Stories by Kristen Thometz

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping. As consumers make their holiday gift lists, they’re being urged to check them twice for toys that have been recalled over the past year. Find out which items should be left on the shelf.

Watch the Nov. 21, 2016 full episode of Chicago Tonight.

Here’s what some of you had to say about Chicago immigrants worried about their status since the election when we read feedback from the Chicago Tonight website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Pope Francis elevated Blase Cupich, along with 16 other archbishops, to the College of Cardinals on Saturday. But that’s not the only news the pope made. 

The pope endorses Donald Trump. Michelle Obama unfollows Hillary Clinton on Twitter. These days fake news is making real news. Could you be spreading lies on your Facebook feed?

The head of the Illinois State Board of Education will soon have a say in policy issues at the national level.

The culture wars are heating up again, one duel at a time.

What's being done to quell friction in one South Side community following the fatal police-involved shooting of a 25-year-old African-American man.

What happens when a lion gets a toothache? Meet the large and dedicated team that cares for more than 3,000 animals at Brookfield Zoo. 

Several 90-year-olds with superior memory were found to have the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease yet never developed dementia in their lifetimes. Scientists are now researching what protected these individuals from acquiring the disease.

Heading to O’Hare International Airport this week? You can breathe a sigh of relief: Airport workers announced Monday they won't walk off the job until Nov. 29.

Admission into Chicago’s selective enrollment high schools does not help close the achievement gap between students from high- and low-poverty neighborhoods, according to a new study.

Late last week it was announced that former Chicago Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. A local neurologist talks about the disease. 

Donald Trump’s transition in turmoil as Mayor Emanuel defies the president-elect on immigration. Rauner and Madigan meet. Budget sails through City Council, and the Bears bad season gets worse. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

Watch the Nov. 17, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A new bill in Springfield could see Illinois consumers paying higher electricity rates. But with the state already producing more energy than it needs, why are consumers being asked to pay more?

Worried that politics might spoil your Thanksgiving meal? Two local psychologists serve up recipes for a peaceful post-election family gathering. 

More than 150 years after Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species," the man and his theories continue to generate controversy and debate. That academic battle plays out in a new book titled "Debating Darwin."

As inauguration day grows closer, so does the fear for some young immigrants that their status in the U.S. will be revoked.

You’re probably aware that Chicago has high schools specializing in math and science as well as the arts, but did you know that Chicago’s big urban school system has an agricultural high school?

Judy Garland was one of the most distinctive American entertainers of the 20th Century. A new play looks at the extreme highs and lows of a legendary life in showbiz that ended at age 47. Hedy Weiss reviews that show, plus four other productions in and around Chicago.

Chicago Public Schools is investigating an employee who allegedly turned over confidential student information to the Noble Network of Charter Schools earlier this fall, according to a letter sent to district parents this week.

Poet Daniel Borzutzky has won the 2016 National Book Award for his collection, “The Performance of Becoming Human.” The awards were announced Wednesday night in New York City.

The $8.2 billion spending plan doesn’t contain nearly as much pain for city taxpayers as last year’s budget, but grocery shopping could get a bit more expensive.

Watch the Nov. 16, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Legislative leaders meet on the budget while the Illinois Senate overrides the governor’s veto of the motor voter registration bill. Amanda Vinicky has details from Springfield.