Stories by Kristen Thometz

Meet Nasreen Sheikh, a former child laborer who is using her past to improve the lives of women and children around the world.

Paris Schutz and guests discuss the newspaper rivalry between the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times, and more.

A caravan of candidates vow to take on Mayor Rahm Emanuel. A push to regulate gun shops fails. Assessing the Bears first round draft pick. And what does the future hold for Chicago’s newspapers?

You will never experience anything quite like it. Alexander Ekman’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream” is now receiving its North American premiere by the Joffrey Ballet, and it is a monumental achievement on every level.

He wrote a multitude of Motown classics, and now he’s working with Chicago Children’s Theatre. Legendary songwriter Lamont Dozier and his son talk about their new musical “Last Stop on Market Street.” 

A star researcher is accused of violating research rules and putting children at risk, while UIC is accused of being compliant. We speak with Jodi Cohen, the ProPublica Illinois reporter who broke the story.

An historic house from the 1933 Century of Progress is among the buildings on Landmarks Illinois 2018 most endangered list. We revisit our tour of the long-forgotten house.

Watch the April 26, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner weighs in for the first time on a new entrant to the governor’s race: state Sen. Sam McCann.

Horween Leather has some high-profile clients. And if you’re a sports fan, chances are you’ve seen their work at play.

Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia tells us about the new ID card that pulls triple duty as a library and Ventra card. But it’s not without controversy.

Sandra Cordova Micek will take over as president and CEO of WWCI, the parent company of WTTW and WFMT, beginning May 1 following the retirement last year of Dan Schmidt.

Five former students filed civil suits this week against Lake Bluff School District 65, claiming it knowingly employed a sexually abusive teacher in the 1970s and ‘80s.

The soundtrack to first loves, bad fights and family memories: Robert Elder’s new “music memoir” helps you create the mixtape of your life.

A transformative evening in the theater, Porchlight Music Theatre’s production features galvanic direction, volcanic dancing, a powerhouse onstage band and a large, fiercely talented cast.

Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed the Gun Dealer Licensing Act in March. Wednesday was key to determining whether that veto would stick. 

Watch the April 25, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

First lady Melania Trump hosts her first state dinner. A look at the historical role of first lady and how Trump is approaching the job.

Starbucks’ CEO apologizes after the arrest of two black men in a Philadelphia store and pledges a nationwide racial bias training. Is it enough?

We peek behind the scenes at an exotic butterfly sanctuary in Chicago, and learn how volunteers help scientists track butterfly populations.

After a recent break from radio, the self-described “Queen of Sappy Love Songs” is back. Delilah joins us in discussion.

Chicago Public Schools officials say they’re focused on getting their school buildings cleaned after a recent round of inspections revealed “troubling and concerning” issues.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson is asking for community support as the district attempts to fix “systemic problems” with its special education programming.

Remember Spike the corpse flower? The plant made famous in 2015 for being the first of its kind to (nearly) bloom in Chicago is on the comeback trail – and climbing to new heights.

A unique shopping fair, craft cocktails, irreverent improv and films about furry friends usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

What became of the Loop restaurant where Mayor Richard J. Daley had his power breakfasts? Geoffrey Baer has the story.