Stories by Kristen Thometz

As the U.S. grapples with opioid addiction, chronic pain patients say the medications they rely on are being reduced and they’re being treated like “junkies.” “We’re not drug addicts,” says a patient with excruciating neuropathic pain.

Your responses to a Harvard scientist’s research into climate change.

Watch the May 10, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The proposed new Foxconn plant in Wisconsin gets an air quality exemption. We speak with a former senior EPA administrator on the impact of that move and more.

After 20 years in the fashion industry, Owen Deutsch wasn’t planning on getting back into photography. But then he discovered a new subject: birds.

What “deep games” are and how they can provide more than entertainment. We speak with game developer Doris Rusch of the Deep Games Laboratory at DePaul’s School of Design.

Chicago libraries serve “a multitude of community functions” and should be open longer, says Kang Chiu of the Chicago Coalition of Library Friends.

From the Special Olympics to Congress and beyond: The new book “Eunice” explores the formidable impact of Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

She says she offers a progressive vision for the city. Lori Lightfoot formally announces her campaign to take on Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

“That just goes to show you how many illegal guns get out here on the streets of Chicago,” CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson told media Thursday.

A “chicken in distress” call last month led to an unusual rescue effort in Lincoln Park – and an award for the Chicago Police Department.

A pair of Chicago Police officers allegedly paid off informants with stolen goods to obtain search warrants, and falsified police reports to cover up their actions.

Street performers, fair trade pop-ups, tiny homes and indigenous plants usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Stern warnings on state budget prospects from a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog.

Among its several honors, Will Snider’s “How to Use a Knife” was named a finalist for a PEN Center USA Literary Award. Based on this exceptional Shattered Globe production alone, it should have won the prize.

To put Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s fundraising advantage into perspective: a total of $6.6 million has been raised so far in this campaign, according to the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform – $6.1 of it by Emanuel.

Watch the May 9, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Two women bring new accusations against R&B superstar R. Kelly. Veteran music journalist Jim DeRogatis joins us with the latest.

President Donald Trump called it “a horrible one-sided deal.” How pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal could impact talks with North Korea.

Will an historic lakefront mansion be restored? Or will it fall to the wrecking ball?

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds cases of disease from mosquito, tick and flea bites tripled between 2004 and 2016 – and Illinois was among the states most affected.

Authorities say they investigated abuse allegations made by 35 former ETHS students against longtime theater teacher Bruce Siewerth. “The lack of prosecution is not due to lack of evidence,” Evanston Police Cmdr. Ryan Glew said.

A week ago, test results from soil samples collected at two dozen Southeast Side homes revealed high levels of manganese. Now, the EPA will conduct further testing in the area.

Chicago Public Schools once again claims the top spots on an annual list of the state’s best public high schools. Which schools made the cut.

Illinois’ top lawmakers and Gov. Bruce Rauner met privately in Springfield on Tuesday in an attempt to do something they’ve been unable to accomplish since Rauner took office – brokering a full year’s budget deal.

This immensely compelling production adapted and directed by playwright Aaron Posner and the magician Teller is filled with a full array of sensory treats.