MOOC. Professor Owen Youngman's course -- Understanding Media by Understanding Google -- kicks off on Sept. 16. He joins us to talk about the MOOC, and about this controversial trend in higher education.

Welcome to Artbeat, Chicago Tonight’s blog on arts & culture. It’s a privilege to be the curator and share my enthusiasms, but this is a two-way street: help me out, and I’ll return the favor.

We share what you had to say about Russian President Vladimir Putin's open letter to American readers in The New York Times urging "caution" in Syria in tonight’s viewer feedback.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

In this week’s web extra segment, Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists dive deeper into the Jon Burge police torture case. How did Burge’s actions increase mistrust of the police? And what about the “no-snitch” culture both on the street and on the police force? Charles Thomas says that while there aren’t necessarily more bad cops than bad journalists, the “no-snitch” culture has to change. Watch the web extra video.

Oktoberfest, model sailboats, and a Day of the Dead exhibit; Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.

Newer suburban theaters may attract more critical attention, but if slow-and-steady wins the race, The Theatre of Western Springs (TWS), established in 1929, slaughters the competition. This year, they celebrate their 85th season and 500th production with a solid staging of Slaughterhouse-Five, Kurt Vonnegut's mordant tale of a World War 2 veteran "unstuck in time."

The president of Russia writes an open letter to American readers in The New York Times urging "caution" in Syria. Eddie Arruza and his guests have analysis. Read Putin's full Op-Ed.

A new carnivorous mammal is now on display at The Field Museum. Described as a cross between a cat and a teddy bear, the Olinguito was part of the museum's collection for decades. Bill Stanley, the Field's mammals collections manager, brings the specimen to our studios. Watch Emily Graslie's "The Brain Scoop" video about the Olinguito.

We get a backstage tour of the newest theater in town – the architecturally significant Theatre School of DePaul University. Read an interview and view a photo gallery.