Stories by Nicole Cardos

A still image from the Gillette commercial, “We Believe: The Best Men Can Be.”

Gillette’s ‘We Believe’ Ad Sparks Controversy, Dialogue

What does a new ad campaign say about masculinity in the #MeToo era? We explore reactions both positive and negative to Gillette’s “We Believe” commercial.

(Ken Teegardin / Flickr)

What’s the Price Tag of the Government Shutdown? Economists Weigh In

Federal workers are feeling the effects of the government shutdown, but what about everyone else? Local economists weigh in on that and the economic forecast for 2019.

Judge Approves Settlement for 50-Year-Old Housing Discrimination Case

A decadeslong public housing lawsuit has nearly come to an end, marking “a seminal moment in Chicago’s history,” according to a joint statement from Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CHA CEO Eugene Jones Jr.

The Rev. Marvin Hunter, Laquan McDonald’s great-uncle, appears on “Chicago Tonight.”

Van Dyke Sentence a Complicated ‘Victory’ for McDonald Family

The sentencing of Jason Van Dyke raises questions about criminal justice and police reform in Chicago and beyond. The Rev. Marvin Hunter, Laquan McDonald’s great-uncle, weighs in.

This June 13, 2008 file photo shows R&B singer R. Kelly arriving at the Cook County Criminal Court Building. (AP Photo / M. Spencer Green, File)

Journalists Discuss ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ and Impact on #MeToo Movement

The Chicago Sun-Times’ Kathy Chaney and Mary Mitchell, who are featured in a new Lifetime docuseries about R. Kelly, weigh in on the latest allegations against the R&B star.

J.B. Pritzker sat down for an interview with Amanda Vinicky on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, a day before he was sworn in as Illinois’ new governor.

One-on-One With New Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker

On the eve of his inauguration as Illinois’ 43rd governor, J.B. Pritzker sits down for an interview with Amanda Vinicky and talks about his plans for the state.

(Courtesy Jerry Joyce)

Chicago Attorney Jerry Joyce Talks About His Bid for Mayor

You may have heard his family name in local politics before. Mayoral candidate Jerry Joyce joins us in conversation.

50-Year-Old Housing Discrimination Case Reaches Settlement

A lawsuit against the Chicago Housing Authority is coming to an end. The lead counsel on that case tells us what it’s about – and its impact.

New Book Looks at Publications About Chicago’s Image, Impact

Books about Chicago and the city’s impact around the world are featured in the new book, “Chicago by the Book.” Why some made the cut – and others didn’t.

Ald. Ed Burke speaks to “Chicago Tonight” and other media after returning to his home on the Southwest Side on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Earlier in the day, federal agents conducted a raid on his offices. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune via AP)

Former Federal Prosecutor Talks Charges Against Ald. Ed Burke

This isn’t the first time a Chicago lawmaker has been charged with a federal crime, but the case does bring up several questions. Renato Mariotti, a former federal prosecutor, gives us his take.

Fritz Kaegi appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Jan. 3, 2019.

How Fritz Kaegi Plans to Transform the Cook County Assessor’s Office

The new Cook County assessor has vowed to bring fairness, transparency, ethics and modernization to the office. Fritz Kaegi joins us to discuss his 100-day plan and more.

New Book Examines Past, Present and Future of Free Speech in U.S.

How did we get the free speech protections we enjoy today, and where might they head in the future? A new book uncovers that – and more.

Ja’Mal Green talks about his mayoral bid on “Chicago Tonight” on April 24, 2018.

Ja’Mal Green Drops Out of Mayor’s Race

Activist and entrepreneur Ja’Mal Green has dropped out of the race to become Chicago’s next mayor. His departure brings to 17 the number of candidates vying for the seat.

Lockheed U-2A (U.S. Air Force photo)

‘Brotherhood’ Takes Deep Dive Into America’s U-2 Spy Program

Who were the central players behind America’s U-2 spy program? A new book by Monte Reel tells all. 

“Whatever it takes. I mean, we’re going to have a wall. We’re going to have safety. We need safety,” President Donald Trump said Wednesday when asked how long he anticipates the shutdown to continue.

Trump, Democrats Continue Battle Over Funding, With No Budget in Sight

Six days of a federal shutdown with no budget deal in sight. What’s happening in and out of the nation’s capital, and what can we expect? Lisa Desjardins of the “PBS NewsHour” joins us.

Orville Wright pilots a historic, 12-second flight on Dec. 17, 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, as Wilbur Wright observes.

‘Wright Brothers, Wrong Story’ the Untold Account of Historic Flight

Local author William Hazelgrove debunks what he calls “the Wright Brothers myth” in his new book about the history-making duo.

Chicago mayoral candidate and former Ald. Bob Fioretti appears on “Chicago Tonight.”

Bob Fioretti Focuses on Taxes, Pensions in 2nd Bid for Chicago Mayor

The attorney and former 2nd Ward alderman tells us why he’s running for Chicago mayor – again.

Plaintiff Burl F. speaks to the media about the class-action lawsuit on Dec. 13, 2018.

Plaintiff: ‘Warehousing’ Children Can Ignite Feelings of ‘No Self-Worth’

A new lawsuit claims DCFS is keeping Illinois children in psych wards beyond medical necessity. We hear from the plaintiff in that case.

(agilemktg1 / Flickr)

After Texas Ruling, What’s Next for Obamacare?

A federal judge’s ruling puts the future of Obamacare on the line. Is the sweeping health care initiative again in peril?

(Almonroth / Wikimedia Commons)

5 Ways to Protect Yourself Against Data Breaches

The recent Marriott hotel data breach affected half a billion people. Who’s behind the attack, and what can we learn from it? We speak with Blase Ur, assistant professor of computer science at the University of Chicago.

In this May, 4, 2011 file photo, Chicago Ald. Ed Burke speaks at a City Council meeting in Chicago. (AP Photo /M. Spencer Green, File)

Plan Proposes Moving $100M Workers’ Comp Program to New Hands

Some City Council members want to put the $100 million-a-year workers’ compensation program in new hands. We hear from the alderman leading the charge. 

“No one thing is going to solve the problem across four funds,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said of Chicago’s pension crisis on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018.

Pension Plan: How Mayor Emanuel Hopes to Confront Pension Obligations

Mayor Rahm Emanuel makes a major announcement on addressing the city’s pension crisis. What the plan calls for – and what it means moving forward.

Ald. Danny Solis (Chicago Tonight file photo)

After 23 Years on City Council, Ald. Solis Not Seeking Re-Election

Just days after he said he was going to file petitions to seek re-election as 25th Ward alderman, Danny Solis announced he’s not pursuing another term. He joins us to reflect on his career and look to the city’s future.

The cast of “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” at Lookingglass Theatre. (Photo by Liz Lauren)

Monsters, Musicals and Must-Sees at the Theater

From monsters and novelists to a depressed construction foreman in Belarus, the Chicago theater scene is as varied as ever. Hedy Weiss joins us with reviews and recommendations.

(Courtesy Desmond Upton Patton)

What Social Media Posts Can Tell Us about Gang Violence

Gang violence in Chicago has been researched, debated and battled for years. What role might artificial intelligence play in preventing violence?

Gov. Bruce Rauner delivers his concession speech on Nov. 6, 2018 after being defeated in the general election by Democrat J.B. Pritzker.

Where Do Illinois Republicans Go From Here?

President Donald Trump has been vocal on the topic of where the GOP stands, but where do Republicans in Illinois think they’re headed?