Stories by Alex Ruppenthal

A new program aims to create or preserve nearly 2 million acres of habitat across the U.S. for monarch butterflies, which could face extinction in 20 years. 

Nearly two dozen legislators grilled Chicago Public Schools officials for more than two hours Wednesday over the district’s mishandling of sexual abuse allegations going back at least a decade.

A celebration of pride, a massive block party, vintage baseball and scores of strawberries usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Funeral services for the award-winning journalist start at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Kenilworth Union Church. You can watch the ceremony here.

Watch the June 19, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Gov. Bruce Rauner weighs in on President Donald Trump’s controversial “zero tolerance” immigration policy.

Jitters on Wall Street as the U.S.-China trade war escalates. What it could mean for your wallet.

Why parents are hoping to reverse a decision that would turn their Level 1-plus elementary school on the city’s Near South Side into high school.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has vowed to get started on digging an 18-mile tunnel from Block 37 to O’Hare airport in the next three to four months. We discuss the plan with Deputy Mayor of Chicago Robert Rivkin.

From neighbors to roommates: How two Chicago schools are getting ready to merge as summer break begins.

A new 20,000-square-foot urban agriculture facility aims to expand job training programs and healthy food options in one of Chicago’s most troubled neighborhoods. 

Though not a terribly romantic process, walleye breeding at the Cook County Forest Preserve District produces thousands of young fish for county lakes. We take a closer look.

Meet a Loyola University Chicago oncologist who co-authored a new study on breast cancer and chemotherapy – and a patient already benefiting from its findings.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office on Tuesday ruled the death of award-winning journalist Elizabeth Brackett an accident.

As part of our celebration of Elizabeth Brackett’s life and legacy, we look back at some of the work that made her such an important journalist to audiences in Chicago and around the country.

Exactly what happened to Elizabeth Brackett on Wednesday morning that led to her death Sunday may never be known: there are no known witnesses, and it is unclear whether nearby security cameras captured the incident.

We celebrate the career of Elizabeth Brackett with journalists who worked alongside her at WTTW: retired “Chicago Tonight” correspondent Rich Samuels, along with Carol Marin, Phil Ponce and Paris Schutz.

Watch the June 18, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

As an interviewer, Elizabeth Brackett was known for her excellent preparation and probing questions. In late April 2009, the tables were turned when longtime “Chicago Tonight” host John Callaway directed the questions at her.

She was an award-winning journalist and an internationally recognized triathlete. A wife, mother, sister, friend and inspiration. Four people who knew Elizabeth Brackett well share their memories with us.

When state Sen. Barack Obama decided to run for U.S. Senate, Elizabeth Brackett produced one of the first television documentaries about his life story.

Brookfield Zoo welcomed two newborn Amur leopards in April. The male cubs are scheduled to make their public debut in mid-July. 

The university’s board unanimously approved a resolution Monday removing the comedian’s honorary degree – the first time it has taken such action in its 167-year history.

CPS CEO Janice Jackson announced Monday the school district will launch an “extensive” partnership with a local nonprofit to help build safer and more responsive school environments for children.

Funeral services for the Emmy Award-winning journalist and world-champion triathlete will be held Wednesday in Kenilworth, Illinois.

Elizabeth Brackett, the Emmy Award-winning journalist and internationally decorated triathlete who for two decades served as a “Chicago Tonight” host and correspondent for WTTW, died Sunday evening at Stroger Hospital, surrounded by family.