Stories by Kristen Thometz

As violent crime in Chicago continues to soar, Comer Children’s Hospital announced it’s creating a new program to treat families and children affected by violence.

The mayor makes mentoring programs a centerpiece of his anti-violence strategy. How much impact could they have?

More than 95 percent of Chicago Teachers Union members who participated in last week’s three-day authorization vote said they were in favor of another work stoppage. 

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will share the stage for the first time at Monday's presidential debate. A primer on what to look for during the highly anticipated event. 

It's one of the most beautiful locations in one of the busiest areas of Chicago, but Lincoln Park's North Pond is not in good health. We revisit a proposal for a major makeover.

Nearly 107,500 lives could be saved each year in the U.S. if a more intensive approach to lowering high blood pressure was implemented, a recent study asserts.

Readings and discussions with a focus on this year’s theme of diversity will take place in libraries and bookstores across Chicago.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Friday announced plans for the city's 33rd school-based student health care center at Drake Elementary.

On Thursday, World Rhino Day, the zoo donated a piece of horn from one of its black rhinos to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The agency will use the sample to train its canine unit that sniffs out contraband at O’Hare International Airport.

The mayor focuses on a variety of programs to help stem the city’s soaring crime, but critics say it isn’t enough. Chicago teachers take another strike vote. And the Bears season looks bleak. Those stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

Watch the Sept. 22, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Mayor Rahm Emanuel delivers one of the most anticipated speeches of his tenure at Malcolm X College on the city's Near West Side.

In this week's edition of “Ask Geoffrey,” find out the “hole” story about the spire that was not to be.

As the city faces its worst spate of violence in many years, will the mayor's new proposals and initiatives turn the tide of Chicago's violent crime once and for all?

A couple dealing with Alzheimer's finds strength and rekindled love in a storytelling workshop for dementia patients at Northwestern University. 

Though the state is spending more money on education this year than in the past seven years at least, some advocates argue it's still not enough, and the way we spend that money is inequitable. Thursday, we report on how lawmakers are working to change that.

A restaurant-worthy mushroom was identified by researchers from the Field Museum and Chicago Botanic Garden. Meet the Chicago chanterelle.

“Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda talks about Chicago, “Sesame Street” and his theatrical blockbuster.

Children under the age of 18 should not be given codeine, says the American Academy of Pediatrics in a new report that cites life-threatening events and even deaths linked to the drug.

More than 96 percent of district suspensions and 99 percent of expulsions affected minority students last school year.

Chicago Gourmet returns with Rick Bayless at the helm, the 10th annual Hyde Park Jazz Fest offers a weekend soundtrack and the National Museum of Mexican Art celebrates its 30th Day of the Dead exhibition. Those events and more in this weekend's roundup.

We got a flood of reaction to our Tuesday special about solutions to violence in Chicago. Hear what viewers had to say when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

The ranks of the Chicago Police Department are about to swell. Superintendent Eddie Johnson announced Wednesday the hiring of 1,000 new police officers, detectives and sergeants.

One way to achieve the goal of providing an “adequate” education to all Illinois school children? Spending much more money per child. We crunch the numbers.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is adding a major new investor to its recipe for success. We serve up the latest with Crain's Chicago Business managing editor Ann Dwyer. 

Watch the Sept. 21, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."