Stories by Bernie Lubell

Vivek Bavda is undoubtedly the underdog in the 10th District Democratic race in the congressional primaries. But his experience is different than the other candidates.

John Tree became a military hero of sorts late last year, subduing an unruly passenger on United Flight 448. MSNBC’s Chris Matthews witnessed the incident and invited Tree on his program. He was slowly gaining notoriety as a candidate in Illinois’ 10th District, despite his late entry into the race in November.

Brad Schneider is a self-described progressive father of two, who, according to the latest internal polls, has pulled into the lead in the 10th District Democratic primary.

At 25 years old, Ilya Sheyman is just old enough to run for Congress. But he’s made a big impression in a short amount of time.

The mayor wants to save money by putting fewer firefighters on a truck,  but firefighters say that would compromise safety. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel take up the issue.

Children's Memorial Hospital is considering starting a clinic to serve kids who feel they were born the wrong gender. We talk with a doctor at the hospital who's pushing for this to happen.

Some familiar faces have been excluded from Chicago Magazine's list of the 100 Most Powerful Chicagoans. The magazine's executive editor tells us why.

Boxed wine, hangovers and mystery champagnes. Check Please! Host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh answers your questions live on our show. Then, cozy up to your computer with your favorite cocktail and join us for a live online chat during and after the segment!

There were some unusual laws in what used to be a Christian Utopia, but is now Zion, Illinois. Geoffrey Baer has the surprising story of Zion, and some of Chicago's other hidden utopias.

The James Beard Foundation has whet the appetite of several Chicago eateries. The Foundation, which gives the culinary equivalent of the Oscars, is naming its semifinalists for this year's awards.

Duckworth is a war veteran, who lost both her legs in combat as a helicopter pilot. But her resulting disabilities didn’t impede her public service work; and she says she wants to continue to advocate for the people. She is running for the Democratic nomination in the 10th District against Raja Krishnamoorthi.

Public outcry is growing over plans to shut down or shake up 16 Chicago Public Schools. Elizabeth Brackett has more on a day of protest. Then, Carol Marin talks with leaders from CPS and the Teachers Union.

Raja Krishnamoorthi’s resume is undeniably impressive. He has degrees in engineering and law from Princeton and Harvard Universities, respectively. Now, he's running for the Democratic nomination for the 8th District against Tammy Duckworth.

After more than two years in the news business, the Chicago News Cooperative is calling it quits -- for now. The CNC's managing editor joins us to talk about whether it has a future.

Was a butcher to blame for a backup in the Chicago River? Geoffrey Baer uncovers some gruesome Bridgeport history in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Chicago's 5th Annual Restaurant week is in full swing. We tell you what's behind the event, and where you can go for a special meal.

We asked what you thought about Noble Street Charter Schools charging students fines for minor infractions. We hear what some of you had to say in tonight's Viewer Mail. 

Carol Marin and her panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

Need some ideas for what to do this weekend? Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on!

The Chicago Teachers Union slams Chicago Public Schools administrators, and offer their own vision for the school system, including $700 million more in funding. Paris Schutz has the story.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard joins us to discuss new sick-day policies and more.

We talk to the heads of two security firms about how businesses are being advised to get ready for possible protests during the upcoming G8 and NATO Summits in Chicago.

Chicago-based Boeing gets a record $22 billion order. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM has that story and more top business headlines.

A barefoot runner makes the case for leaving your shoes at home -- even in the winter.

The Field Museum has a new exhibit, giving visitors a chance to see mummies that have not been viewed by the public for over 100 years. We get a behind-the-scenes look at the exhibit.

A new Chicago Fire Department Fire Commissioner was appointed on Thursday, in the wake of Wednesday’s resignation of current fire commissioner, Robert Hoff.