Stories by Paul Caine

Long-Vacant Michael Reese Site Poised for Development

The city is asking for proposals to develop the former Michael Reese Hospital site, which has sat vacant for nearly a decade. But what’s the best fit for the 50-acre plot?

Christian Relics in the Chicago Area

Religious relics are important in many religions, and Chicago Sun-Times reporter Robert Herguth recently wrote about some Christian relics on our doorstep. He joins us to talk about what he found.

Civil Rights Icon on America’s Racial Divide, Then and Now

Ruby Bridges became a civil rights icon at the age of 6, when she became the first African-American child to attend a previously all-white elementary school in New Orleans. She joins us in discussion.

Can Someone Die of a Broken Heart?

Before her death Wednesday, actress Debbie Reynolds reportedly said she missed her daughter, Carrie Fisher, who died Tuesday. Can stress or grief cause death? Local doctors explain what broken heart syndrome is.

Local Piano Prodigy Takes His Artistry Around the World

Young keyboard sensation Joshua Mhoon joins us in performance and conversation about his studies in Chicago and abroad.

10 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Chicago

Ring in the New Year with live music, comedy, DJ beats, burlesque and bubbly this weekend. Here are 10 parties in and around Chicago.

17 New Illinois Laws to Know in 2017

Higher city property taxes and a slew of new state laws go into effect at the start of the New Year. We give you the rundown.

December 28, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the Dec. 28, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Your Money: Year-End Financial Tips, Resolutions for 2017

As 2016 comes to a close, what are the smart steps we should be taking with our money? We get tips from a certified financial planner.

Study: Illinois’ Fiscal Mess Will Take a Decade to Fix

It’s no secret that Illinois is in a perilous fiscal situation. But just how bad is it? A new study aims to answer that question definitively.

Term Limits: Would They Help or Hurt Illinois?

Despite apparent public support, the question of whether term limits should be imposed on legislators hasn’t made it onto the ballot in Illinois. We discuss the pros and cons.

Ask Geoffrey: Which Came First, Eisenhower or Old Main Post Office?

The Eisenhower Expressway runs beneath the Old Main Post Office, causing one viewer to wonder which came first. Geoffrey Baer delves into the history of these interlinked landmarks in this encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Erwin Helfer, Blues Professor, Pounding Pianos at Age 80

A Chicago master of blues and boogie-woogie piano joins us in conversation and performance.

A Final Toast to Iconic Chicago Restaurant the Cape Cod Room

For 83 years, the famous and not-so famous fell in love with the Cape Cod Room. But the iconic Chicago restaurant will soon serve its last meals. We tell you why.

Chicago Documentary Filmmaker Killed in Ugandan Bus Crash

David J. Steiner died Monday while travelling through a small Ugandan village. He was there to screen his film “Saving Barbara Sizemore,” a documentary made with Englewood teens about their fight to keep their charter school open.

Study: Immediate Rewards Boost Success of Long-term Goals

Will 2017 be the year you start exercising regularly or eating healthy? If you’re planning on making such a New Year’s resolution, you might want to bake some immediate rewards into your plan of attack.

Critically Endangered Ape Born at Brookfield Zoo

The newborn female Bornean orangutan joins five other orangutans living at the Brookfield Zoo.

December 27, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the Dec. 27, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

City, ‘Secret Santa’ Save Uptown Homeless Shelter

The city of Chicago and a generous “secret Santa” stepped in at the eleventh hour to keep a North Side homeless shelter open after months and months of public protest. What does it mean for the city's homeless population?

‘Getting Religion’ Reflects on 50 Years of Faith in America

Longtime religion reporter Kenneth Woodward tells the story of how American religion, culture and politics influenced each other in his latest book. 

Hedy Weiss Reviews: ‘The Hunter and the Bear,’ ‘The Other Cinderella,’ More

With an abundance of theatrical magic on Chicago-area stages this season, Chicago Sun-Times theater critic Hedy Weiss gives her take on five plays.

How ‘Santa Claus’ Saved Christmas in Chicago

For Chicago’s municipal workers, the Christmas of 1904 was shaping up to be a sorry one indeed. The city was so broke it couldn’t pay municipal employees. But three days before Christmas, Santa Claus himself emerged from City Hall to save the workers’ Christmas. Well – kind of.

Why is Illinois Shrinking?

Illinois' population declined in 2016 for the third straight year, losing more people than any other state in the union. The drop of more than 37,000 people leaves Illinois with a population just north of 12.8 million.

‘Star Wars’ Actress Carrie Fisher Dies at 60

The actress, famous for her role as Princess Leia, died Tuesday morning at the age of 60.

From Elite Soldier to Anti-Poaching Crusader

Meet a former elite soldier from Australia who is now using his special set of skills to combat poaching in Africa.

Art Institute Takes Fresh Look at Pioneering Artist, Teacher

Bold paintings from the 1920s, plus photographs and industrial design: A new show looks at an international artist who made a big impression in Chicago.
 

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