Stories by Hunter Clauss

The nuclear codes come up during almost every presidential election. We talk with the woman overseeing the Doomsday Clock about the president's authority over the nation's nuclear arsenal. 

Most Chicago homeowners–with the exception of some 18 aldermen–are facing property tax increases and the prospect of more to come. Will the tax hikes dampen home sales?

Actor Jonathan Pryce joins us to talk about the controversial character Shylock he portrays in Shakepeare's “The Merchant of Venice”–and his scene-stealing role in “Game of Thrones.”

Michael Phelps is making a splash at the 2016 Olympics for his performance–and his appearance. A local physical therapist explains why he’s covered with bruises.

Take in live music, pedal through city streets in the wee hours, line up for an iconic parade and sip wine in the suburbs. Get details on those events and more things to do this weekend.

Take a look inside a museum of Puerto Rican art and culture in a historic building in Humboldt Park.

One year in and the city's ban on flimsy, one-use plastic bags is now fully in effect. But is it really reducing pollution or, as some critics charge, is it actually making the problem worse? Our panel examines the ban's impact.

Watch the August 10, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Is Donald Trump inciting violence with his latest controversial quip? A closer look at whether his words constitute free speech. 

Tornadoes had kept away from Chicago since 2006, but a brief landspout brought an end to that streak Tuesday afternoon.

Geoffrey Baer shares the story of the remarkable man who gave Sox Park's famous intersection one of its names.

Peak activity for the Perseids is expected to be Thursday and Friday, according to NASA. The best time to view the meteors is between midnight and dawn, no telescope required.

The Grammy award-winning rock icon joins Eddie Arruza to reflect on his 40-year career in music. 

Three street gangs have allegedly vowed to target cops in the wake of the fatal police shooting of Paul O'Neal. We talk with the member of Congress who represents the area where O'Neal was shot.

Rod Blagojevich must serve his full prison sentence. A stunning ruling at the ex-governor's resentencing Tuesday. Find out what Blagojevich said in his own defense.

Watch the August 9, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

One of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century comes to Chicago: ancient soldiers from an army of Chinese terra-cotta warriors.

A visit from Carol Fisher Saller, the Subversive Copy Editor. She's here to help us make peace with changes to the English language.

There are hundreds of judges in Illinois, and a new website aims to educate users about their backgrounds and how judges are appointed, among other things.

An inside look at the world of pinball machines with the president of the world's largest pinball company, Gary Stern. 

State lawmakers hope newly passed legislation will help better prepare Illinois high schoolers for the rigors of a college education.

A new memoir tells the story of a young mother separated from her husband during the Nigerian civil war in the 1960s. Hear how she protected her family, including future Chicago Sun-Times journalist Maudlyne Ihejirika.

Newly released videos capturing the events leading up to the fatal police shooting of 18-year-old Paul O’Neal sparked protests over the weekend.

Now that Chicago Public Schools has released its budget plans for the coming year, can the district and the Chicago Teachers Union finally nail down a contract agreement?

It's one of the most beautiful locations in one of the busiest areas of Chicago, but Lincoln Park's North Pond is not in good health. Learn about a proposal for a major makeover.

Watch the August 8, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."