Stories by Paul Caine

A vote this week in the Illinois Senate could determine whether poorer school districts like Chicago Public Schools get more state money. But top Republicans say it’s a nonstarter because more affluent suburban school districts would lose money as a result. 

Sandor Weisz is back with another brain-baffling puzzle. Congratulations to our winner, Steve Orlove. You can still play the puzzle – or you can discover the solution.

Hear what viewers had to say about the ongoing battle over the Lucas Museum when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

At the first modern Olympic Games, a group of Americans' unexpected victory is part of the reason why we still celebrate the games today. A new photography exhibit traces the history of the games and explores its 1896 revival. 

An Illinois constitutional amendment that would create an independent commission to redraw legislative districts every 10 years is one step closer to November’s election ballot. The group Independent Maps delivered petitions with 570,000 signatures to the state capitol in Springfield on Friday. 

The migratory birds are starting to nest in the area, but their nests don't look like those found in trees. That's because purple martins, which spend their winters in South America, now rely almost entirely on man-made nests when they arrive each spring. 

Joel Weisman and his guests discuss the week’s news, including the announcement by “Star Wars” movie mogul George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson that they are looking at locations outside of Chicago for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.

From New York to Chicago, the influential photographer and teacher focused on “the drama of objects.”

Watch the May 5, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Now that Donald Trump is the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, the hand-wringing and discord within the party is growing.

In a surprise move, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez says she wants off the Jason Van Dyke case involving the killing of Laquan McDonald. 

Immigrant and refugee women find joy, companionship and healing in knitting. Jay Shefsky takes us to their workshop.  

Get a laugh or two from one of the dozens of groups performing at the Chicago Improv Festival, have a pint at the Chicago Beer Classic and celebrate mom on Mother's Day.

Hear what viewers had to say about our conversation with Lori Lightfoot and Dean Angelo, Phil Ponce's discussion with Archbishop Blaise Cupich and our interview with Julie DiCaro when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Watch the May 4, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

After Friends of the Parks declared its opposition to any lakefront site for the Lucas Museum, Mellody Hobson, wife of movie mogul George Lucas and board member of the Lucas Museum, said they were “seriously pursuing locations outside of Chicago.” 

Faced with major, ongoing financial pressure, the Archdiocese of Chicago is looking hard at its mission and membership. Archbishop Blase Cupich talks about the Chicago Catholic Church's money woes and how it might reorganize and revitalize itself.

On Wednesday, a coalition of 64 Illinois-based human and social service agencies and companies filed a lawsuit against Gov. Bruce Rauner and the directors of six statewide agencies seeking payment for work performed since July 1, 2015.

How local forest preserves are using fire to maintain the Chicago area's natural ecosystem, much like Native Americans did prior to European settlement.

Can aerial gondolas proposed for tours along the Chicago River lift tourism business in the city? Crain's managing editor Ann Dwyer joins us to discuss this story and more.

The star of "The King and I," now on stage at the Lyric Opera, talks about her Evanston roots and performs songs from the production.

Coral reefs evolved 240 million years ago, but now scientists say coral reefs could be gone before the end of this century. They say the biggest threat is the warming ocean water. Three major institutions in Chicago are now actively engaged in the fight to save the coral reefs.  

Watch the May 3, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Donald Trump has racked up a number of victories in his presidential bid, but he's also been a big winner in Chicago. Hear from the Sun-Times reporters who've uncovered Trump's big tax breaks thanks to Ald. Ed Burke (14th Ward).

The barbs turned personal during Tuesday's primary battle in Indiana. Trump claimed another victory, and Cruz suspended his campaign. What will these results mean for the big picture?