Stories by Alex Ruppenthal

In 2014, a suburban gymnast told police her coach sexually abused her. Now, with that coach under investigation again, she is sharing her story publicly. “I felt very alone during all of it,” she said. “I’m hoping my story can help other people.”

Why some experts caution that a proposed express train between the Loop and O’Hare could fly off the tracks, financially.

Watch the April 18, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Money Smart Week 2018 is coming to Chicago. What should parents tell their children about money? A discussion with Beth Kobliner.

A massive new international study finds the health impacts of alcohol may be worse than previously thought.

How independently can adults with intellectual disabilities live as they age? We visit a group of men who have shared a home for decades. 

The ranks of challengers to Mayor Rahm Emanuel are swelling. The educator and entrepreneur tells us what’s fueling his run for office.

The first woman to be president of the University of Chicago, who is also a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, talks about her extraordinary life.

Earth Day activities, heaps of chocolate and international pop bands usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

The judge in the high-profile murder case could unseal documents not yet seen by the public later this month. A defense expert witness also testified Wednesday about a possible change of venue in the case.

Carl Kasell, legendary NPR newscaster and “Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me” scorekeeper, died Tuesday. We revisit a 2010 interview with him.

Watch the April 17, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

For the first time in recent years, CPS principals don’t have to wait until summer to start planning for their next school year.

The site of the Tribune Tower will include nearly 300 condominiums and what would be one of Chicago’s tallest skyscrapers under a new redevelopment proposal developers believe will both revitalize and preserve the international landmark.

A reporter researching his family history tells an intimate story of China’s modernization. Scott Tong discusses his new book “A Village with My Name.”

An innovation hub opens this fall at the Illinois Institute of Technology. We speak with newly named executive director, Howard Tullman.

With billions in unfunded pension liabilities, what options remain for lawmakers to defuse the state’s pension time bomb?

Spring serves as mating season for all sorts of animals found in Illinois, but no creature goes about it quite like the wood frog.

Keeping the river clean is no easy task, particularly during the summer months when the river is bustling. We spend a morning with one of Chicago’s trash-scooping river skimmers. 

When it comes to dealing with disasters, disease outbreaks and other emergencies, Illinois is among the most prepared states in the nation, according to a new report. 

Watch the April 16, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Reaction to our recent conversation with the authors of a controversial Chicago magazine article.

From Chicago’s first major telescope, to the most sophisticated scientific instrument of the 12th century, a look at some seen and unseen treasures at the Adler Planetarium.

The mayor outlines major projects to expand recreation along the Chicago River. Why some aldermen say it’s not enough.

Why so many Chicago homes are testing high for lead in their water – and what you can do about it.

For those still unfamiliar with the magic Hershey Felder can create, an introduction to the man, whose enthralling show about Tchaikovsky is now in a limited engagement at Steppenwolf’s Upstairs Theatre, is essential.