Stories by Kristen Thometz

A massive music festival, local talent, craft brews and thought-provoking plays usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Next week, the retired University of Chicago astrophysicist, 91, will watch as a probe named in his honor is launched from the Kennedy Space Center and catapulted to the sun’s corona.

There’s a telescope under construction in Chile, and it’s slated to be the world’s largest – if it’s completed in time.

Watch the July 31, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Chicago is losing its last waterfall. We follow up on an earlier story to see the beginning of its demolition in River Park.

A for-profit company that contracts with Chicago Public Schools comes under fire in a new report for its connections to convicted former CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett.

The annual music festival gets underway Thursday in Grant Park. Why this year’s four-day event comes with tightened security measures.

What a leading paleontologist in Chicago is doing to help the country of Niger save and display its rich cultural heritage.

Despite its moniker as “The City that Works,” Chicago features plenty of places to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Here are 10 spots to zen out in the city this summer.

A new judge won’t be brought on to decide whether the high-profile murder trial of a Chicago police officer will be moved out of Cook County despite a “novel” argument by defense attorneys.

The Chicago Police Department is one step closer to making reforms, but a draft consent decree is drawing criticism, and the police union has vowed to sue. We speak with FOP President Kevin Graham.

A ProPublica Illinois investigation uncovers allegations of abuse, inappropriate relationships and threats at nonprofit shelters housing migrant children. We speak with reporter Melissa Sanchez.

Why a longtime political gadfly and a city worker are suing Mayor Rahm Emanuel and powerful Ald. Ed Burke in federal court.

Watch the July 30, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

One of the oldest forms of art is still practiced throughout the world, but there is only one school in the United States where it’s taught. We go for a visit.

The city of Harvey finally strikes a deal with its underwater police and fire pension funds. What it could mean for hundreds of other Illinois towns.

General Iron announced plans earlier this month to move its scrap metal yard from Lincoln Park to the Southeast Side, where residents are concerned about the company’s environmental track record.

As visitors to the Ravinia Festival well know, the picnics on the grass staged there tend to be legendary feasts. But it is the musical feasts that are the real food for thought.

How a state that hadn’t voted for a Republican presidential candidate in more than 30 years helped elect Donald Trump. Author Dan Kaufman discusses his new book “The Fall of Wisconsin.”

Attorneys representing the family of 24-year-old Maurice Granton Jr. claim the June 6 fatal shooting was unjustified because Granton posed no “imminent threat” to law enforcement.

Agreement has been reached on a draft consent decree that would allow an independent federal monitor to enact major changes within the Chicago Police Department.

President Trump visits downstate to tout trade. Mayoral candidate Willie Wilson comes under fire. Activists plan to protest at Wrigley Field. And a draft plan for reforming the Chicago Police Department.

The Heartland Alliance faces tougher licensing after it takes in children separated the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy. 

Your thoughts about a planned anti-violence march along Lake Shore Drive to Wrigley Field.

Chicago Public Schools implemented local school councils almost 30 years ago with hundreds of thousands of participants. Times have changed.

Watch the July 26, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”