Stories by Kristen Thometz

Lion dances, pancakes, beer tents and Oscar movie speculation usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

She’s officially been on the job for only a few weeks, but Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson is already earning recognition for her work to improve the district.

Weaving function and design in a new exhibition at a local museum dedicated to Native American art and culture.

The latest on the fallout from sexual harassment allegations in the office of House Speaker Michael Madigan – as some call for him to resign.

Watch the Feb. 20, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

President Trump’s national security adviser says there’s no doubt Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election. The latest on the Mueller investigation.

The superhero film received critical praise and smashed box office records, but for some, the most notable impact is the emergence of an African-American superhero and lead characters.

Will he or won’t he? Former Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy is sounding more and more like a candidate for mayor. He joins us to discuss his potential run against the man who brought him to Chicago.

Whether she’s on stage or on television, it’s hard to not notice Misty Copeland, the professional ballet dancer making history as the first black woman to be named a principal dancer for the iconic American Ballet Theatre.

Melting snow and more than 2 inches of rain have caused flooding and sewer backups in and around Chicago.

The production of “Cosi fan tutte” now at Lyric Opera of Chicago is a beauty. And in its playful but unquestionably bittersweet exploration of love, fidelity, betrayal and the unreliable nature of both men and women, it could easily have been written yesterday.

“I saw each and every one of you from the darkened window of my car,” Erin Bauer wrote in an open letter Tuesday. “The good people in this world far outnumber the bad. Grace and I are humbled, as Paul would be.”

Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined 230-plus mayors Tuesday in formally opposing the Trump administration’s proposed repeal of the Clean Power Plan, which aims to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.

Republicans have spent years trying to thwart House Speaker Michael Madigan. As allegations of sexual harassment by those in Madigan’s inner circle continue to swirl, leading Democrats are joining that chorus.

A forecast of heavy rain, unseasonably warm temperatures and melting snow presents a flooding risk for Chicago. MWRD offers tips to prevent basement backups and reduce strain on local water systems. 

During a special edition of Chicago Tonight, all six Democratic candidates for governor join us to answer questions from an audience of 50 high school students and discuss issues facing Illinois’ young people. 

Learn about the candidates running for Cook County treasurer in the March 20 election as part of WTTW’s 2018 Voters’ Guide to the Cook County Primary.

Learn about the candidates running for Cook County clerk in the March 20 election as part of WTTW’s 2018 Voters’ Guide to the Cook County Primary.

Learn about the candidates running for Cook County Board president in the March 20 election as part of WTTW’s 2018 Voters’ Guide to the Cook County Primary.

Learn about the candidates running for Cook County assessor in the March 20 election as part of WTTW’s 2018 Voters’ Guide to the Cook County Primary.

Learn about the candidates running for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District commissioner (two-year and six-year terms) in the March 20 election as part of WTTW’s 2018 Voters’ Guide to the Cook County Primary.

Learn about the candidates running for Cook County commissioner in the March 20 election as part of WTTW’s 2018 Voters’ Guide to the Cook County Primary.

“The Sheriff’s Office has won praise for progressive reforms to improve and maintain the safety and security of all those housed and employed at the Cook County Jail,” Thomas Dart writes. Learn more about this candidate.

“I am running for this office to bring a voice of environmental conservation and a continued commitment to clean water,” writes Kimberly Neely DuBuclet. Learn more about this candidate.

“With climate change creating increased rainfall, the MWRD must approve more innovative green projects to lessen stress placed upon city sewer systems,” writes Rachel Wales. Learn more about this candidate.

“I’m running for re‐election because the people of Cook County deserve a strong conservation advocate on the Board, because I’ve been able to be an effective leader, and because water matters,” writes Debra Shore. Learn more about this candidate.