Stories by Kristen Thometz

An inexpensive finger-prick test can quickly and accurately detect the presence of a life-damaging parasite in pregnant women, according to a recent study conducted in Chicago and Morocco.  

Former EPA chief Scott Pruitt said his proposal would increase transparency, but opponents say it will keep certain scientific studies out of the hands of EPA decision-makers and addresses “a ‘problem’ that does not exist.”

“Many synthetic cannabinoids are already illegal, but by broadening the criteria, we ensure that they can’t be made legal by small and potentially deadly changes to their chemical formulas,” said state Sen. Jacqueline Collins.

As difficult as it may be to believe, the summer of 2018 is winding down. One significant marker: the Grant Park Music Festival will give the final performances of its 84th season on Saturday.

Organizations in Chicago have spent decades helping the city’s homeless find housing. But until recently, there was no overarching system in place to help track those efforts – or the people in need.

Starting next summer, people caught texting while driving will be cited with a moving violation that will go on their driving record – even if it’s their first offense.

More scientists will be on hand next month to examine specimens and artifacts brought in by visitors, including staff specializing in zoology, paleontology, geology, ichthyology (also known as fish science) and more.

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the warning from top U.S. intelligence and security leaders over continued Russian attempts to influence American elections.

Democrats and Republicans tee off at the Illinois State Fair. Two high-profile trials grip the city. Elon Musk’s O’Hare express project is shrouded in secrecy. And the Cubs early playoff atmosphere.

She is Shedd’s only full-time photographer, capturing images of the aquarium’s 32,000 animals from both in and out of the water. A conversation with Brenna Hernandez.

A former federal prosecutor found CPS leaders failed to recognize the extent of the sex abuse issues that existed for years inside district schools.

Chicago museums and collectors played a critical role in the life of an American artist with an international profile. We take a look at the spectacular paintings of John Singer Sargent.

A conversation with journalist Jamie Kalven about police accountability as more videos of last month’s fatal police-involved shooting of Harith Augustus come online.

Watch the Aug. 16, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

We bite into the science behind this summer’s blockbuster movie about the giant, prehistoric shark Megalodon with a Shedd Aquarium expert.

The high school class of 2022 will be starting ninth grade in just a few weeks. And for the first time, students at Chicago Public Schools were able to pick their high schools using a new common application called GoCPS.

Democrats are on the attack as they campaign at the Illinois State Fair. We have a live report from Springfield.

As the high-profile murder case heads to trial in September, a look at key events in the months and years since Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke fatally shot Laquan McDonald.

The mother of slain teenager Laquan McDonald made a rare appearance in Cook County criminal court Thursday morning to testify before attorneys representing the Chicago police officer who shot and killed her son in 2014.

The iconic “Queen of Soul” died Thursday at her home in Detroit after battling pancreatic cancer. Two of her friends share stories about her life and legacy.

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner on Wednesday slammed Democratic challenger J.B. Pritzker’s spending on political advertisements. “You know what? You can only put so much lipstick on a barrow,” Rauner said.

The opioid crisis in the United States is being fought on many fronts. And one is at O’Hare airport. Meet some of the best four-legged customs enforcers in the world.

Watch the Aug. 15, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

In Illinois last year, more than 2,300 bridges were classified as “structurally deficient” – including three spanning Lake Shore Drive. We talk aging infrastructure in Chicago and beyond.

Ronald Kitchen met former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge in 1988. He would go on to spend two decades in prison – including a dozen years on death row – before his exoneration in 2009.

Stressed out by the news? You’re not alone. We speak with a clinical psychologist about ways to manage anxiety amid the 24-hour news cycle.