Stories by Kristen Thometz

When most people visit a National Park Service site, they visit the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone. Not many realize that there are more than 400 National Park Service sites. But that’s one thing Mikah Meyer hopes to change as he travels cross-country visiting all 412 of those sites.

A planet that could potentially host life has been discovered orbiting Proxima Centauri, the star closest to our solar system, according to a report published Wednesday by more than 30 international scientists.

Brendan Dassey, whose confession to involvement in the murder of Teresa Halbach was depicted in the wildly popular Netflix documentary series “Making a Murderer,” may be released from prison by Thanksgiving. We hear from his post-trial attorney on the judge's ruling.

Without a new contract agreement with CPS, Chicago teachers are looking at their second work stoppage this year. 

Watch the August 24, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Cheer on Chicago athletes, shop for fall accessories, take in an outdoor movie, sip sangria on a sprawling lawn, run through mud, watch dashing dogs and more this weekend.

It has been said that the Great Depression was the best thing that ever happened to American artists. A new exhibition looks at how artists of the 1930s applied their diverse visions to the American dream during this time of immense change.

Free barrels for collecting rainwater are being distributed to South and West Side communities prone to flash flooding.

For the 54th year, the Englewood Back to School Parade celebrates education and pride on the South Side. 

Practicing mindfulness exercises like yoga and meditation can alleviate symptoms of depression and stress among disadvantaged women, according to a recent study.

Watch the August 23, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The day before Chicago Public Schools board members are set to vote on the district’s budget for fiscal year 2017, some analysts are expressing concerns.

As the fall semester begins, a new law goes on the books in Illinois to deal with sexual assault on campus. Just how does it make colleges safer?

Facing the largest equity gap in the country, Illinois state leaders are considering an evidence-based approach designed to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in the classroom.

Labor Day traffic could be the deadliest in nearly a decade. The National Safety Council tells us why–and how to reverse the deadly trend.

A nationwide opioid epidemic is fueling the need for safe disposal of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. What you should know before tossing out your unused medications.

Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson wants seven officers fired over their reports on the Laquan McDonald shooting. We discuss how likely that is–and why the police union says Johnson's move is out of bounds.

Watch the August 22, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

In this food-crazy town, more and more chefs are looking for locally grown produce for their menus. Now they can get gourmet, specialty mushrooms grown in the heart of Chicago. Jay Shefsky went to check it out.  

This fall, voters will get to decide whether or not to eliminate an entire branch of Cook County government that some say could save $1 million per year. Why other county officials are urging voters to keep it around.

Watching a slow-motion replay of a violent football tackle or surveillance video of a fatal robbery can cause viewers to perceive the action as more intentional, according to a new study.

On top of a $5.4 billion proposed budget and nearly $950 million in long-term borrowing, Chicago Public Schools is also seeking to increase its line of credit for the upcoming school year by nearly $500 million.

Lace up your running shoes and kick off your weekend on the right foot this fall with a morning community run. Get the full 'Go Run schedule.

Nearly two dozen speakers attended a pair of hearings Friday to voice their concerns about the district's proposed 2017 budget, questioning the morality and legality of funding cuts and staff layoffs within the cash-strapped district.

Chicago native Wasalu Jaco is a Renaissance man of sorts. Most people know him as Lupe Fiasco, a sharp-tongued rapper and music producer. But next month, another side of his creativity will be on display at the Ed Paschke Art Center.

Just days before two cyclists were fatally struck by automobiles in Chicago, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation strengthening the rights of cyclists.