Stories by Marc Vitali

Illusions of grandeur take center stage at two Chicago shows and may make you question reality. See what tricks two local theaters have up their sleeves.

A new study suggests states could improve student achievement and boost graduation rates by cutting down the number of students missing 15 or more days per school year.

Comedians, whiskey and a meteor shower usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

As protesters hit the streets Wednesday evening, we assess what Donald Trump’s coming presidency means for Chicago, and why Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he doesn’t expect Trump will punish the city.

The outcome of the presidential election sparks a volatile reaction in markets in the U.S. and abroad. What will Trump’s economic impact be nationally and around the globe?

Watch the Nov. 9, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Voters have chosen to cut costs by consolidating the Cook County Clerk’s Office with the Cook County Recorder of Deeds in a binding referendum.

Will the policies of president-elect Trump mirror some of the controversial and divisive issues he spoke of on the campaign trail?

High school students got their first taste of the Democratic process Tuesday, volunteering as election judges at polling sites across Chicago on Election Day.

Two Illinois Democrats on their way to Washington tell us how they plan to work with a Trump administration.

Despite massive amounts of campaign contributions that poured into state House and Senate races this year, Republicans don’t appear to have significantly shifted the balance of power in the Illinois General Assembly. 

“I know how disappointed you feel because I feel it too, and so do tens of millions of Americans who invested their hopes and dreams in this effort,” Hillary Clinton said to supporters Wednesday during her concession speech. “This is painful and it will be for a long time.”

“To all Republicans and Democrats across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people,” president-elect Donald Trump said a little before 2 a.m. from his campaign headquarters in New York.

Join us on Election Day for a look at what’s at stake in key state, county and local races; and to check results once polls close and final tallies are in.

Kim Foxx has soundly defeated her Republican challenger for Cook County State’s Attorney, while Dorothy Brown wins a fifth term as Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court. 

In her victory speech Tuesday night, Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza said she would protect the "fiscal and moral health" of Illinois as the state's check-writer.

“Tonight, we showed a campaign that respects voters and is focused on practical solutions rather than shopworn slogans can be successful,” Duckworth said during her victory speech.

The city's Board of Elections Commissioners is considering going to court to extend the voting deadline at multiple polling sites after some opened as much as an hour late this morning.

All Illinois Secretary of State offices and most other state government agencies are closed Tuesday, as Illinois recognizes Election Day as one of 13 paid holidays that workers receive throughout the year. 

WBEZ reporter Shannon Heffernan joins us with the latest on the fatal police-involved shooting of 25-year-old Joshua Beal.

Races for the Illinois General Assembly and the battle for state comptroller are seen as part of the larger power struggle between House Speaker Michael Madigan and Gov. Bruce Rauner. 

Watch the Nov. 7, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

He’s a longtime blues musician and fan, and now he’s in the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame. Jay Shefsky has a profile of Barrelhouse Chuck.  

How voters in Cook County and Illinois get to decide on more than just candidates in Tuesday's election. The skinny on two binding ballot referenda that voters must decide on.

How real is the man portrayed in Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony and Pulitzer prize-winning show? We show you some original artifacts pertaining to Alexander Hamilton.

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump crisscross the country during their final full day of campaigning. A look at their closing arguments, and what's next.