Before you dig in and start planting, give your garden some tender, loving care. The team from the Organic Gardener helps us prepare our soil for spring planting.
Stories by Paul Caine
Johnson Publishing Company Leaves Behind Rich Legacy
After 77 years, the founding company of Ebony and Jet magazines will soon cease to exist. We talk with two former writers and editors about the history and legacy of Johnson Publishing.
Astronomers Take First-Ever Picture of a Black Hole
Ever since Einstein’s theory of relativity first predicted them, black holes have captured the imagination of the public and scientists alike. We speak with two local astrophysicists about this scientific breakthrough.
Neil Shubin Hunts Fossils in Antarctic ‘Graveyard’
Renowned University of Chicago paleontologist Neil Shubin recently returned from an expedition to search for fossils in Antarctica. He tells us about his trip.
Economists Differ on Prospects for City, State Under Progressive Agenda
With Gov. J.B. Pritzker seeking a state graduated income tax and Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot rethinking tax subsidies for controversial city projects, two economists offer their take on the local and national economy.
Melissa Conyears-Ervin Easily Wins City Treasurer Runoff
State Rep. Melissa Conyears-Ervin on Tuesday easily defeated 47th Ward Ald. Ameya Pawar in the runoff election for city treasurer. She joins us to discuss her victory and plans for the office.
Vasquez Vanquishes O’Connor in 40th Ward
Veteran Ald. Patrick O’Connor is taken down by democratic socialist and former battle rapper Andre Vasquez in the city’s 40th Ward. Vasquez joins us to talk about his victory and his aldermanic plans.
Preckwinkle Questions Lightfoot’s Progressive Credentials
Mayoral candidate Toni Preckwinkle joins us as her campaign goes after the progressive bona fides of her challenger, Lori Lightfoot.
Lightfoot Accuses Preckwinkle Campaign of Spreading False Rumors
Mayoral candidate Lori Lightfoot tells Carol Marin on “Chicago Tonight” that the Preckwinkle campaign had previously tried to “take her out” by spreading a rumor that she would quit the race.
What to Make of This Extraordinary Chicago Election
Fourteen mayoral candidates? A possible runoff? Political reporters and political scientists give us their take on this unprecedented election.
Record Number of Mayoral Candidates Leaves Voters Spoiled for Choice
Chicago voters may want change, but with so many mayoral candidates to choose from, what are they to think? We get election analysis from political reporters Craig Dellimoreo, A.D. Quig and Greg Hinz.
Brookfield Zoo at Forefront of Fight to Save World’s Most Trafficked Animal
Researchers estimate that more than one million pangolins have been taken from the wild over the past decade as demand has soared for their meat and scales. What one local institution is doing to save these scaly anteaters.
Officials React to Pritzker’s State Budget Address
State and local politicians and officials weigh in on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s first state budget address.
Pritzker to Unveil State Budget Proposal, Facing $3B Deficit
Gov. J.B. Pritzker unveils his first annual budget proposal amid an estimated $3.2 billion deficit and billions more in unpaid bills. Watch the address and get complete coverage throughout the day.
UIC Study of High School Cliques Finds Some Disturbing Trends
On the first anniversary of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, we examine the role of cliques and alienation in high school life – and what lessons may be learned.
Of Mice and Men in Space: Chicago Researchers Helping NASA Prepare for Mars
An ongoing NASA study aided by Northwestern researchers sent mice into orbit with the goal of learning more about the physiological effects of living in space.
Inspector General Decries ‘Keep Your Mouth Shut’ Culture at City Hall
Amid a stunning corruption scandal that includes government raids, undercover moles, Viagra and massage parlors, Joe Ferguson has called for reform of the City Council’s culture.
School Discontent Prompts Calls for an Elected School Board
As calls grow for an elected school board, we examine whether more democracy can help bring about better schools.
Former Federal Prosecutors Expect More Charges in Burke Probe
A bombshell report about secret recordings of embattled Ald. Ed Burke. We discuss the latest developments in the corruption probe.
Activists, Local Business Leaders Push Back Against Lincoln Yards
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A master plan for the $6 billion Lincoln Yards development is released. The developer says it has taken community concerns to heart, but critics say the plan is being pushed too fast.
Heartland Cafe in Rogers Park Prepares to Close After 42 Years
After more than four decades, a beloved Rogers Park restaurant is shutting down – possibly for good – at the end of the year.
Fed Ignores Trump and Hikes Interest Rates for 4th Time in 2018
The Federal Reserve hikes its benchmark interest rate for the fourth time this year, by one-quarter of 1 percent to 2.5 percent. We discuss the outlook for the markets and the economy.
Chinese Spacecraft Enters Lunar Orbit Ahead of Planned Moon Landing
A Chinese spacecraft enters the moon’s orbit and prepares to be the first to land on its far side. Rabiah Mayas joins us with stories making headlines in the world of science.
Year-End Tax Tips as Trump Tax Code Changes Take Effect
As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to get your tax affairs in order. Two local tax experts offer their advice.
Former Chief of Staff Remembers George H.W. Bush
Chicagoan Samuel Skinner knew former President George H.W. Bush, who died Friday at age 94, for nearly 40 years. Skinner joins us in conversation.
