Stories by Alex Ruppenthal

Supporters of a bill vetoed this summer by Gov. Bruce Rauner are calling on legislators to override that action next month in the hopes of expanding the use of gas tax funds to public transportation services and other improvements.

Former Northwestern professor Wyndham Lathem and his accomplice Andrew Warren, charged in the stabbing death of a Chicago hairstylist, will have their hearings scheduled together as their cases proceed.

Words of culinary wisdom from master pastry chef Jacquy Pfeiffer, co-founder of The French Pastry School.

Is Gov. Bruce Rauner about to get new competition in the Republican primary? 

Watch the Oct. 30, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The Chicago Tribune published a report Monday on the “rediscovery” of a long-forgotten 35 mm film in the National Archives. The story behind the incredible aerial footage of Chicago shot in August 1914.

Paul Manafort and his longtime associate Rick Gates are indicted on money laundering charges, but the White House says it has nothing to do with President Donald Trump.

The EPA says the source of an Oct. 26 oil spill remains unknown, but cleanup efforts continue this week along the 1.5-mile stretch of the south fork of the South Branch of the Chicago River.

Lawmakers who signed an open letter describing a culture of sexual harassment and misconduct in Springfield discuss the problem.

On the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s dramatic challenge to the Catholic Church, two local exhibitions reveal the astonishing impact of the Reformation.

A Southeast Side company tipped off regulators to its own violation of city air pollution standards, documents submitted to the city show. 

At a book signing in Winnetka, the former Democratic presidential candidate was asked for her response to Robert Mueller’s investigation. “I have a great chapter about Russia in here,” she said, holding up her book.

Allegations of abuse against a former theater teacher at Evanston Township High School have poured in this month following a social media post by an ETHS grad.

In an effort to fill a void created by federal and state agencies that have cut back environmental oversight, Chicago plans to expand its environmental enforcement division.

A new book by Rolling Stone reporter Matt Taibbi examines the life of Eric Garner, and the impact his death had on his family, friends and the criminal justice system in New York City.

In some Chicago neighborhoods, pharmacies appear to be in abundant supply. In others, they’re scarce. Researchers will spend the next three years addressing their dwindling numbers on the city’s South and West Sides.

Illinois is taking creative steps to prepare residents for all kinds of potential disasters. “If you are prepared for zombies, you are prepared for a natural disaster,” said state Rep. Chris Welch.

Gov. Bruce Rauner launches his re-election bid. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle demands 10-percent cuts. And in Springfield, a “bump stock” bill is defeated and sexual harassment allegations emerge. 

High school students who take advanced classes are more likely to enroll in college. But Chicago Public Schools says that not enough minority students are getting access to this more challenging coursework.

Watch the Oct. 26, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

There are more soggy days ahead. Find out how you can help ease the burden on the Chicago River and reduce the risk of flooding.

Blistering attacks against President Donald Trump coming from members of his own party. Local Republicans give us their take on the turmoil dividing Washington.

Meet Dr. Helene Gayle, the new CEO of the Chicago Community Trust, and find out what the future holds for this 102-year-old philanthropic organization.   

Youth football seems to be taking a hit. We speak with a Daily Herald investigative reporter about steep declines in high school football participation.

Viewers on four continents will watch a virtual presentation hosted by Adler Planetarium in early November to learn about the possibility of life on other planets.

While some gun rights advocates oppose any prohibition on “bump stocks,” others say they’re open to a ban, but that this particular proposal went too far, and was riddled with technical flaws.