Stories by Kristen Thometz

Thanks to an extension of Statue Stories Chicago, you still have plenty of time to chat with the Tin Man and Dorothy in Oz Park.

The Chicago Urban League unveiled this week its 10-year plan to fight structural racism in the city, highlighting education, employment and economic development as key areas of focus.

Levi Boone was arguably one of the most disliked mayors in Chicago history for his crackdown on immigrants and alcohol. He inspires a frosty, boozy melting pot of Americana.

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich will serve out his full sentence. Chicago Public Schools wants to end teacher pension pickups, and the Chicago Cubs continue to win. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

The UNO Charter School Network laid off 29 union educators – including teachers, support staff and social workers – late last week as it worked to balance its 2016-17 budget and negotiate a new contract with its teachers union.

Watch the August 11, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

On a horse farm north of Chicago, a European tradition combines artistry and athletic prowess. We meet some of the star athletes–and the ponies that will someday take their place.

Chef Rick Bayless joins us to talk about the wines of Mexico, his latest restaurant, and new dishes and drinks.

The nuclear codes come up during almost every presidential election. We talk with the woman overseeing the Doomsday Clock about the president's authority over the nation's nuclear arsenal. 

Most Chicago homeowners–with the exception of some 18 aldermen–are facing property tax increases and the prospect of more to come. Will the tax hikes dampen home sales?

Actor Jonathan Pryce joins us to talk about the controversial character Shylock he portrays in Shakepeare's “The Merchant of Venice”–and his scene-stealing role in “Game of Thrones.”

Michael Phelps is making a splash at the 2016 Olympics for his performance–and his appearance. A local physical therapist explains why he’s covered with bruises.

Take in live music, pedal through city streets in the wee hours, line up for an iconic parade and sip wine in the suburbs. Get details on those events and more things to do this weekend.

Take a look inside a museum of Puerto Rican art and culture in a historic building in Humboldt Park.

One year in and the city's ban on flimsy, one-use plastic bags is now fully in effect. But is it really reducing pollution or, as some critics charge, is it actually making the problem worse? Our panel examines the ban's impact.

Watch the August 10, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Is Donald Trump inciting violence with his latest controversial quip? A closer look at whether his words constitute free speech. 

Tornadoes had kept away from Chicago since 2006, but a brief landspout brought an end to that streak Tuesday afternoon.

Geoffrey Baer shares the story of the remarkable man who gave Sox Park's famous intersection one of its names.

Peak activity for the Perseids is expected to be Thursday and Friday, according to NASA. The best time to view the meteors is between midnight and dawn, no telescope required.

The Grammy award-winning rock icon joins Eddie Arruza to reflect on his 40-year career in music. 

Three street gangs have allegedly vowed to target cops in the wake of the fatal police shooting of Paul O'Neal. We talk with the member of Congress who represents the area where O'Neal was shot.

Rod Blagojevich must serve his full prison sentence. A stunning ruling at the ex-governor's resentencing Tuesday. Find out what Blagojevich said in his own defense.

Watch the August 9, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

One of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century comes to Chicago: ancient soldiers from an army of Chinese terra-cotta warriors.

A visit from Carol Fisher Saller, the Subversive Copy Editor. She's here to help us make peace with changes to the English language.