How an array of fines and fees are preventing many poor, low-level offenders in Illinois courts from moving beyond a life of crime.

Sen. Tim Kaine and Gov. Mike Pence squared off Tuesday night, but did it move any voters? We talk presidential politics. 

The founder and former host of “America’s Test Kitchen” is back with a new project and a broader vision.

Chicago women had a professional baseball league of their own in the 1940s and '50s. We revisit Geoffrey Baer's story of the National Girls Baseball League.

Shelisa Jones is on a mission from God. Her plan? Rent out Soldier Field next Monday for a citywide interfaith prayer vigil for peace during one of Chicago’s most violent years in decades. 

Who will police the Chicago police? Plans to clean house and overhaul the police accountability process face a crucial City Council vote.

With the recent opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, we get an update on Chicago's museum of African American history.

Sara Sayigh, a 60-year-old librarian on the historic DuSable High School campus, was one of nearly 250 educators and support staff CPS laid off this week because of shrinking budgets and declining enrollment.

He was a literary giant who chronicled the seedy side of the city. We talk with the author of a new biography about Chicago writer Nelson Algren.

The 11th annual festival is underway. Get a preview of this year's artists and hear a performance by guitarist Iliana Matos.

We hear from three business leaders on their efforts to help Chicago reduce violent crime.

The eastern massasauga rattlesnake, also known as the “swamp rattler,” produces venom more toxic than most other rattlesnakes.

The story behind a new stage adaptation of an infamous–and fatal–boxing match that was televised in the 1960s.

Elsa Harris has played in Chicago churches since she was 12 years old and has performed around the world. We visit this “legend of Chicago gospel.”

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