Stories by Kristen Thometz

Mexican dancers, neighborhood bites, a murder mystery and funny films usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Superintendent Eddie Johnson files charges with the city's Police Board, recommending that Chicago police Officer Robert Rialmo be fired for shooting 19-year-old Quintonio LeGrier and 55-year-old Bettie Jones. 

On Tuesday, Circuit judge Matthew Coghlan didn't receive the 60 percent of the votes that county judges need to keep their seats.

Although she announced her run for mayor in September, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle pushed forward in an uncontested re-election bid. How other county races look for Democrats.

Democrats seized the House majority from President Donald Trump’s Republican Party on Tuesday in a suburban revolt that threatened what’s left of the president’s governing agenda.

In a highly watched race in the northwest and western suburbs, Lauren Underwood, a 32-year-old registered nurse, declared victory over incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Plano).

In a political upset, political neophyte Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove) has defeated six-term conservative Republican incumbent Peter Roskam (R-Wheaton) in the 6th Congressional District.

Democrats sweep statewide races, with state Sen. Kwame Raoul winning the race for Illinois attorney general; and Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Treasurer Mike Frerichs and Secretary of State Jesse White retaining their seats.

The billionaire Hyatt hotels heir handily defeated Republican incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner on Tuesday, closing out one of the most expensive statewide races in U.S. history. 

Voter interest was strong this Election Day. Both the Chicago Board of Elections and its suburban Cook County counterpart say turnout has been higher than in previous midterm elections. 

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

Are democracies under threat? University of Chicago law professor Tom Ginsburg thinks they are, and has co-authored a new book on saving this country’s constitutional democracy.

A newly discovered collection of old political buttons may tell us something about the voters of an earlier era.

The 17-year-old suspect now faces two felony counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking with a weapon and one felony count of aggravated possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

A 52-year-old man was pronounced dead Saturday morning about 10 minutes after he was discovered on the city's far South Side.

“This is certainly a very difficult decision,” general manager Stan Bowman said in a statement. “But I believe it is in the best interests of the Blackhawks organization.” 

From the top of the ticket to the Water Reclamation District, we’re covering scores of races today online and on “Chicago Tonight.” Find our latest news and voter information right here at election central.

Beyond selecting candidates, voters face a number of ballot questions that they’ll be asked to weigh in on. But will the results count?

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

The city acknowledges elevated levels of lead in some homes. How concerned should Chicagoans be about the safety of their tap water?

Ten years to the day that President Barack Obama held a Grant Park celebration upon his election as the 44th president of the United States, he was back in Chicago to gin up support for local Democrats.

Closing arguments and tight races on this election eve. Lisa Desjardins of the “PBS NewsHour” breaks down the high stakes of the midterms.

Presidents who have effectively led the nation out of trying times seem to share some key attributes. The Pulitzer Prize-winning historian writes about those qualities in her new book “Leadership in Turbulent Times.”

A new study finds an online program that teaches teens coping skills is effective at reducing depressive symptoms, especially among those with more severe symptoms.

Three current and former Chicago police officers accused of trying to cover up details of the Laquan McDonald shooting will stand trial for their alleged crimes.

For the second time this year, Chicago’s DryHop Brewers is joining forces with Lincoln Park Zoo in the name of wildlife conservation, this time for a rare and endangered New Zealand bird.