Stories by Kristen Thometz

“Bravery means that you’re fearful,” Ariel Investments President Mellody Hobson said  to an audience of 1,600 during the annual Women in the Forefront luncheon last week. “You cannot be brave without fear. I think that’s more important than anything else, especially for women.” 

Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger tightens state lawmakers' belts, hoping to force a budget deal. Will that work to break the deadlock?

The Chicago Teachers Union explains why it's counting down the clock to another strike. But will the strike happen at the end of this school year or the beginning of next?

Watch the April 18, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Historic St. Adalbert Church on Chicago's South Side is the latest casualty of a declining Catholic congregation and expensive upkeep. But could its listing by a preservation group give it new life?

The Chicago Tribune's Pulitzer prize-winning architecture critic discusses a new lakefront proposal for the Lucas Museum and architecturally significant churches like St. Adalbert's in Pilsen that preservationists warn are at risk.

The country of Ecuador is recovering from a massive earthquake that hit on Saturday, leaving 350 people dead and thousands homeless. Last Thursday, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa joined “Chicago Tonight” to talk about the South American nation that straddles the equator.

In 1986, Karolina Kowalczyk’s mother was pregnant and living in Poland when the Chernobyl nuclear reactor exploded. Kowalczyk's intricate paper art is now part of an exhibition at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art commemorating the 30-year anniversary of the disaster.

A new lakefront location for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is being proposed in Chicago. Mellody Hobson, wife of movie mogul George Lucas and board member of the Lucas Museum, calls it a “good idea.”

When it comes to physical education, a new report shows many states aren’t measuring up to national recommendations, including Illinois. Only Oregon and the District of Columbia meet national recommendations for weekly time in physical education at both the elementary and middle school levels, according to the report. 

The snow monkey, born on Wednesday, has since clung tightly to 11-year-old mother Ono. Zoo employees have not yet named it or determined its sex. Maureen Leahy, the zoo’s curator of primates, said they prefer to give mother and infant plenty of space at this stage.

The Chicago Police Department faces a scathing review from a reform task force that says many Chicagoans believe officers are "fundamentally racist." Joel Weisman and guests discuss this story and more on this week's show.

Mayor Emanuel's Police Accountability Task Force has issued a sobering assessment of the Chicago Police Department. We talk about the findings and recommendations with task force and community members during this special edition of "Chicago Tonight."

Watch the April 14, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A Catholic church in the Pilsen neighborhood is among 11 sites on this year's list of most endangered historic places in Illinois.

In this edition of Ask Geoffrey, our local history expert Geoffrey Baer hits the streets to answer road-related questions such as, Why are there so many angled streets running northwest in Chicago? And, What exactly does Division Street divide? And, Where is Beethoven Place?

Pediatric occupational therapist and author Stacey Glorioso wants to teach children how to become dragon slayers. In her book, “Joshua’s Dragon,” the story’s namesake character leads the way and shows how he defeats his dragon—overcoming his fear of loud noises.

See films and music acts from around the globe at CIMMfest, check out a free screening of the documentary "Peace Officer" and stop by the Greek Independence Day Parade in Greektown. 

“The community's lack of trust in the Chicago police department is justified.” That's a direct quote from the scathing report released Wednesday afternoon by the Police Accountability Task Force. 

There is worldwide fallout over the release of millions of documents known as the Panama Papers, which show how the wealthy around the world are hiding assets. And it's raising questions about whether tax havens are appropriate. A look at both sides of the controversy.

The inaugural two-day festival coming April 21 showcases films that address issues of gender, race, sexuality and other topics related to social injustice and inequality.

Watch the April 13, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The veteran DJ and Radio Hall of Famer is back on the air following cancer surgery earlier this year. Learn about her new project blending a history lesson with live music.

A new book spotlights the lives and careers of the first two women to serve on the United States Supreme Court—Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

The Police Accountability Task Force released its report Wednesday on the Chicago Police Department, saying the CPD is broken and has a “history of racial disparity and discrimination.” Will the City Council move to abolish IPRA?

We take a peek inside the mind – and bedroom – of Vincent Van Gogh in an exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago that runs through May 10.