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New Solar Telescope Reveals Sun’s Surface in More Detail than Ever Before

A local scientist talks about his work to help capture the most detailed images ever of the sun’s bubbling surface.

Discovery Partners Institute Gets Long-Awaited State Cash

The 78 megadevelopment gets a big boost as Gov. J.B. Pritzker announces $500 million in funding for the University of Illinois tech hub that will make its home on the Near South Side.

Spotlight Politics: Foxx Fight, Preckwinkle Aide Trouble

Actor Jussie Smollett is facing a fresh set of charges for allegedly staging a hate crime on himself. Our politics team digs into that and more in our weekly roundtable.

Aviation Training Returns to One Chicago Vocational High School

You may have heard of Bessie Coleman, the pioneering African American pilot from Chicago. But there is much more to the history of black aviation in this town. And though that story has been largely forgotten, it’s now inspiring a new generation of aviators.

How Chicago Schools Handle Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The father of a Lincoln Park High School student is suing the Chicago Board of Education for allegedly not protecting his daughter from sexual assault. It’s the latest twist in a story for which few details have been released.

Kim Foxx Faces Political Fallout from New Smollett Charges

There’s more political fallout related to the Jussie Smollett case after a special prosecutor announced a new six-count indictment against the “Empire” actor.

New Play Tells Story of Nancy Pelosi, ‘The Adult in the Room’

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was center stage in the House impeachment hearings. Now she is on stage, in a sense: a new play about Pelosi is receiving its world premiere in Chicago. We drop by an early rehearsal.

Crain’s Headlines: Bolingbrook Mayor Won’t Support Amazon Plan

Amazon’s push to build a massive network of warehouses to store and distribute goods may be moving into Bolingbrook, but the town’s mayor isn’t thrilled about it.

Brunch-Loving Chicagoans, Rejoice: City Council Could Loosen Sunday Liquor Sales at Restaurants

If you’ve ever tried to order a bloody mary with your eggs benedict on a Sunday morning, you might have run into one of the many quirks of Chicago’s liquor laws. But that could soon change.

Widow of Slain Chicago Police Commander Paul Bauer Suing Online Arms Marketplace

“If the Armslist Defendants had acted with reasonable care – instead of callous and willful disregard of human life – Commander Bauer would still be alive,” a federal complaint states.

February 12, 2020 - Full Show

Watch the Feb. 12, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

CTA Weekend Closures at Three Red Line Stations in Edgewater

For the fourth weekend in a row, three CTA Red Line stations in Edgewater will be closed from Friday night through Monday morning.

Musical Version of ‘Emma’ Taps Into Enduring Allure of Jane Austen

The flaws and fancies, and triumphs and comeuppances of Jane Austen’s characters continue to ring true two centuries after the publication of her books. The latest proof can be found in this utterly charming production at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. 

If Pangolins Are Linked to Coronavirus, Conservationists Fear for Animal’s Safety

Preliminary findings point to the endangered pangolin as a possible host of the novel coronavirus, sparking concerns that a panic could lead to killings of the animal. 

Mother of Teen Killed Inside Cook County Jail Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Leticia Ruiz says the Cook County sheriff failed to protect her son from a reputed gang member who allegedly beat him to death inside the jail earlier this month, and that the “vicious and violent” beating was avoidable.

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. Feb. 13-16

Hot cars, folk music, dance lessons and scaly creatures usher in the Valentine’s Day weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

Lyric Opera Announces 2020-2021 Season of Classics, New Works and ‘Singin’ in the Rain’

The formidable full schedule will feature 10 major productions, eight of which will be “new to Chicago.” The season also will mark the grand finale of Sir Andrew Davis’ tenure as music director of the Lyric Opera.

A Victory, A Caution: Takeaways from New Hampshire’s Primary

New Hampshire Democrats gave Bernie Sanders a win, but also a warning.

Folded Map Project Highlights Chicago Segregation, Gentrification

Chicagoan Tonika Johnson is using photography to educate people on the disparities she’s noticed within neighborhoods throughout the city. 

It’s Illegal to Pump Your Own Gas in New Jersey. Could Illinois Follow Suit?

A bill proposed in early February by Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, would ban Illinois drivers from pumping their own gas. 

Local Researchers Reveal Secrets of Lunar Dust, Atom by Atom

Local scientists use a powerful new tool to make fresh discoveries from moon dust first collected nearly 50 years ago.

Unofficial Name Change Reignites Debate Over Douglas(s) Park

Signs for Douglas Park on Chicago’s West Side have received an unofficial update in recent weeks: a second “s.” The change comes after years of activisim in North Lawndale to rename the park.

Grand Jury Indicts Jussie Smollett in Alleged Hoax Attack

Six-count indictment accuses actor of making four separate false reports

Nearly a year after he was charged with lying to police about orchestrating an attack on himself, the former “Empire” actor is again facing charges in Cook County court.

Project Delays Cause More Backups, Frustration on Jane Byrne Interchange

Consistently listed one of the worst bottlenecks in the country, a massive project to improve the Jane Byrne Interchange is behind schedule and costing more than originally expected. We discuss the latest on the project.

Crain’s Headlines: Suit Claims Google Violated Illinois Privacy Law

The same Illinois privacy law that recently led Facebook to settle a class-action lawsuit for $550 million could trip up Google as well.

Report: Pilsen Post Office Clerk Told Customers to ‘Speak English’

Community leaders are pushing the postal service for answers – and changes – after a customer reported a clerk who refused to help Spanish-speaking customers.
 

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