It raked in nearly $250 million in its first weekend, garnering critical acclaim along the way. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is well on its way to becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time. Tonight, we revisit a 2013 "Chicago Tonight" report that introduced viewers to the Chicago computer scientists who helped make some key special effects in the very first "Star Wars" movie.

We talk with an Al Jazeera correspondent about being on the ground in Ferguson and the impact police presence is having on protesters and the press. 

Thirty-six years ago, Star Wars exploded onto the screen and made cinematic history. The blockbuster film began what would become a multi-billion dollar empire for George Lucas, and spawned companies like Industrial Light & Magic, and Pixar. We revisit Ash-har Quraishi's story of how Chicago played a pivotal role in sci-fi cinematic history. Read an article, view a slideshow, and watch web extra video.

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A food additive that has been used for decades is stirring up controversy. We talk with a Chicago researcher who is in the midst of clinical trials to uncover its potential hazards. Read an article about carrageenan.

Computer scientists are partnering with physicians to take next-generation virtual reality to the extreme. We revisit Ash-har Quraishi's exploration inside the CAVE2 in tonight's edition of Scientific Chicago. Read an article and view a slideshow.

Ash-har Quraishi has the story of how Chicago played a pivotal role in sci-fi cinematic history.

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A food additive that has been used for decades is stirring up controversy. We talk with a Chicago researcher who is in the midst of clinical trials to uncover its potential hazards. Ash-har Quraishi has the story in tonight's Scientific Chicago.

Computer scientists are partnering with physicians to take next-generation virtual reality to the extreme. Ash-har Quraishi goes inside the CAVE2 in tonight's edition of Scientific Chicago.

In tonight's Scientific Chicago, Ash-har Quraishi takes a look at a recent scientific study that delves deep into what happens as we recall events from our past.

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Could the secret to good health and combating disease rest in the gut? We revisit Ash-har Quraishi's story about an unusual procedure that could provide some answers.

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Changing the way medicine targets cancer. Could doctors one day kill cancer cells without the use of drugs or chemotherapy? Ash-har Quraishi spotlights some promising research in tonight's edition of Scientific Chicago.

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Could the secret to good health and combating disease rest in the gut? In tonight's Scientific Chicago, Ash-har Quraishi tells us about an unusual procedure that could provide some answers.

For decades the national emblem had been endangered, but for some lucky bird lovers catching a glimpse of this majestic animal is just a matter of looking out the window. We tell you where you can spot the great American Bald Eagle.

A multimillion dollar public-private partnership has attracted donors from all over the world. We show you how it's breathing new life into old athletic fields.

Bee hives, hand cream and O'Hare Airport. We show you how one social enterprise is utilizing the sweet nectar of honey to give its employees a fresh start.

A multimillion dollar public-private partnership has attracted donors from all over the world. We show you how it's breathing new life into old athletic fields.