Stories by Kristen Thometz

New guidelines recommend youth who have experienced a concussion return to non-sports activities sooner than previously advised because it can aid in the recovery process.

In a fervid speech, former President Barack Obama accuses his successor and GOP elites of appealing to tribalism and fear “because it helps them maintain the status quo and keep their power and their privilege.”

A shocker from Mayor Rahm Emanuel as a flood of candidates consider a run. The mayor leaves plenty of unfinished business for his successor while Jason Van Dyke’s murder trial gets underway.

Reporter Mary Ann Ahern describes some of the backlash she received from Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich in response to a NBC 5 Chicago segment.

Chicago’s bag tax has resulted in a decrease in the use of disposable bags since taking effect early last year, but a majority of shoppers still use at least one disposable bag per trip, a new study shows.

Watch the Sept. 6, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

The city and state reach agreement on a plan to track instances in which Chicago police officers point a gun at someone. But not everyone’s happy about it.

Now that the mayor is out of the race, Chicago aldermen talk about what that could mean for the coming months – and beyond. 

Former Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke will not spend more time in jail for giving interviews with local media.

Former U.S. Supreme Court clerks weigh in on Brett Kavanaugh’s raucous confirmation hearings – and his chances for confirmation.

A new film looks at skateboarding as an escape from violence and boredom for three friends in Rockford, Illinois. We speak with director Bing Liu.

The blight, as well as the occasional bursts of beauty that define life in inner-city high schools is all too familiar. But rarely has it been captured with such a sense of wit, grace, exasperation and tragicomic insight.

A lawsuit filed Thursday by Illinois and seven other states challenges a Trump administration plan to eliminate long-standing protections for migratory birds.

As a new school year gets underway at Chicago Public Schools, we visit a first-year teacher who has her own share of first-day jitters – and excitement for what lies ahead.

Four years after the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald, the trial of Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke, who is charged with his murder, is underway. Scenes from day one of the trial.

Retro tunes, barbecue bites, historic homes and feline films usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

Watch the Sept. 5, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

He stunned the city with his decision to not seek a third term, leaving everyone wondering: what’s next? A discussion with Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

A proposal in City Council would end a tourist industry that’s operated in the city for nearly 40 years. Supporters and opponents weigh in.

The mayor’s surprise announcement has triggered a flurry of speculation about new candidates. But running for office successfully is far more complicated than shaking hands and raising money.

Women are at an increased risk of depression before menopause, even if they don’t have a history of the mood disorder. New guidelines seek to help clinicians identify and treat women during this “window of vulnerability,” said UIC professor Pauline Maki.

The aquarium’s initiative to offer free admission to Illinois residents this month has a new twist that could help you avoid rush-hour traffic.

Winning a third term wasn’t ever going to be easy for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. But the dynamics of the race quickly went topsy-turvy with Emanuel’s announcement that he won’t be on the 2019 ballot.

Not only does director Calvin MacLean have deep Chicago roots, so do a number of the major players in this grand-scale production.

From issues of police and violence, to community development and education, an assessment of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s legacy.

What does the mayor’s decision to not seek re-election mean to challengers – and potential challengers – in the 2019 race? Local political reporters weigh in.