Stories by Paul Caine

Deaths from distracted driving are rising sharply. We talk with a transportation safety expert about what can be done to bring the number of fatalities down.

International speaker Taylor Gerring explains how Bitcoin’s blockchain technology could revolutionize multiple industries.

Roughly 20 percent of the produce grown in this country is never eaten, and a lot of it never even makes it off the farm because it doesn’t look right. Now, Chicagoans can buy that perfectly good (but unattractive) produce. 

A suburban high school struggling with the death of three teachers commissions an orchestral work to help the healing process.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said Tuesday she “did not remember” the specific vulgarities used by President Donald Trump in a meeting last week, saying profanity was used by almost everyone in the room. 

Watch the Jan. 15, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

We visit a Chicago museum that presents history in an unexpected way: as told by buttons.

Attorneys for Brendt Christensen have filed new motions challenging the federal jurisdiction over the potential capital case and seeking to have the top count thrown out.

On a day honoring a man devoted to racial harmony, many leaders and activists are reacting to assertions from President Donald Trump that he is not a racist.

The Obama Foundation revised its plans for the Jackson Park project after criticism, but activists still have significant concerns over roadwork, traffic and community engagement.

Christian Picciolini talks about his life within the white supremacist movement and his subsequent efforts to combat racism, as told in his new book “White American Youth.”

After a public call for Apple to make its smartphones less habit-forming, we take a look at internet addiction in a digital age.

Two GOP senators say it didn't happen, Sen. Dick Durbin says it did. More on the fallout from the president’s reported comments about Haitian and African immigrants.

Researchers have created a tool that can predict language learning in deaf children after they receive a cochlear implant. Prediction is just the first step, says Dr. Nancy Young. “We’re trying to create precision therapy.”

The colorful display of feathers common among hummingbirds has roots in a bird-like Chinese dinosaur from 161 million years ago, a new study finds.

A nonprofit group working with the University of Chicago is poised to sue U.S. Steel over Lake Michigan pollution if a deal is not reached by Sunday between the company and environmental regulators.

As Chicago Public Schools faces a state-led public inquiry into its special education practices, it announces dozens of new positions to bolster its diverse learning supports at more than 50 schools across the city.

Brookfield Zoo welcomed a newborn gray seal on Dec. 26. The male pup weighed 36 pounds at birth and is expected to weigh more than 120 pounds by the time he is weaned at three weeks. 

Is Oprah serious about a run for the White House? Will Garry McCarthy run for mayor? Karen Lewis laughs at a draft of her obit. And the Bears have a new head coach.  

Don’t let frigid weather derail your outdoor exercise routine. With the proper precautions and gear, you can keep it up all winter long, says orthopedic surgeon Dr. Diego Villacis.

Watch the Jan. 11, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The Illinois primary is March 20, but you don’t have to wait until then to cast your ballot.

A team led by Field Museum conservation ecologist Corine Vriesendorp has worked for 15 years to protect one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. This week, it was designated as a national park.

An exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago features the artistic outpouring of Russian artists after the October Revolution of 1917, the coup that brought the Soviet Union into being more than a century ago.

He has seemingly been part of the Chicago political scene forever, first as an activist but then as an alderman, political science professor and twice as an unsuccessful candidate for Congress. Dick Simpson talks about his new book.

The author, actor and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member tells us about her new stand-up residency at The Second City.