Stories by Kathy Long

The Reagan Presidency is a new documentary focusing on President Reagan’s domestic and foreign policy decisions during his two terms in office. It premieres on WTTW11 at 8:00 pm Thursday. Watch a trailer and read more about Reaganomics.

Joe Mangrum spends all day on a work of art, and then it’s gone. He creates sand paintings - improvisational and temporary works in public spaces, as well as museums, galleries and events. Jay Shefsky caught up with him as he made a commissioned sand painting in a downtown office lobby. Read an article and watch a time-lapse video of sand art.

America’s biggest comedy fest enjoys its fifth anniversary year with a diverse group of performers. From the “Just for Laughs” festival, we’ll be joined by Scott Adsit (30 Rock), Brian Babylon (Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me) and renowned improv performer Susan Messing for a freewheeling conversation about Chicago’s key role in the art of comedy. Read a Q&A.

We share what you had to say about Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis's appearance on our show this week in tonight's viewer feedback.

A flood watch is in effect for the region from 4:00 pm Wednesday afternoon until 4:00 am Thursday morning. We chat with WGN-TV’s chief meteorologist Tom Skilling about what to expect, and how to protect your family and property.

Top lawmaker Tom Cross accuses House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton of playing politics to hold up pension reform. Paris Schutz has the story.

After months of speculation, Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford officially threw his name in the ring as the GOP gubernatorial candidate. View a timeline of Rutherford's political career.

Jonathan Alter is an award-winning author, columnist, reporter and television analyst. Since 2011, he has written a column for Bloomberg View, a worldwide commentary site housed under Bloomberg News. The Chicago native joins us to discuss his new book, The Center Holds: Obama and His Enemies. Read an excerpt.

New Teacher Center is an organization that teaches teachers how to sidestep the pitfalls of early career burnout. Read a web article and watch an extended interview with Ellen Moir, founder and CEO of the organization, who is working to battle the teacher retention crisis in America.

Last Sunday, the Tony Awards had a strong Chicago accent. Steppenwolf Theatre’s Broadway production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? won Tonys for “Best Revival,” “Best Director” and “Best Actor, Tracy Letts.” Before it went to Broadway, the show played at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre, and we spoke with some of the principal actors. Watch a web extra video.

Former White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley is officially exploring a run for Illinois governor in 2014. Daley announced Tuesday in a web video that he has formed an exploratory committee for the race. Watch the video and read reaction from other potential gubernatorial candidates.

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis says Chicago has to break its addiction to tax-breaks and find ways to generate revenue for our schools. She joins us to talk about the fate of teachers and students under the new-look CPS. Read Lewis's full statement in response to CPS' proposed five-year action plan and read 11 Things About Lewis you may not have known.

Hoping to make some progress on pension reform before next week's special session, Governor Quinn calls a meeting with the General Assembly's legislative leaders. Paris Schutz has the latest from their meeting. 

The Blackhawks are back in the Stanley Cup Finals.  Legendary Hawks broadcaster Pat Foley is here with a preview.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett joins us to discuss her Five Year Plan. 

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists examine the shaping race for the Republican gubernatorial primary in this web extra conversation.

The world's largest free blues festival, ancient mummies brought (nearly) back to life, and a celebration of Indian arts and culture; Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.

The National Security Agency is collecting phone records of Verizon wireless customers. We dig through the legal implications of doing this, and if this truly is an effective way to counter terrorism.

Trumpeter Herb Alpert and his Grammy award-winning wife, Chicagoan Lani Hall Alpert, joins us to talk about their legendary careers.

We asked for your thoughts about the Chicago Sun-Times' decision to lay off their entire photo staff. We read what some of you had to say in tonight's Viewer Feedback.

The Chicago City Council passed the mayor's revised parking meter deal by 39-11. Paris Schutz has the latest.

Venture capitalist Bruce Rauner says he'll fix a broken Springfield in an ad announcing his run for governor. Rauner joins us to discuss his bid.

Rep. Luis Gutierrez has paid more than $500,000 in taxpayer money to a Chicago lobbyist, according to USA Today. Paul Singer, the author of the article, joins us.

Springfield’s inability to reform the state’s pension system has all sorts of consequences: for unions, for the markets, and for taxpayers across the state. We discuss the future with some of the key players.