From amazing new vistas of Mars to a little rover bouncing on a distant asteroid, an exploration of recent achievements in outer space with Adler Planetarium astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz.
Stories by Eddie Arruza
Chicago’s Historic Newberry Library Unveils New Look, Exhibition
As one of Chicago’s oldest and most prestigious institutions unveils a new look, it also looks back at an event that transformed the city.
Illinois’ Bicentennial: People, Places and Things to Celebrate
From its majestic rivers to Lake Michigan, and sky-high architecture to vast, fertile prairies, there really is no other state like Illinois.
Chicagoans Celebrate Landing of Latest Mars Probe
It took six months, a voyage of 300 million miles and a final “seven minutes of terror,” but NASA’s InSight spacecraft on Monday touched down on Mars in a landing the craft’s chief engineer called “flawless.”
Brain Donations Power Groundbreaking Study of Alzheimer’s Disease
An estimated 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to rise. We learn about one of the world’s most comprehensive studies of the disease, taking place right here in Chicago.
Landmark Musical ‘Miss Saigon’ Returns to Chicago, Turns 30
Decades after it premiered in London, the mega-musical “Miss Saigon” is still captivating audiences around the world. Meet three of the stars from the new touring production.
Remembering Chicago’s Role in World War I
Over the weekend, world leaders gathered in France to mark the 100th anniversary of the armistice that brought World War I to an end. We remember Illinois’ sacrifice during the Great War.
City of Chicago and Cook County See Surge in Voting
Voter interest was strong this Election Day. Both the Chicago Board of Elections and its suburban Cook County counterpart say turnout has been higher than in previous midterm elections.
Doris Kearns Goodwin on What Makes for Great Presidential Leadership
Presidents who have effectively led the nation out of trying times seem to share some key attributes. The Pulitzer Prize-winning historian writes about those qualities in her new book “Leadership in Turbulent Times.”
Michael Beschloss Sheds Light on ‘Presidents of War’ in New Book
Presidential historian Michael Beschloss on how U.S. presidents have increasingly usurped the power to go to war.
At Public Hearing, Nearly 50 Speakers Weigh in on Police Reform
A ceremonial courtroom at the Dirksen Federal Building was filled to capacity Wednesday as the first of two public hearings got underway on the proposed Chicago police reform consent decree.
Made in Chicago Auction Highlights 150 Years of Local History
You want a piece of Chicago? An array of notable works of art and historic Chicago artifacts are up for auction.
Lyric Opera Orchestra Ratifies New Contract
Following a five-day strike that forced the cancellation of three performances at Lyric Opera of Chicago, the company’s orchestra ratified a new contract Sunday.
Behind the Scenes with ‘Tootsie’ Stars Santino Fontana, Lilli Cooper
A song-and-dance version of the 1982 movie “Tootsie” has its pre-Broadway engagement in Chicago. We speak with two of the show’s stars.
Chicago’s Historic Newberry Library Unveils New Look, Exhibition
As one of Chicago’s oldest and most prestigious institutions unveils a new look, it also looks back at an event that transformed the city.
Plan for National Museum of Gospel Music in Bronzeville Moves Forward
Organizers say they are making progress on a new museum of gospel music planned for the former Pilgrim Baptist Church site in Bronzeville.
Jon Burge, Disgraced Former Police Commander, Dies at 70
His name will forever be associated with police brutality in Chicago, yet he never faced criminal charges for the torture he allegedly ordered and took part in. Jon Burge died Wednesday at his home in Florida.
Country’s Only Mosaic School Pieces Together New Home in Edgewater
One of the oldest forms of art is still practiced throughout the world, but there is only one school in the United States where it’s taught. We go for a visit.
On 50th Anniversary, New Photos Shed Light on Tumult of Chicago DNC
Remembering the tumultuous 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, as captured by two local photographers.
Hardworking Canines at O’Hare Sniff Out Drugs, Contraband
The opioid crisis in the United States is being fought on many fronts. And one is at O’Hare airport. Meet some of the best four-legged customs enforcers in the world.
Country’s Only Mosaic School Pieces Together New Home in Edgewater
One of the oldest forms of art is still practiced throughout the world, but there is only one school in the United States where it’s taught. We go for a visit.
Jamie Bernstein Recalls Life with ‘Lenny’ in ‘Famous Father Girl’
Jamie Bernstein on her new book and Ravinia performance remembering her famous father, Leonard Bernstein.
Major Transformation Coming to Chicago’s 75th Street Train Corridor
Chicago is the crossroads of rail traffic in the U.S., but the area’s railroad infrastructure has failed to keep up with increasing traffic. How a new project will address one of the biggest problems in Chicago’s antiquated rail system.
Fatal Police-Involved Shooting Prompts 3rd Night of Community Protests
Chicago police release body camera video of a fatal shooting by one of their own, but it’s not enough to stop more community protests. A live report from the South Shore neighborhood.
Apollo 8 Astronauts Recount Historic Mission at ‘Rocket Men’ Book Launch
The Apollo 8 astronauts reunite in Chicago as a new book by local author Robert Kurson celebrates the historic first human flight to the moon.
