Stories by Hedy Weiss

Anna Ziegler’s play, now in a biting, emotionally vivid production at Court Theatre, shines a light on the visionary chemist who was crucial to the momentous scientific paper explaining the molecular structure of DNA.

Wednesday’s forecast shows a daytime high of around 14 degrees below zero, which would beat the city’s all-time coldest high of minus 11. When wind chills are factored in, temperatures could reach minus 35. 

Caterpillar fell well short of fourth-quarter profit expectations and the machine maker said that sales have begun to slow in China. Shares tumbled 10 percent at the opening bell Monday, the worst sell-off in more than seven years.

The National Weather Service says northern and central Illinois will see record-breaking low temperatures of 18 or 19 degrees below zero or colder on Tuesday and Wednesday.

You don’t have to wait till election day to cast a ballot. On Tuesday, early voting will start at the city’s downtown “super site.” Find out when and where you can cast your ballot.

A new Northwestern Medicine study was able to successfully predict whether women would experience worsening depressive symptoms within the first year of childbirth by identifying four maternal characteristics that put them at risk.

A Manteno veterans’ home resident who contracted Legionnaires’ disease has died, state officials said Friday, becoming the 15th resident of a state veterans’ facility killed by the flu-like illness.

The work of two theater companies – one from Belgium and the other from France – are paying all-too-brief visits to Chicago Shakespeare Theater stages at the moment. 

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss moves by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx to decriminalize marijuana.

Chicago aldermen are reeling after learning of an FBI mole in their ranks. More fallout from the federal charge against Ald. Ed Burke. Lincoln Yards takes a huge step forward. And the Bears QB preps for the Pro Bowl.

The National Weather Service says Friday's deep freeze is a preview of next week, which could bring more than a half-foot of snow and the potential for the “coldest stretch in years.”

Watch the Jan. 24, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Chicago is using the resources of public libraries to address the need for mixed-income housing. Chicago Public Library Commissioner and CEO Brian Bannon explains.

Federal workers are feeling the effects of the government shutdown, but what about everyone else? Local economists weigh in on that and the economic forecast for 2019.

As calls grow for an elected school board, we examine whether more democracy can help bring about better schools.

We catch up with Jenn White, who took over hosting duties earlier this month after former “Morning Shift” host Tony Sarabia signed off.

The massive plan for a “city within the city” moves one step closer to reality – but residents worry about what the transformation will mean for their communities.

Although ice melt products can help clear slick walkways, they can also harm pets and cause damage to lawns, gardens and waterways. What you need to know.

A handful of museums and cultural institutions in and around Chicago are offering free admission to workers affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. 

In announcing the plan, the Cook County state’s attorney said her office must avoid “needlessly bringing people into the criminal justice system” and instead focus on prosecuting violent crime cases.

Last week, a Cook County judge handed down an 81-month prison sentence to former Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke. But was a different sentence required? The state attorney general’s office says it’s now taking a look at that decision to see if it fits with state sentencing requirements. 

The clock hands didn’t move this year, but that’s no “sign of stability,” says Rachel Bronson, president and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Instead, she calls it a “stark warning.”

History, beauty and pleasure are on display in the first public showing of a standout collection of Japanese art. 

Newly released documents shed light on recent FBI raids of Ald. Ed Burke’s City Hall office and the broader investigation surrounding the longtime 14th Ward alderman.

Productions of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades” and the Chicago debut of “Dead Man Walking” are among the highlights of Lyric Opera’s 2019-2020 season.

Orland Park Police say Jakharr Williams of University Park was arrested Wednesday without incident. He was wanted in connection with Monday's fatal shooting of Javon Britten of Richton Park.