Stories by Kristen Thometz

The changing leaves signal not only the approach of fall but also the flu season. A new study shines a light on where most seasonal flu strains originate each year.

Field Museum scientists are ready to identify your strangest natural possessions this weekend. Learn more about Identification Day.

Watch the Sept. 14, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A new two-year grant program will seek out new community-based methods of getting minorities and women involved in science, technology, engineering and math careers.

Nearly 1,200 people are being forced to move from their homes in East Chicago, Indiana, after high levels of lead were found in the soil. WBEZ’s Northwest Indiana reporter Michael Puente joins us with the story.

An African-American movie studio in Logan Square made silent films that got people talking, but for all the wrong reasons. Geoffrey Baer shares the story of Ebony Films and more in this week's encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.

A world music group that uses the arts as a vehicle for peace-building. We have a performance by the ensemble Saffron Caravan.

A quiet election is about to take place that could have major reverberations. Why two judges are trying to knock Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Tim Evans out of his job.

The average global temperature in August tied with July as the hottest month since record keeping began in 1880, according to NASA. 

Watch the Sept. 13, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The presidential election is exactly eight weeks away. We break down the campaigns and what the candidates need to do in the final push.

It was one of the most brutal massacres of our generation: hundreds of thousands killed during the Rwandan genocide. Survivor Clemantine Wamariya shares her story and her work to make sure it never happens again.

In a recently published op-ed, Cook County Public Defender Amy Campanelli warns that a “war on guns that focuses solely on punishment” will fail. She joins us in discussion.

For female college students, peer victimization appears to inflict the same long-term distress associated with severe childhood physical or sexual abuse, according to a new study.

It's been more than a  decade since there's been a major revival of the Tony Award-winning musical comedy. Director Mary Zimmerman tells us about the show.

Blanding's turtles, an endangered species in Illinois and a half-dozen other states, are getting a head start on survival at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

The University of Chicago tied for third place in U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 collegiate rankings, up one spot from where it stood in each of the previous two years.

According to a report released last week from real estate company Coldwell Banker, Park Forest is the most affordable market in Illinois and the third most affordable nationwide. 

A proposed change to city law that could divert tens of millions in tax incremental financing (TIF) dollars to the cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools will likely undergo some additional changes before it comes to City Council for approval.

Some of Paul Green's closest colleagues are dealing with the shock of his sudden death Saturday of complications from an aortic aneurysm.

Watch the Sept. 12, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

When it comes to preventing teen obesity and eating disorders, parents and health officials should avoid focusing on teens’ weight or diet, according to new guidelines. Healthy eating and lifestyle habits should be encouraged instead.

There's something new to do in the Forest Preserves of Cook County, but it will test the upper body strength of anyone brave enough to try it–and it might put a dent in your pocketbook.

As Muslims celebrate one of their holiest days and Americans commemorate the terrorist attacks of 9/11, a look at how Muslims in the U.S. have been treated over the last 15 years.

Architect Jeanne Gang and Studio Gang unveil their new Commons building and courtyard at the University of Chicago. We speak with the architect and get a tour.

Federal prosecutors say the Hobos street gang terrorized the South and West Sides. We look at this so-called "super gang" as some alleged members stand trial for murder.