Stories by Kristen Thometz

Can Illinois stop the spread of HIV infections? A statewide initiative aims to do just that. “We have a real chance of stopping the spread of HIV once and for all,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said.

The likelihood of correctly calling 14 coin tosses in a row is 1 in 16,384—or about as likely as Bears fans longing for the return of Rex Grossman. In light of the Bears’ current streak, we crunch the numbers.

A miniature female reproductive system will help researchers better understand the cause of polycystic ovary syndrome, and advance the development of drugs to treat the disease.

Attorneys for Brendan Dassey discuss interrogation techniques and environmental factors that can leave a suspect feeling like they have no choice but to confess – even if they’re innocent.

The governor signs a controversial bill. Chicago cops mimic NFL player protests. City leaders push hard for Amazon headquarters. Chicago native Hugh Hefner dies at age 91. And the Cubs clinch their division for the second straight year. 

Mayor Rahm Emanuel says the city is suing consumer reporting agency Equifax after last month’s massive breach that exposed 143 million consumers to possible identity theft—including 5.4 million Illinoisans.

Watch the Sept. 28, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

What brought about the new business arrangement of two of Chicago’s most prominent cultural institutions? We speak with two of the driving forces behind each company.

An Illinois case will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, and it could have huge ramifications for public unions.

The move puts an end to ambiguity over his stance on the issue, but in raising the ire of his conservative base it may also force him into a new battle: fending of a challenger from the right in next year’s elections.

A who’s who of great artists and writers of the 20th century was influenced by one who died in semi-obscurity nearly 200 years ago.

Since embarking on a new sustainability initiative, Shedd Aquarium has cut annual water use by more than half, from 60 million gallons in 2012 to 28 million gallons today.

Meet DiaBetty, the voice-enabled diabetes coach and educator developed by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago to help newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes patients manage the condition.

Two former university employees charged in the brutal stabbing death of a Chicago hairstylist earlier this summer have pleaded not guilty to a half-dozen murder charges levied against them.

Foodies who may be missing the bow-tied former host of “America’s Test Kitchen” don’t have to wait any longer to find out what he’s been cooking.

Some call him a progressive publisher. Others, lewd. But late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner was undeniably successful at building his brand. We take a look at his legacy.

Mayor Emanuel and state lawmakers are quietly hatching a plan to give $100 million in state money to the Obama Presidential Center. Is Illinois ready to pony up?

Who’s on the team assigned to lure Amazon’s new national headquarters to Chicago? It may be easier to ask who isn’t involved.

Watch the Sept. 27, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The walls of a South Side armory tell the history of warriors throughout the ages. Geoffrey Baer shares that story and more in this encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.

It may officially be fall, but for the past week Chicago has been experiencing a record-breaking heat wave. Jeanne Nolan joins us in the WTTW organic garden.

The race to create self-driving cars is heating up. One automaker has taken a significant step towards a hands-free future with a model that will soon be available in the Chicago area.

Chicago police officers are getting new use-of-force training, but the city’s largest police union is objecting.

Author Denise Kiernan talks about the tumultuous history of a North Carolina home that’s detailed in her new book.

Beers and brats, fresh apple pie, celebrity chefs, tree climbers and South Side architecture usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

A Chicago-area man who wanted to buy a dog for his daughter nearly fell victim to a West African-based scheme targeting thousands of hopeful pet owners. What the Better Business Bureau is saying about the scam.