Stories by Kristen Thometz

A new resource is designed to help adolescents and young adults develop job skills, continue their education and overcome barriers to stable employment.

A Park District landscaper who had previously lost his license after a drunk driving conviction is among those found to have operated vehicles without proper documentation, according to a new report.

Paris Schutz and guests discuss unionization effort by dozens of Chicago Tribune employees and the Chicago Bears’ decision to let Cameron Meredith walk.

Sen. Dick Durbin grills Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Chicago homicides are in decline. South suburban Harvey goes belly-up. And Cubs bats come to life despite injury to star slugger Anthony Rizzo.

Watch the April 12, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

In many ways this show was ahead of its time when it was created. And now, whatever the flaws might be in this 21st century “rotation,” it is worth the price of a ticket for a ride on the “Carousel.”

Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson tells us about a big new cash gift to fight crime, discusses police oversight and more.

We meet some rare and remarkable critters that are part of this weekend’s annual Reptile Fest.

Congress makes another attempt at passing a balanced budget amendment as a new report shows the federal deficit skyrocketing.

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 promised equal access to the housing market for African-Americans. But 50 years later, some say the landmark legislation didn’t go far enough.

Geoffrey Baer hits a triple with three questions about Wrigley Field. 

The 50-year-old gorilla was the zoo’s oldest animal. “Knowing it’s the right decision doesn’t make it hurt any less,” said Amy Roberts, curator of mammals for the Chicago Zoological Society.

Nearly 300 Chicago aviation officers are suing to reclaim their status as law enforcement officers, a title they lost following a highly publicized incident on board a United plane last year.

The adage, “early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise,” takes on new meaning thanks to research by scientists in Chicago and England.

On Feb. 10, Lincoln Park Zoo welcomed a new baby bird, the first African penguin chick hatched and reared at the zoo's new penguin habitat. 

Scaly creatures, vintage vinyls and cheesy bites usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

Supporters have tried to resurrect the ERA for years, but the movement gained steam Wednesday, passing the Illinois Senate by a vote of 42 to 12 – more than 35 years past its deadline.

What’s behind the resignation of Willow Creek mega-church leader Bill Hybels? A discussion with Chicago Tribune reporter Manya Brachear Pashman.

Watch the April 11, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The award-winning actor and director talks about her new book, a collection of personal essays that explore her journey as a feminist.

Two Illinois politicians grabbed national headlines as they grilled Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg during his testimonies before Senate and House committees this week.

The state is withholding tax money from south suburban Harvey because it has fallen behind on its pension payments. Will others follow?

At age 91, the jazz guitarist is a living legend from Chicago’s first family of music. We pay him a visit.

Here’s something that might surprise you: The best place in the entire state of Illinois to see birds during their spring migration is in the city of Chicago. 

“The newsroom is in a position of jeopardy, and we’re standing up to make sure we’re paid fairly and to make sure we have a voice in how this place operates,” said Charlie Johnson, a Chicago Tribune home page editor and member of the union organizing committee.

Three years after they began installing bat houses along waterways in Cook County, conservationists are hoping the bats will start moving in this year.