Stories by Kristen Thometz

A green river, St. Patrick’s Day parade, historical scavenger hunt and oodles of pancakes topped with fresh maple syrup usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

In their final meeting before the primary, the top three Democratic candidates for governor explain why they should represent their party in November. J.B. Prizker, Chris Kennedy and Daniel Biss join us. 

This is a scorching production that is all the more potent for its extreme, immersive intimacy. Read the full review.

Watch the March 13, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A bill that would have placed more regulations on gun dealers goes down with the stroke of a pen in Springfield.

A brightly colored moth rarely seen in the U.S. (and bigger than a human hand) emerged from its cocoon Friday at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – but you better get there fast if you want to see it.

Just how complicated is election law? An unexpected opening on the Cook County primary ballot offers some insight.

Students from dozens of schools across the city are planning to take part in a 17-minute walkout Wednesday morning, with each minute representing a life lost during the Feb. 14 mass shooting at a Florida high school.

State Rep. Jeanne Ives is running an insurgent campaign to challenge Gov. Bruce Rauner in the Republican gubernatorial primary on March 20. Hear about her campaign and plans for the state in our full video.

Political leaders of the fabled Chicago Democratic machine have lost public support from a group of lawyers, one of whom may in the near future be well-placed to do more than just talk about rooting out corruption.

Watch the March 12, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

An extensive investigation found evidence the revered conductor, who was for years associated with the Ravinia Festival and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, committed sexual abuse and harassment, the New York Times reports.

Reviews of two special productions that came to Chicago stages this past weekend: the world premiere of “Long Way Home” from hip-hop masters the Q Brothers Collective; and Lyric Opera’s celebration of Leonard Bernstein.

A citywide campaign seeks to curb underage drinking through public awareness and school policy reforms. “We don’t want schools to suspend students,” said Juan Padilla, a Voices of Youth in Chicago Education organizer.

Meet the eight Democrats running for Illinois attorney general Monday during a special hourlong episode of “Chicago Tonight.” Watch the full video.

A review of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Auditorium Theatre, and in dance news: a $1 million gift for the Joffrey Ballet.

Shomari Legghette, 44, pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder on Monday in front of more than a dozen Chicago police officers.

Amid increasing speculation over a possible run for president in 2020, the former vice president delivered a speech Friday at Northwestern University. See photos from the event.

The Chicago River is cleaner today than it has been in generations, but “cleaner” is a relative term. One local advocacy group wants the city to aim for a trash-free river.

More criminal charges could be on the way for the four-time felon accused in the shooting death of Chicago Police Department Cmdr. Paul Bauer.

Accusations and endorsements fly as the primary election nears. House Speaker Michael Madigan warns Democrats against harassment – again. The city sues opioid distributors. And Loyola preps for the Big Dance.

Paris Schutz and guests discuss the ongoing debate over House Speaker Michael Madigan’s handling of allegations of sexual harassment in his political offices.

Despite a lush score, excellent voices and several memorable characterizations, the story often loses its focus in a new production of “Faust” at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Watch the March 8, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Bird experts from around the world are flocking to a Chicago Audubon Society event in Chicago this weekend. We speak with conservationist George Archibald, who delivers the keynote speech at event.

There’s no shortage of candidates to replace Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. But while Democrats have eight candidates to choose from, on the Republican side there are just two.