Stories by Alex Ruppenthal

Chicago researchers are looking for lead, manganese and other metals that could affect lung function in children with asthma. 

The Illinois senator is calling on federal environmental and public health regulators to conduct a new assessment of toxic pollutants in one of the city’s most industrialized areas.

We’re not the only ones enjoying the tomatoes. The Organic Gardener Jeanne Nolan shares her advice on how to rid our garden of a cute – yet pesky chipmunk.

Illinois was praised for the clarity of its four-tier school ranking system and its focus on student growth, which makes up half of the weight behind a school’s annual rating in the proposed system.

The Cook County penny-per-ounce sugary beverage tax is back, pending an appeal. Friday, Cook County Judge Daniel Kubasiak granted a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that the law did not violate the Illinois Constitution. 

Despite Gov. Bruce Rauner’s demands that the school spending bill be sent to him this week, Democrats say they’ll give it to him on Monday. In Chicago, officials are expanding gunshot detecting technology to more high-crime areas.

We raise a glass to a pair of sisters who made a fortune as brothel owners in the City of Big Shoulders with a ladylike drink.

Watch the July 27, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The Illinois Department of Labor has joined other states in shutting down carnival rides similar to the one that malfunctioned at the Ohio State Fair Wednesday.

Chicago Tonight spends a day with a tugboat crew moving barges on the Calumet River.

Buying a bag of chips or logging onto your computer with a wave of your hand will soon be possible at one Wisconsin company. 

Gov. Bruce Rauner called on Democrats to send him Senate Bill 1, while Illinois Senate President John Cullerton says he’ll wait till Monday to send the bill to the governor.

Rabiah Mayas returns to explain why NASA needs your origami skills and other stories from the world of science.

There are varying estimates on how many transgender people actively serve in the military, but a 2016 study done by the policy think tank RAND Corporation found there were between 1,320 and 6,630 transgender individuals on active duty.

“Both sleep and cortisol are connected to the ability to learn and perform academic tasks,” said researcher Jennifer Heissel. “Our study identifies a pathway by which violent crime may get under the skin to affect academic performance.”

He is an accomplished photographer, a political activist and a twice-inducted member to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Meet the co-founder of the Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

A first-of-its-kind study shows that giving people a financial incentive to save trees is an effective strategy for fighting climate change.

Just in time for “Shark Week,” researchers published a study this month that highlights the unique recovery capabilities of sharks.

Some Cook County jail detainees will be getting a little extra help when leaving the jail.

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

President Donald Trump lashes out at Jeff Sessions, his attorney general and long-time supporter. How are Republicans feeling about the Trump presidency so far?

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton on the governor’s frame of mind: The latest on the special education funding session in Springfield.

A new study offers the latest and perhaps most dramatic evidence of the neurological toll of football on those who play it.

Big changes are coming to the North Branch of the Chicago River. Why some are up in arms over the plan.

A trio of town halls wasn’t enough for National Teachers Academy parents and South Loop-area residents, who filled a Board of Education meeting Wednesday to continue talks over a controversial plan for a new high school.

Bands, bikes, beer and—wait for it—Peter Sagal usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.