Stories by Kristen Thometz

“Our research may be tapping into one of nature’s original kill switches, and we hope the impact will affect many cancers,” said Northwestern scientist Marcus Peter. “Our findings could be disruptive.”

“I’d like more people to be interested in science,” said Chicago student photographer Kaylee Costello. “These images will hopefully grab their attention, so they also know there is art within science.”

Historic clocks from around the world and brilliant stained glass windows fill a new museum in Evanston. We go for a look.

Was the design of White Castle restaurants based on a Chicago landmark? Geoffrey Baer has the answers you crave.

A testy confrontation on Capitol Hill: Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin and U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions sparred over gun violence in Chicago and the Justice Department’s threat to withhold federal grants to cities that protect undocumented immigrants.

Watch the Oct. 18, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

What will cyber warfare of the future look like? We discuss how the private and public sector is impacted by cyberattacks.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel says city finances are finally “back on track” after years of fiscal uncertainty and poor credit ratings. But does the claim hold true? 

With more than a year to go, the three richest candidates for governor have raised a combined total of more than $102 million. Have we reached a point where only millionaires and billionaires need apply when running for statewide office?

More than 2 million Americans, including nearly 68,000 in Illinois, get water from wells with high levels of toxic arsenic, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The 2016 World Champions face elimination in Game 4 of the 2017 National League Championship Series. 

A new experience coming this fall to Lincoln Park Zoo will allow visitors “dive” into the ocean and explore landscapes and wildlife at the North and South Poles or in deep ocean waters. 

A first-of-its-kind center brings together physicians, advanced practice nurses, certified sex therapists and pelvic floor therapists to address two often unmet areas of women’s health care.

A Halloween parade, a craft beer crawl, horror movies, fancy footwork and spooky tours usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

A 70-year-old man was found unresponsive at a CTA Red Line station and was unable to tell police what had happened for more than two months.

The 1040 tax return forms Gov. Bruce Rauner released Tuesday show his effective tax rate was 26.6 percent, and that he, his wife, and their foundation gave $6.6 million to charity.

Video of a United airlines passenger forcibly dragged off a plane stirred a worldwide uproar. Now, a pair of city aviation officers involved in the incident are out of a job following an investigation by Chicago Inspector General Joseph Ferguson.

Watch the Oct. 17, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The former “Daily Show” correspondent discusses politics, comedy and culture within the entertainment industry.

A two-year, stopgap measure still needs congressional approval, but it was the latest twist in the health care saga that has millions of Americans uncertain about the future of their insurance coverage.

An international team that includes Chicago astronomers recently observed the collision of two high-density neutron stars, a historic discovery that confirms decades of scientific work. 

A first-of-its-kind report released Tuesday by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office details more than 30,000 felony cases presented for prosecution in 2016.

As FEMA and other groups have slowly brought aid to Puerto Rico, some family members living abroad have embarked on private rescue missions. Meet one Chicagoan who recently returned from a trip to visit her parents.

Down 0-2 to the Dodgers in the National League Championship series, the Cubs hope playing at the Friendly Confines will turn the team’s fortunes around.

An American eel caught by a 5-year-old angler last week is possibly the first such eel ever recorded in the Chicago River, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

“There’s a whole lot of women out there, likely millions of women, who were affected and now they have the opportunity to raise their voice and talk about it,” said Kristie Paskvan, founder of Chicago Says No More.