Stories by Alex Ruppenthal

A week ago, test results from soil samples collected at two dozen Southeast Side homes revealed high levels of manganese. Now, the EPA will conduct further testing in the area.

Chicago Public Schools once again claims the top spots on an annual list of the state’s best public high schools. Which schools made the cut.

Illinois’ top lawmakers and Gov. Bruce Rauner met privately in Springfield on Tuesday in an attempt to do something they’ve been unable to accomplish since Rauner took office – brokering a full year’s budget deal.

This immensely compelling production adapted and directed by playwright Aaron Posner and the magician Teller is filled with a full array of sensory treats.

Next week, the city is poised to take the first of several votes on the Obama Presidential Center. Why some community groups want to slow down the process.

Watch the May 8, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

After a decadeslong battle, Illinois may be on the brink of ratifying the federal Equal Rights Amendment. The pros and cons of passage.

Why parts of Northerly Island are still blocked off years after erosion damaged the walking and biking path.

How a “secret” menu item at Sun Wah BBQ landed the Chicago restaurant a prestigious James Beard America’s Classics award.

New York’s attorney general resigns after claims of violent behavior. A look at domestic abuse by men who publicly champion women’s causes.

“While climate change may not yet have had its huge impact on biodiversity, just wait,” says Harvard professor Daniel Schrag. “What’s coming is really extraordinary.”

A Chicago-based animal care expert is playing a key role in an unprecedented effort to save thousands of critically endangered tortoises that were found in squalid conditions in an abandoned home off the southeast coast of Africa.

Watch the May 7, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Illinois has won long sought-after permission from the federal government to take a more flexible approach to treating opioid disorders, drug abuse and other behavioral health issues.

Matt Binns is equal parts artist, inventor and businessman. We visit his workshop to see how his company’s custom-made globes are constructed.

Why the fourth-coldest April on record also brought us summer-like temperatures – and what we can expect from the coming weeks.

The number of beat cops in Chicago is down despite a promised hiring surge, according to two new reports. We speak with two local journalists and the head of the police union.

Beverly Daniel Tatum, the author of a groundbreaking book on segregation in America’s schools and neighborhoods, on why it’s so crucial – and difficult – to talk about race.

One of the world’s most endangered birds finds itself in even greater peril after a hurricane ripped through its habitat last year. But you can help – by drinking beer. 

Witches, sorcery and ghosts: Shakespeare’s spookiest and shortest play gets adapted into a horror thriller with modern day magic.

Zachary Stevenson – a bravura performer who is the spittin’ image of the character he plays, and who possesses the voice, moves, guitar licks and irresistible energy of the “original” – is proof that Buddy Holly lives. 

A group of 13 attorneys general are speaking out against a Trump administration proposal to reduce penalties for automakers that violate fuel efficiency standards. 

After more than 85 percent of eligible employees signed cards in favor of union representation, the media company that owns the Chicago Tribune agrees to voluntarily recognize the Chicago Tribune Guild.

Why more than two dozen volunteers have been tracking migrations of white and longnose suckers, an often overlooked family of fish. 

Grace Lombardo never thought she’d get a tattoo, but then she got breast cancer. Her story of survival and recovery is told in a new documentary.

In a 10-page written order, Cook County Judge Vincent Gaughan noted that as many as nine witnesses called to testify Friday “could be exposed to harm” if their names were to be made public.