Stories by Kristen Thometz

While Illinois was lauded in a new report for its smoke-free laws and rules on indoor tanning devices, the state is “exceptionally” far behind on comprehensive tobacco-control programs, according to a national cancer advocacy organization.

Fresh off of a two-year budget crisis rooted in partisan tensions, Illinois is careening toward a new one – and this time, schoolchildren are left in the wake.

Watch the Aug. 2, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

After several days of speculation, Lori Lightfoot met with Mayor Rahm Emanuel in hopes of getting clarity over whether or not he would reappoint her as president of the Chicago Police Board.

There was once an extensive network of African-American golf leagues and clubs across the country. As the golf world opened up, most of them faded away. But one that remains is the Chicago Women's Golf Club. We go for a visit.

The new sweetened beverage tax is causing confusion and debate among consumers, and demand from industry groups that the tax be repealed. Is it here to stay?

Geoffrey Baer has the story of a statue's journey from a library to a North Side park in this encore edition of “Ask Geoffrey.”  

Citing principal feedback, CPS says it will no longer withhold 4 percent of schools’ special education funding and will instead using central contingency funds to grant appeals for both general and special education resources.

An attempt to make the high school application process easier is raising some questions.

For black women in Chicago, a breast cancer diagnosis in 2003 meant you were 68 percent more likely to die from the disease than a white woman. A new study shows that gap is closing.

Lollapalooza, lowriders, indie flicks and Staley Da Bear usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is criticizing Cook County’s bail bond system.

If you’re one of the nine million drivers in the state of Illinois, there’s a slight chance you could be driving on suspended license plates and not even know it. 

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

Why native trees and plants not only look good but are better for local wildlife and the environment. A discussion with author Charlotte Adelman.

Vladimir Putin orders hundreds of U.S. diplomats out of the country as tensions escalate with Russia.

Curators and students at Columbia College Chicago have devised a way to get viewers to reimagine the meaning of a photograph.

Should parents be held responsible if they know their kids have guns? We speak to Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th Ward) about a new ordinance.

Art conservation can cost thousands of dollars. Meet one man who’s dedicated to restoring works of art pro bono.

Your mother was right to tell you to eat your broccoli. Eating nutrient-rich foods like broccoli, spinach and kale could slow age-related cognitive decline, according to a new study.

Gov. Bruce Rauner made generous use of his veto pen to redline money for Chicago Public Schools and to make other sweeping changes to a major revamp of education funding.

The young males belong to a highly social zebra species and will eventually share a habitat with the zoo’s giraffes. 

Just before Gov. Bruce Rauner issued a long-anticipated amendatory veto of an education funding reform bill in Springfield, top political fact-checkers cast doubt on one of the governor’s biggest criticisms of the legislation.

The future of school funding is now in Gov. Bruce Rauner’s hands, after Democrats finally sent him legislation he’s made a show of demanding they release. Now the question is what Rauner will do with it.

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

The Chicago Police Board could be without a president Tuesday. The term of current President Lori Lightfoot expired Monday.