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Web Extra, The Week in Review: New R. Kelly Videotape
| Evan Garcia
Eddie Arruza and guests discuss a newly discovered videotape purportedly showing R&B singer R. Kelly engaging in sexual acts with an underage girl.
The Week in Review: Election Day Fast Approaching
| Evan Garcia
Mayoral candidates square off on “Chicago Tonight.” Jason Van Dyke is attacked in prison. Is R. Kelly about to be indicted? And the controversial alliance between the Cubs and a conservative media outlet.
Valentino, a Baby Antelope, Born on Valentine’s Day at Brookfield Zoo
| Alex Ruppenthal
A tiny African antelope that belongs to one of the smallest species of its kind in the world received a name befitting his Feb. 14 birthday.
Actors Play the Music of August Wilson’s Dialogue in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’
| Hedy Weiss
The harmonies, dissonances and inflections of the conversations among the four men who form Ma Rainey’s fractious band are something of a spoken-word blues opera in this Writers Theatre revival.
19 Exonerees File Federal Lawsuits Against Former Police Sergeant
| Matt Masterson
Plaintiffs claim they were framed by disgraced former police Sgt. Ronald Watts and his tactical team at a South Side housing project, and that a “code of silence” allowed it to happen.
Chicago Police: 2 Questioned in Smollett Attack Are Suspects
| Associated Press
Two men characterized by police as “persons of interest” in the attack against “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett have been arrested on “probable cause that they may have committed a crime,” a Chicago police spokesman said Friday.
Chicago Police, Fox Dispute Reports About Smollett Attack
| Associated Press
Chicago police say local media reports that allege the attack against “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett was a hoax are unconfirmed.
4 Candidates for Mayor Address Crime, Finances, Housing in 1st Forum
| Nicole Cardos
Chicago Tonight kicked off its series of forums Thursday with four of the 14 candidates vying to be Chicago’s next mayor: Jerry Joyce, Neal Sales-Griffin, Bob Fioretti and John Kozlar.
Illinois Set to Hike Minimum Wage to $15, Highest in Midwest
| Associated Press
Illinois legislators moved quickly Thursday to deliver one of new Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s top campaign promises, a gradual hike in the statewide minimum wage from $8.25 to $15 an hour.
UIC Study of High School Cliques Finds Some Disturbing Trends
| Paul Caine
On the first anniversary of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, we examine the role of cliques and alienation in high school life – and what lessons may be learned.
1898 Silent Film Represents Earliest Depiction of On-Screen Black Love
| Brandis Friedman
How a recently discovered film shot in Chicago more than 120 years ago still makes a powerful statement – without saying a word.
Activists Denounce Mayor Emanuel’s Renewable Energy Plan
| Alex Ruppenthal
Mayor Rahm Emanuel announces a plan for transitioning Chicago buildings to 100 percent renewable energy by 2035. But community advocates say the plan ignores existing environmental threats in some parts of the city.
Joffrey Ballet’s World Premiere ‘Anna Karenina’ Fit for the Silver Screen
| Hedy Weiss
This haunting, visually fascinating interpretation of Leo Tolstoy’s massive 1877 novel serves as the latest evidence of the unique ability of the Joffrey to turn dance into riveting, multi-dimensional theater.
DEA Launches Digital Billboard Campaign Against Opioid Use
| Kristen Thometz
As part of its ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, the Drug Enforcement Agency announced Thursday it’s launching a yearlong digital billboard campaign across the Chicago area.
Jason Van Dyke’s Wife, Attorneys Demand Answers After Prison Beating
| Matt Masterson
“The next time this could happen they could kill him,” Tiffany Van Dyke told the media through tears at a press conference Thursday. “I cannot bury my husband.”
Lawsuit Means Chicago Obama Library Plan No Sure Thing
| Associated Press
Odds may still favor the eventual construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, but it’s no longer a sure thing in the face of a formidable legal challenge by a parks advocacy group.
Police Questioning ‘Persons of Interest’ in Smollett Case
| Associated Press
Detectives are interviewing two “persons of interest” who surveillance photos show were in the area of downtown Chicago where “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett said he was attacked last month, police said Thursday.
Mayoral Candidate Forum: Fioretti, Joyce, Kozlar, Sáles-Griffin
| Nicole Cardos
In less than two weeks, 14 candidates will appear on the ballot for mayor of Chicago. The first in our series of three mayoral candidate forums kicks off with four of those candidates.
Source: Jason Van Dyke Beaten by Fellow Inmates in Prison
| Matt Masterson
Former Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke was beaten by his fellow inmates shortly after being transferred to an out-of-state prison, a source close to his family confirms.
Spotlight Politics: Mayoral Money Machine Revs Up
| Paris Schutz
Bill Daley gets a major endorsement for mayor while hauling in big bucks. Carol Marin, Paris Schutz and Amanda Vinicky have details on that story and more in this week’s political roundtable.
Venezuelans in Chicago Hope for Change in Their Homeland
| Eddie Arruza
A growing number of Venezuelans fleeing the turmoil in their country are finding a new life in Chicago. But they’re keeping a close eye on their homeland, with the hopes that change is about to take place.
Behind the Curtain of the Joffrey’s Newest Production, ‘Anna Karenina’
| Brandis Friedman
For the first time in its history, the Joffrey Ballet cues up an entirely new score for its daring new production. We get a peek at the company’s creative process – and personalities.
Candidate Forum: Chicago City Treasurer Hopefuls Face Off
| Nick Blumberg
The Chicago mayor’s race is getting a lot of attention, but it’s not the only contested citywide race in the Feb. 26 election. Meet the candidates running to replace outgoing Treasurer Kurt Summers.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. 14-17
| Kristen Thometz
New musicals, vintage wedding dresses, motorcycles and encased meats usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
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