School closings, ethics probes and more; we have the latest City Council news from our aldermanic roundtable.

Thirty-six years ago, Star Wars exploded onto the screen and made cinematic history. The blockbuster film began what would become a multi-billion dollar empire for George Lucas, and spawned companies like Industrial Light & Magic, and Pixar. We revisit Ash-har Quraishi's story of how Chicago played a pivotal role in sci-fi cinematic history. Read an article, view a slideshow, and watch web extra video.

The ninth annual BlogHer conference takes place in Chicago this week at the McCormick Convention Center and the Sheraton Chicago. Created for women and men who feel that blogging has transformed their lives, BlogHer media company was co-founded by Chicago native Jory Des Jardins in 2005. Des Jardins is hosting the annual conference in Chicago this week, which features keynote speaker Queen Latifah and Hollywood producer Gale Anne Hurd (The Walking Dead). She joins us. Read an interview with a local blogger.

Hyde Park is famous for being home to presidents, politicians and religious leaders. It is also known for its highly integrated community. A new book captures the visually fascinating history of the evolution of the neighborhood in photos from 1850 to today.

The deal to renovate Wrigley Field looks to have finally crossed the plate. A City Council committee unanimously approved the deal Tuesday after some furious late inning, back room negotiations. Read an article and the mayor's statement.

We take a look at Chicago’s rebounding housing market. How does the city compare with the rest of the county? And will this upward trend continue? Elizabeth Brackett and her guests discuss the issue.

It's official! Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton welcomed a baby boy in London. Author, blogger and local Brit-commentator Toni Hargis joins us with details about the hoopla surrounding the birth of the royal baby.

The Fashion Outlets of Chicago is set to make its big grand opening in Rosemont next week. We take you inside the mega outlet mall to see what developers say will be a game changer in area retail shopping. Read an article and view a slideshow.

Are leaders born or bred? Loyola University business ethics professor Al Gini joins us to discuss his book, 10 Virtues of Outstanding Leaders. Read an excerpt. 

Chicagoan Allegra Rosenberg, 17, has become a YouTube sensation, writing songs beloved by fans of Doctor Who, BBC Sherlock and other off-beat pop culture hits. We revist Jay Shefsky's profile. Watch music videos.

Chicago cop-turned-actor Dennis Farina died today at age 69. Watch web extra video of Farina from WTTW's archives.

Rogers Park Ald. Joe Moore, known as a progressive, is responding today to charges of ethical misconduct. A report issued by the city's legislative inspector general concludes an alderman engaged in theft and abuse of authority. Chicago Tonight first reported the story last night on our website and confirmed the alderman in question is the 49th ward's Joe Moore.Read an article.

The Chicago Public Schools have announced more layoffs. This round cuts more than 2,100 people, including 1,036 teachers -- half of whom are tenured. This reduction follows the June announcement of 855 layoffs. Eddie Arruza and his guests examine the latest round of cuts, and how it will impact students and the system’s $1 billion budget deficit. Read the CPS fact sheet.

Sen. Dick Durbin urges all law enforcement agencies to use the federal database resources to track guns found at crime scenes. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Read Durbin's letter.

In the wake of Detroit filing for bankruptcy last week, we take a look at the possibility of Chicago following the Motor City into financial calamity. Is Chicago’s recent bond rating downgrade a sign of things to come? Or is the city in a totally different situation than Detroit? We have analysis.