Stories by Hunter Clauss

As summer turns to fall, time seems to be at a standstill in Springfield. With the House not scheduled to meet anytime soon, is now the time for state lawmakers to break ranks and come up with a plan B? And if so, what practical options do they have? We talk with a group of so-called rebel lawmakers.

As the Cubs head into the playoffs for the first time since 2008, the team is seeing an almost 12 percent increase in attendance. What effect might this have on future ticket prices? Crain’s Chicago Business deputy managing editor Ann Dwyer sheds light on this story and others with Eddie Arruza.

An ambitious new government-led research initiative aims to fully map the human brain. The goal is to advance understanding of how the brain works and develop treatments for crippling neurological diseases. But for researchers, the Holy Grail is to understand the origins of human consciousness. Two leading neuroscientists join us to talk about this potentially groundbreaking project.

From incredible feline feats to free museum admission, to a pooch parade to hot apple cider, we've got your weekend covered.

An architect with a global portfolio but a laser-like focus on context. Works deeply embedded in culture but devoted to breaking stereotypes. And a talented eye with more of an approach than a style. "Chicago Tonight" takes a look inside David Adjaye's new solo architecture exhibition at the Art Institute’s modern wing.

Amid controversy and an outcry from parents and principals regarding budget cuts to special education and layoffs for teachers and aides, CPS announces plans to change the way the district serves students with special needs. Tonight, find out how the district plans to change its focus. 

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.