Stories by Kristen Thometz

There was no public countdown, no fanfare this time. And yet, a corpse flower is blooming – right now – at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Watch a livestream of the rare event.

After a year of delays, the Array of Things urban data sensor project is back on track and prepping to collect all sorts of information on Chicago's streets by early next year. Joining us to discuss the initiative are the project’s lead scientist Charlie Catlett and author Lori Andrews.

Along a busy stretch of Western Avenue on the North Side of the city is the newly opened West Ridge Nature Preserve. The 20-acre park includes woods, wetlands, walking paths and a 4.5-acre pond. Jay Shefsky goes for a tour. 

Conservationist George Archibald has spent his life working to bring cranes back from the brink of extinction. He joins “Chicago Tonight” to talk about his groundbreaking work which has been recognized around the world.

Chicago Tribune rock critic Greg Kot and his co-author Keith Miniscalco discuss their book “Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Basketball.”

Did you take pictures of Sunday's harvest supermoon eclipse? We'd like to see them. Use the form below to share your photos with us and we'll use them in an online gallery.

Last week NASA said it would be making a major announcement today about a discovery on Mars. While some space fans might have been hoping it was about finding life, the announcement was about something almost as significant. Adler Planetarium astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz joins us to discuss the latest on the Red Planet.

Senate President John Cullerton and Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno discuss the budget standoff in Springfield.

Quarterback Jimmy Clausen fell to 1-11 in 12 career starts after failing to lead the Bears into the red zone at CenturyLink Field. Starting in place of the injured Jay Cutler, Clausen didn't make any big mistakes but also couldn't generate any big plays. 

Some city officials, landlords and service providers say they are seeing an uptick in reported cases of hoarding in the Chicago area. We unpack what's behind this perceived increase, and the challenges of addressing what in some cases could be considered a mental illness.

The days might be numbered for yesterday's sex ed classes. That’s because Northwestern University unveiled Monday a new, online sex education course that incorporates 3-D animation. It's being compared by organizers to Neil deGrasse Tyson’s “Cosmos” TV show – only it’s about inner space instead of outer space.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company celebrated 40 years Sunday night with the world premiere of Frank Galati's adaptation of John Steinbeck's "East of Eden." Here to discuss the play are director Terry Kinney and Steppenwolf's new artistic producer Jonathan Berry.

The longtime Steppenwolf ensemble member talks about his struggles with adaptation and the company's future under Anna Shapiro. 

Weather permitting, the Chicago area will be treated to prime time, front-row seats for a rare astronomical phenomenon Sunday evening when a total lunar eclipse of a simultaneous harvest moon, supermoon and blood moon rises above the horizon.

Eddie Arruza and his panel of guests discuss the mayor’s budget proposal and other top stories of the week. 

From a visit with the "notorious" Ruth Bader Ginsburg to strong words from the powerful Democratic Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, here are the five stories "Chicago Tonight" readers were most interested in over the past seven days.

Encased in glass and measuring approximately 155,000 square feet, Northwestern's new Ryan Center for the Musical Arts has set sail along the Evanston lakefront.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel joins us for his first extended interview since proposing his so-called "last resort" budget.

The plastic bag ordinance that took effect Aug. 1 may not be having the impact that was intended, as retailers begin to offer thicker plastic bags in place of the older, thinner ones. Environmentalists say that alternatives exist, while retailers insist their customers prefer plastic. However, there may be a way to reduce plastic bag use that both environmentalists and retailers can agree on. Brandis Friedman has the story.

The pilot, which follows the trials of a Chicago actor, will now move forward as an NBC Web series. 

Were you watching this week? Test your knowledge with these nine questions.

A free screening of the 1993 film starring Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker starts at 7:30 p.m.

In this edition of Ask Geoffrey, our local history expert Geoffrey Baer revisits a Streeterville puppet show, examines underground architecture on the Blue Line and digs deep into the history of Montrose Beach.