Stories by Kristen Thometz

Construction management teams bidding for a leading role in the Obama Presidential Center must commit to specific diversity and inclusion goals, the Obama Foundation announced Thursday.

Curators and students at Columbia College Chicago have devised a way to get viewers to reimagine the meaning of a photograph.

Days after state legislators approved a historic education funding reform bill, Illinois has now received a green light to begin implementing another new system to keep school districts accountable.

Watch the Aug. 30, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The Illinois House Republican leader speaks with Carol Marin about the school funding compromise and other battles in Springfield.

Exactly how much more money can Chicago homeowners expect to pay to fund Chicago teacher pensions?

Two of Chicago’s most celebrated guitar players join us in conversation and performance.

The economy is adding jobs and unemployment is low, yet nearly 15 million Americans are on the hunt for full-time work. We discuss the job market with a Chicago Booth Review editor.

A new book examines the city’s history and culture through a culinary lens, from Chicago originals to products and companies, restaurants, trends and beyond.

The MCA celebrates its 50th anniversary with an exhibition by a colorful contemporary artist.

The Illinois Commerce Commission has until mid-September to rule on a downstate utility provider’s energy efficiency plan, which consumer advocates say would cost residents nearly 30 percent in savings on utility bills and jeopardize 7,000 jobs.

What role should the state have in private school education? A look at Illinois’ plan and how other states run the controversial program.

Summer festivals, outdoor movies, an African marketplace and jazz musicians usher in the holiday weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Chicago has taken its first step toward having judicial oversight of its efforts to reform the Police Department, but not with the federal government. It’s doing it with the state of Illinois.

The Illinois Senate has passed a new education funding measure that Gov. Bruce Rauner said he will sign into law.

Watch the Aug. 29, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

It took three roll call votes Monday before an education funding bill passed in the Illinois House. In the end, there was still division on both sides of the aisle. We speak to lawmakers who voted for and against the measure.

After 10 years, the city and labor unions are preparing for a new round of contract negotiations. What you should know about the process.

Meet the Chicago physician who writes about her personal experiences dealing with breast cancer. 

As part of PETA’s eye-catching “Lettuce Ladies” campaign, South Elgin native Mysti Lee travels the globe promoting animal rights. 

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers says the best place to stop Asian carp from getting into the Great Lakes is the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet. But the state says the plan is too expensive for Illinois taxpayers and the shipping industry.

Illinois joins a handful of states that require restaurants to provide some form of food allergen awareness and safety training. Learn about the new rules.

Go behind the scenes with the performers of Cirque du Soleil as they prepared for their latest show in Chicago.

A day of drama in the Illinois House ended Monday night with a passage of bipartisan education funding legislation that Gov. Bruce Rauner said he will “quickly” sign into law should the Senate pass the package on Tuesday.

Mike North is leaving sports broadcasting and will live part-time in Las Vegas, with plans to be a pitchman for a product called Light Keeper Pro. 

Immigrants and refugees in Illinois can now breathe a sigh of relief, and people eager to vote will find it easier to register. The changes come as Gov. Bruce Rauner signed two pieces of legislation Monday.