Stories by Alex Ruppenthal

A community group has drawn up a plan to guide redevelopment of a heavily industrialized area in Chicago.

Why Cook County property owners who are eight months delinquent in paying taxes are about to owe major fees to private companies.

Watch the April 3, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

It’s rarely taught in schools anymore, so kids today are joining cursive clubs. But a state legislator is moving to once again make cursive lessons mandatory. 

The Chicago singer and guitarist known for his unique take on the blues died Saturday. He was 83.

Celebrating the life and musical legacy of Chicago blues legend Sam Lay.

Six Chicago Public Schools will take part in a new pilot program that lets students move at their own pace as they focus on mastering educational skills rather than spending set amounts of time in the classroom.

Does President Donald Trump have a plan for Chicago violence? We hear from viewers.

Students, teachers and community activists gathered Friday at Henderson Elementary for their second annual peace rally, marching only feet from where a 12-year-old girl was shot earlier this year.

The Emmy Award-winning television host writes about the drastic disparities between black and white Americans in his just-published book. 

A newly released report shows additional sources of manganese dust on Chicago’s Southeast Side, where residents were already dealing with exposure to manganese and other pollutants. 

In her first speech since leaving the White House, the former senior adviser to President Barack Obama shares lessons she’s learned throughout her career. 

The “New Chance: Arts and Literature” fund will provide Chicago students with new supplies beginning next school year, having already raised $1.2 million through philanthropic donations in just the last month.

“I hope that when black people look at it they see how powerful and beautiful we are despite everything that’s happened to us,” said artist Ervin A. Johnson.

As the Chicago Teachers Union continues debate over a possible one-day strike in response to furloughs and cuts from Chicago Public Schools, some members have come out in favor of other options that wouldn't cost teachers another day of lost pay.

Trump says there’s “no excuse” for hundreds of Chicago shootings. Mayor Emanuel proposes a municipal ID program for undocumented immigrants. Rauner launches a campaign ad, while Democrats push their own “comeback agenda.” 

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

Viewers reflect on Chicago State University’s crisis, WBEZ reporter Natalie Moore’s report on the Chicago Housing Authority, and the ethics of zoos.

The violinist and songwriter beat more than 6,000 entrants to be the ultimate winner of NPR’s 2016 Tiny Desk Contest.

The staggering violence in some Chicago neighborhoods can't be measured by statistics alone. Mental health workers discuss the impact of repeated violence – and how to treat it.

“Our model is that quality equals dignity. We want kids on the other end who are receiving these coats or shoes or pants to feel proud to wear them,” said Cradles to Crayons Executive Director Bernard Cherkasov. 

About 15 speakers will lead “conversations and wake-up calls” this weekend as part of a three-day symposium at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

During a meeting this week with police union leaders from across the country, President Donald Trump reportedly asked Dean Angelo, the head of Chicago’s police union, “What’s going on in Chicago?”

The owners of tens of thousands of homes and properties in Cook County who’ve fallen behind on their taxes have only a couple more days to settle their debts – or they could wind up paying a lot more.

Reports from credit ratings agencies aren’t typically considered thrilling reads. But the latest one from Moody’s is so ominous, it ought to give taxpayers, or at least state lawmakers elected to represent them, the shivers.

River tours, film festivals and a whole lotta bacon. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.