Stories by Kristen Thometz

There are hundreds of judges in Illinois, and a new website aims to educate users about their backgrounds and how judges are appointed, among other things.

An inside look at the world of pinball machines with the president of the world's largest pinball company, Gary Stern. 

State lawmakers hope newly passed legislation will help better prepare Illinois high schoolers for the rigors of a college education.

A new memoir tells the story of a young mother separated from her husband during the Nigerian civil war in the 1960s. Hear how she protected her family, including future Chicago Sun-Times journalist Maudlyne Ihejirika.

Newly released videos capturing the events leading up to the fatal police shooting of 18-year-old Paul O’Neal sparked protests over the weekend.

Now that Chicago Public Schools has released its budget plans for the coming year, can the district and the Chicago Teachers Union finally nail down a contract agreement?

It's one of the most beautiful locations in one of the busiest areas of Chicago, but Lincoln Park's North Pond is not in good health. Learn about a proposal for a major makeover.

Watch the August 8, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A Chicago Tribune investigation called “The Price of Pork” paints an often disturbing picture of pork production in the state. The lead reporter on the series joins us to discuss his findings.

Lori Lightfoot, who represents the Independent Map Amendment, and state Sen. Kwame Raoul, who introduced a competing redistricting plan earlier this year, discuss the latest in the court fight over redistricting.

The second phase of the reconstruction project at the intersection of Western, Belmont and Clybourn avenues begins Monday. Find out what that means for drivers.

Using a process similar to photosynthesis, scientists from Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Illinois at Chicago have converted carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas, which can produce methanol and diesel fuels.

Declining enrollment and vacancies at other schools cited as Chicago Public Schools announces layoffs for hundreds of educators

Republicans are looking to dump Donald Trump after his disastrous week. Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s proposed water and sewer tax to fix the municipal employees’ pension fund angers aldermen and homeowners alike.

One-term Mayor Michael Bilandic’s downfall in 1979 has become a cautionary tale to future would-be mayors of Chicago: Always make sure the snow gets plowed. His chilly defeat inspired this iced cocktail.

The Independent Police Review Authority released police videos showing the shooting of Paul O’Neal.

Once a neighborhood unwelcoming to families of color, Marquette Park is not only a more diverse community today, but one that's now home to a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial.

A new bill passed late last month aims to cut higher education costs and allow Chicago Public Schools students to begin earning college credits sooner.

Watch the August 4, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

You've probably heard of a poetry slam, but this weekend, Fermilab will present its fifth annual Physics Slam in downtown Chicago. Learn more.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants to slap a tax on water and sewer bills. We take a closer look at the proposal with a panel of aldermen. 

The city of Chicago expands testing for lead in the water supply. Find out what you can do to make sure your drinking water is safe.

Investigators at the Independent Police Review Authority and the union that represents them are pushing back against the mayor's call to scrap and replace the agency.

Fifty years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. marched through Marquette Park to protest housing segregation and fight for equal rights. On Saturday, hundreds of area residents will trace a seven-block stretch of King’s march. Details on that and more in this weekend's roundup.

Monday’s release of proposed 2017 health insurance premium rate increases for coverage offered through the state’s Obamacare exchange induced sticker shock among some industry experts, with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois seeking increases from 23 to 45 percent for its individual health care plans.

Hear what viewers had to say about our story on DePaul University's decision to bar a conservative speaker when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.