Stories by Alex Ruppenthal

A bright meteor streaked across skies in Chicago and the Midwest at about 1:30 a.m. Monday. 

Watch the Feb. 6, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Our story about feral cats killing huge numbers of birds generated quite a bit of debate.

Former Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger will return to state government at her former, $135,000 salary. Friday afternoon Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office announced that Munger has been brought on as a deputy governor.   

With an expected audience of officials appointed by President Donald Trump, the Heartland Institute hopes to reset U.S. climate policy, which is also the theme for its upcoming International Conference on Climate Change.

President Trump calls Chicago "totally out of control." Mayor Rahm Emanuel says enough talk, send in federal resources. Gov. Rauner calls for a budget with cuts, revenues and reforms as the state’s credit rating takes another hit. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests. 

More than 200 union members filled the fifth floor at City Hall, taking seats on the floor to grade papers, plan class assignments and hear “lessons” on school revenue, clinician services and the protection of immigrant students.

The landmark designation process started Thursday for the 110,000-square-foot S. Michigan Avenue building designed by black architect John Warren Moutoussamy.

Is rhetoric edging us closer to doomsday? Last week, the Doomsday Clock edged 30 seconds closer to midnight, putting the world two and a half symbolic minutes away from global annihilation. 

Negotiations are underway between the city and United and American Airlines over a new gate lease agreement that could determine O’Hare’s future development for a generation.

A major, Chicago-centric concert this weekend showcases the city’s many voices.

We remember Rabbi Herman Schaalman, a Holocaust survivor and legendary interfaith leader who late in life gave up his belief in God.

A studio performance by classical pianist Jonathan Biss.

When Chicago barber Fred Luster created a new product for his customers in 1957, he couldn’t have known what lay ahead. A look at the history of Luster Products.

Viewers weigh in on President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration and refugees.

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

Siku the polar bear wants a floating stone. Bella the baby guerilla wants carrots. The holiday season has passed, but Chicago zoo animals are still hoping for gifts.

The actor and activist hosts a screening and discussion of the film “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” this weekend. We caught up with him to talk “Trek,” Trump and more.

An after-hours museum party, ice cream for breakfast and Super Bowl parties usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

Chicago Teachers Union officials issued a vote of no confidence Wednesday night on Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool after claiming he has worked to “dismantle and sabotage” CPS.

Another commission, another report on school funding reform. Will lawmakers’ recommendations create a new formula?

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

A viewer wonders what became of a Chicago burger chain that borrowed its name from a cartoon moocher. Geoffrey Baer serves up some hamburger history.

The late Chicago poet Gwendolyn Brooks made history in 1950 as the first African-American author to receive a Pulitzer Prize.

What progress have state senators made on negotiating a budget deal, and how will Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan react if it passes?

A Smithsonian ornithologist says outdoor cats are devastating bird populations.