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Stories by Kristen Thometz

Chicago to Host James Beard Awards Through 2027

The Windy City will continue to serve as host to the annual awards event that dishes out honors to the best in the food and restaurant industry.

NRA Settles Lawsuit with ‘The Bean’ Artist

The National Rifle Association will remove an image of Chicago's famous bean-shaped sculpture from a video advertisement, ending a legal dispute that began after the artist sued for copyright infringement, according to statements from both sides.

Glenn Beck Gives $50K to Lincoln Artifacts Debt

Beck's charity, Mercury One, has donated $50,000 toward a $9.2 million debt owed for a collection of 1,400 artifacts purchased a decade ago for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.

Teachers Union: Tentative Deal to End Charter Schools Strike

The Chicago Teachers Union said more than 500 teachers will return to classes Monday at Acero’s 15 schools with 7,500 predominantly Latino students. 

Group to Assign Mayoral Candidates ‘Paw Ratings’ on Animal Welfare Issues

Fix Chicago 2019 aims to end the killing of shelter pets in Chicago. The first task of the new group? Taking inventory of where candidates running for city office stand on various animal welfare issues. 

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Remembering George H.W. Bush

Paris Schutz and guests discuss the legacy of former President George H.W. Bush as the nation mourns the 41st president. 

The Week in Review: FBI Raid Doesn’t Hinder Burke Fundraiser

Ald. Ed Burke’s fundraiser goes on despite FBI raids. Mayoral candidates duke it out in petition battles. The fate of three Chicago cops is in a judge’s hands. And the Bears take on the Rams.

Change of Venue Granted in Case of Missing U. of I. Student

A federal judge rules the upcoming trial of Brendt Christensen will be moved from Urbana to Peoria. He is charged with the kidnapping and death of 26-year-old Yingying Zhang.

Dec. 6, 2018 - Full Show

Watch the Dec. 6, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

McDonald Cover-Up Trial Finished, But Verdict Still Weeks Away

Arguments are over in the trial of three Chicago cops accused of trying to cover up details of the Laquan McDonald shooting. Now it’s up to a judge to issue her verdict in a ruling that will come later this month.

Reflections on Turning 100 with Chicago’s Remarkable Timuel Black

Few Chicagoans can say they’ve lived through 100 years of change. But historian and civil rights activist Timuel Black can when he marks his 100th birthday on Friday.

Analysis Links Black Residents’ Exodus from Chicago with Unemployment

An analysis by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning posits economic conditions likely played a role in the yearslong exodus of black residents from the Chicago region.

Trump EPA Looks to Weaken Regulations for New Coal Plants

The Trump administration is taking another swing at coal regulations, announcing that it plans to ditch an Obama-era rule that set pollution limits for new coal-fired power plants.

The Art Institute of Chicago Celebrates 125th Anniversary

Saturday marks 125 years since the opening of the historic building that houses the Art Institute of Chicago. We reflect on the past – and look to the future – with James Rondeau, the museum’s president and director.

Chicago Mayoral Candidates Differ on Elected School Board

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle secures a mayoral endorsement from the Chicago Teachers Union as candidates stake out positions on an elected CPS board. 

Sears’ Biggest Holder Bids $4.6B for Rest of Bankrupt Chain

Eddie Lampert and his ESL Holdings hedge fund are offering to buy the rest of Sears for up to $4.6 billion in cash and stock.

Walgreens Expands Prescription Delivery Program Nationwide

Walgreens said Thursday it will partner with FedEx to deliver prescriptions as soon as the next day for a $4.99 fee, and it also is providing same-day deliveries in several cities including Chicago.

Spotlight Politics: Top Spot on Mayoral Ballot Goes To …

A lesser-known mayoral candidate wins a lottery to get the top spot on February’s ballot. We take a deep dive into that and other top political headlines in our new weekly feature.

Dec. 5, 2018 - Full Show

Watch the Dec. 5, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Lyric’s ‘Cendrillon’ an Enchanting French Rendering of ‘Cinderella’

Alternately farcical and romantic, this very French rendering of the Cinderella story has arrived on the Lyric Opera stage for the very first time in an altogether enchanting production.

Defense Scheduled to Begin Case in McDonald Conspiracy Trial Thursday

Defense attorneys for three Chicago police officers will have their first opportunity to present evidence Thursday morning. But it remains to be seen if any witnesses will be called.

A Controversial Fishing Style: Snagging for Salmon in Chicago Harbors

From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, fishermen in Illinois are allowed to use a specific technique to catch salmon that’s banned in several other states. What snagging is, and where you’re allowed to do it.

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Dec. 6-9

Holiday trains, festive fairs, cutting-edge choreography and ice skates usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

MWRD Selects Veteran Staffer Brian Perkovich as New Executive Director

The appointment of Brian Perkovich as head of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago comes five months after the abrupt – and unexplained – resignation of David St. Pierre. 

Illinois Steel Company Plans to Move Operations to Indiana

The state of Indiana announced Wednesday that Alliance Steel plans to invest $19.7 million in Gary, about 25 miles from its plant in Bedford Park, Illinois.

Man Charged in 1 of 3 Fatal Stabbings on Chicago’s West Side

Police said Tuesday that 24-year-old Darius Mayze has been charged with first-degree murder in the Nov. 20 slaying of 58-year-old Ronald Rockett. 
 

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