Stories by Kristen Thometz

Late last week it was announced that former Chicago Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. A local neurologist talks about the disease. 

Donald Trump’s transition in turmoil as Mayor Emanuel defies the president-elect on immigration. Rauner and Madigan meet. Budget sails through City Council, and the Bears bad season gets worse. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

Watch the Nov. 17, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A new bill in Springfield could see Illinois consumers paying higher electricity rates. But with the state already producing more energy than it needs, why are consumers being asked to pay more?

Worried that politics might spoil your Thanksgiving meal? Two local psychologists serve up recipes for a peaceful post-election family gathering. 

More than 150 years after Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species," the man and his theories continue to generate controversy and debate. That academic battle plays out in a new book titled "Debating Darwin."

As inauguration day grows closer, so does the fear for some young immigrants that their status in the U.S. will be revoked.

You’re probably aware that Chicago has high schools specializing in math and science as well as the arts, but did you know that Chicago’s big urban school system has an agricultural high school?

Judy Garland was one of the most distinctive American entertainers of the 20th Century. A new play looks at the extreme highs and lows of a legendary life in showbiz that ended at age 47. Hedy Weiss reviews that show, plus four other productions in and around Chicago.

Chicago Public Schools is investigating an employee who allegedly turned over confidential student information to the Noble Network of Charter Schools earlier this fall, according to a letter sent to district parents this week.

Poet Daniel Borzutzky has won the 2016 National Book Award for his collection, “The Performance of Becoming Human.” The awards were announced Wednesday night in New York City.

The $8.2 billion spending plan doesn’t contain nearly as much pain for city taxpayers as last year’s budget, but grocery shopping could get a bit more expensive.

Watch the Nov. 16, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Legislative leaders meet on the budget while the Illinois Senate overrides the governor’s veto of the motor voter registration bill. Amanda Vinicky has details from Springfield.

Donald Trump was elected barely a week ago and there are already reports of shake-ups and signs of disarray within his transition team.

The Cubs rally brought throngs of fans to Grant Park. But was it really the biggest gathering ever in Chicago? Geoffrey Baer counts heads in this week’s Ask Geoffrey.

Holiday lights, a giant mouse, punk rock and a comedy legend usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Members of the General Assembly’s Education Committee sounded supportive Wednesday of a bill that would convert Chicago’s appointed Board of Education into an elected body, but Republicans and Democrats alike cautioned that more work is needed before the legislation is ready for a vote.

President Barack Obama announced Wednesday the former WTTW Chairman and 20 others will receive the nation’s highest civilian honor at a ceremony later this month.

Students at some Chicago Public Schools are getting their hands dirty while feeding their minds.

The continuing fascination with gangster Al Capone. We speak to the author of a new book that looks at the private life of the notorious criminal.

Inside the human body lives a community of microorganisms, bacteria, viruses and fungi known as the microbiome. Local professors talk about the importance of understanding the microbiome and the potential implications it could have on health and disease.

A new exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry invites visitors to sail though time and explore the evolution of ship design. 

Watch the Nov. 15, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The Supreme Court under President-elect Donald Trump: Who will he nominate? And could the court actually keep him from doing some of things he wants to do?

Republican and Democratic state leaders are not seeing eye to eye after a meeting in Springfield. Amanda Vinicky joins us with the latest from the state capitol.