Stories by Alex Ruppenthal

Citizen scientists can help researchers discover new distant galaxies as part of the Adler-led Zooniverse project. 

Inspired by a popular cinder track relay race at Indiana University Bloomington, and the 1979 dramedy “Breaking Away,” the Chicago Cinder Classic will set wheels spinning in Chicago this summer.

Chicago Public Schools says it's making its most significant investment in Englewood in decades, announcing plans Friday to construct a “state-of-the-art” high school that will take in students from four other area schools the district plans to shutter.

Comey says Trump lied about his firing. More candidates jump into the governor’s race. And the MLB investigates an abuse claim against the Cubs’ Addison Russell. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

Watch the June 8, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

An extensive Chicago Tribune investigation claims the county’s property tax system favors the rich over the poor. The Tribune reporter and a representative from the Cook County Assessor’s Office join us in discussion.

A new study finds that as school effectiveness and achievement levels rise in Chicago, the opposite is occurring downstate, where low-income enrollment is increasing.

How do the city’s halal restaurants, which serve mostly Muslim customers, hold up during the month of Ramadan? We explore the traditions of two West Ridge destinations.

During Thursday’s hearing, the former FBI Director said his rationale for documenting conversations with President Donald Trump was due to a fear that Trump “might lie about the nature of [their] meeting.”

A new housing report offers a bleak look at the cost of renting an apartment in Illinois for those earning minimum wage.

A plan to develop affordable housing units under the same roof as public libraries moved forward Wednesday, when Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the winning architects and developers for each of the three projects.

U.S. District Court Judge Joan Lefkow is directing the cash-strapped state to put more money into Medicaid.

Wednesday marks what would have been the 100th birthday for poet Gwendolyn Brooks.

Watch the June 7, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The Democrat-backed bill would increase state funding to every public school district in the state. But it still faces an uncertain future as critics chide what they see as preferential treatment for Chicago Public Schools.

The Wisconsin native, born on June 8, 1867, is widely regarded as the greatest American architect ever. We discuss his legacy with David Bagnall, the curator of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust.

Recent terror attacks in Manchester and London have cities with high-profile public targets eyeing their security for potential vulnerabilities.

Live blues, lit wits, neighborhood festivals and ribs galore usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

Chicago swimmers are invited to participate in an international event this month that highlights the role of swim lessons in preventing drowning.

When Jimmy Piersall joined the Chicago White Sox broadcast booth in 1977, no one had ever heard anyone like him on the air. Colorful and brash, Piersall took the concept of “telling it like it is” to a new level.

Illinois government is sitting on $14.68 billion of bills it can’t afford to pay, and providers of Medicaid are suing to get to the front of the line.

Watch the June 6, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Meet Lombard native Zeshan Bagewadi—known as Zeshan B—who sings classic soul covers and originals with a big, opera-trained voice.

A look at the city’s past, present and fiscal future with the outgoing city budget director who is stepping down after six years.

After winning three Grammys and making national headlines this year for his contributions to the Chicago Public Schools, Chicago-born Chance the Rapper is set to receive another award later this month.

A significant decrease in calls to Chicago 911 emergency services is not matched by an overall decline in crime. We take a look at the numbers.