Stories by Alex Ruppenthal

Chicago, Pittsburgh and dozens of other U.S. cities are standing by Paris despite President Donald Trump’s announcement last week that he will withdraw the U.S. from the landmark climate change agreement.

Can the violin lower student dropout rates? A classically trained musician and a social worker think music lessons have the power to inspire change.

Vacant city lots are often dismissed as derelict urban eyesores, but now some environmentalists are viewing these empty spaces as ecological opportunities. 

The Marie Joseph House of Hospitality for Women in Hyde Park houses 10 asylum seekers and refugees. Thanks to a unique partnership with ICE, women who would otherwise be in detention facilities live in the co-op style home.  

Chicago loves its history as much as its hooch, so we’re back for another round of cocktails that celebrate Chicago’s finest – or most infamous, and we’re kicking the series off with the undisputed queen of Chicago society.

Gov. Bruce Rauner reiterated his opposition Friday to a bill that would give Chicago an elected Board of Education, calling the measure “political spin” – a statement one of the legislation’s chief sponsors described as “ridiculous.”

No budget for a third consecutive year. J.B. Pritzker caught on FBI tapes seeking a political appointment. And will Tiger Woods’ DUI derail his Chicago golf course plans? These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

On a mission from Chicago, two Shedd Aquarium staffers have been providing around-the-clock care for a sea otter pup rescued in Alaska. 

In a culture where swiping left and right has become part of the dating ritual, a local clinical psychologist and her former student have some advice: get to work.

One week before Chicago Public Schools’ 2017-18 school year begins, district CEO Forrest Claypool and a handful of other high-ranking CPS officials will be called to testify as witnesses in a yearslong whistleblower case that dates back to their time working at the Chicago Transit Authority.

The two credit agencies have downgraded Illinois' bond rating yet again.

Watch the June 1, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Gov. Bruce Rauner sits down with Amanda Vinicky to talk about the next steps in Springfield.

A new report shows Chicago Public Schools has fallen behind on removing or encapsulating asbestos found in dozens of school buildings.

Chicago elected officials and environmental leaders react to President Trump's decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate accord. 

A dramatic transformation in the Lawndale Triangle, after two years of hard work. “When you sit here, you feel a sense of peace,” said one community organizer.

Maifest, a traditional German festival to usher in spring, kicks off Thursday in Lincoln Square. 

Art fairs, comedy shows and street festivals usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

Author Laura Kipnis joins Chicago Tonight for a conversation about her book “Unwanted Advances: Sexual Paranoia Comes to Campus.”

In the wake of the 2014 shooting of Laquan McDonald, the Independent Police Review Authority, or IPRA, is being replaced by COPA—the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. Sharon Fairley, COPA’s chief administrator, joins us to discuss the transition.

It’s the 700th day of Illinois’ historic budget stalemate and the final day of the General Assembly’s scheduled spring session—and still no budget in sight. The Illinois House will now push budget negotiations into June, when rules change for passing legislation.

George Sheldon’s departure comes as he faces an ongoing ethics probe involving contracts and DCFS is under fire for its handling of the Semaj Crosby case. 

Watch the May 31, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

With collective bargaining agreements covering more than 90 percent of city workers set to expire this year, a new report from the inspector general highlights millions in potential savings.

In April, veteran Chicago band Local H was announced as the winner of Metallica’s “Hit the Stage” contest. Now they’re adjusting to playing stadium shows. We speak with one of the founders of the band.

A new exhibit aims to be an immersive experience that brings the 2015 movie and its gigantic reptilian stars to life.