The zoo began with a gift of two pairs of swans from New York's Central Park, and has evolved into a world-class facility that now puts science and conservation at the heart of its mission.
Stories by Paul Caine
Cool May and Wet June Create Gardening Challenges
“Each garden, we’re finding, is its own microcosm this year,” said organic gardener Jeanne Nolan. “Some are bountiful and others are delayed. That weather stressed out the plants some, and we’re seeing the results of it.”
News Anxiety: How to Stay Plugged In Without Getting Stressed Out
Stressed out by the news? You’re not alone. We speak with a clinical psychologist about ways to manage anxiety amid the 24-hour news cycle.
Local Priest Talks of ‘Life-Altering’ Plane Crash
We speak with two Chicagoans who survived the crash of Aeromexico Flight 2431 in Durango. “Life has taken on kind of a different color – I hope it lasts awhile,” said the Rev. Esequiel Sanchez.
Police Superintendent Johnson Under Pressure After Violent Weekend
Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson talks about the department’s latest efforts to curb violence after more than 70 people were shot last weekend.
Astronomers Detect Mysterious Signal From Space
A revolutionary new telescope detects a mysterious signal, and why sleeping with the light on could increase your risk for diabetes. Rabiah Mayas joins us with stories making headlines in the world of science.
Russian-Backed Hackers Infiltrating US Power Grid
The Department of Homeland Security recently announced that Russian-backed hackers have infiltrated the control rooms of hundreds of utility companies across the country.
US Economy Strong But Trump’s Tariffs Could Cause Problems
By almost every measure, the U.S. economy is on a bullet train to prosperity. But are there warning signs among the surging data?
University of Chicago Plays Key Role in Trying to Save Niger’s Heritage
What a leading paleontologist in Chicago is doing to help the country of Niger save and display its rich cultural heritage.
‘Jurassic Park’ Generation Gives Rise to Golden Age of Paleontology
Renowned paleontologist and University of Chicago graduate Steve Brusatte tells us about his new book, “The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World.”
Task Force Aims to Reduce Number of Women in Illinois Prisons
One hundred women – including former inmates, corrections officials, judges and prosecutors – are calling for a 50-percent reduction in the number of women behind bars in Illinois. We speak with Deanne Benos, who is leading the initiative.
University of Chicago Philosopher Explores Role of Fear in 2016 Election
In her new book “The Monarchy of Fear,” Martha Nussbaum explores the role that fear may have played in the election of President Donald Trump.
An Early Harvest in the Chicago Tonight Garden
Organic gardener Jeanne Nolan stops by our organic vegetable garden, where we’ve already begun to harvest some of our early starters.
Brookfield Zoo Helps Bring Mexican Wolves Back From Brink of Extinction
Their recovery has been a national concern for decades. What’s happening locally in the effort to save the Mexican wolf.
Youth Activists Hope Dan Ryan March Will Focus Attention on Violence
Two young anti-violence activists aiming to shut down the Dan Ryan Expressway on Saturday talk about what they hope their act of civil disobedience will achieve.
Brookfield Zoo Orangutan Heidi Gets Her First Physical
Orangutans are one of humankind’s closest cousins. We meet a baby orangutan as she takes a trip to the doctor.
Alzheimer’s Rate for Latinos Expected to Soar
Latinos are 50 percent more likely to Alzheimer’s disease than their white counterparts. Meet a Chicago researcher trying to find out why.
‘Ripples of Hope’ Pays Tribute to Life, Legacy of Robert F. Kennedy
Fifty years after the death of her father Robert F. Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy is out with a new book that examines his life and legacy.
NASA Discovery Hints at Possibility of Ancient Life on Mars
A tantalizing discovery suggests that life could once have existed on Mars – and may still exist today. We get the latest on the red planet with Adler Planetarium astronomer Mark Hammergren.
President Trump Finds a Leader to Trust in North Korea’s Kim Jong Un
After a whirlwind summit, President Donald Trump declares he trusts the North Korean dictator and cancels joint military exercises with South Korea.
Behind the ‘Betrayed’ Series with Chicago Tribune’s David Jackson
An explosive Chicago Tribune investigation reveals sexual abuse of students and failures to respond at Chicago Public Schools. We speak with one of the lead reporters on the series.
Springfield Lawmakers Pass Bipartisan Budget Deal
For the first time since 2015 Illinois may actually have a budget in place before the start of the new fiscal year. And the governor says he will sign it.
New European Law Raises the Bar for Data Privacy Protection
A new European Union data privacy law is causing headaches for many American businesses. How General Data Protection could impact U.S. policies.
NU Professor’s Joke Tweet Goes Viral But Also Sparks Backlash
Lessons learned from a joke that goes viral – and the backlash that follows. We speak with Northwestern University professor Viorica Marian.
US Birth Rate Sinks to 30-Year Low
Is the country’s declining birth rate a cause for concern, or a sign that more women are taking control of their reproductive choices?
