Stories by Kristen Thometz

Breast cancer patients and survivors often report forgetfulness and difficulty focusing after chemotherapy. A recent study analyzes these symptoms, commonly referred to as “chemo brain.”

A new bacterial disease infecting corn crops has been confirmed in Illinois, but researchers know very little about the disease or what impact it could have on the agricultural industry.

For the second year in a row, Chicago Public Schools begins the school year without a teachers contract. Can a deal be struck soon?

Watch the Sept. 6, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A look into the world of art glass paperweights as we preview an upcoming auction from a very famous collection.

After another violent holiday weekend, Superintendent Eddie Johnson issues a call for help to community members and African-American lawmakers. What is he asking for, and will it help reverse this year's spike in violence?

Online behemoth Amazon will open a brick-and-mortar bookstore in Lakeview next year. What this could mean for independent bookstores and publishers. 

A new book looks at pivotal moments in the history of Steppenwolf Theatre. We hear from the author and a longtime ensemble member.

Phyllis Schlafly, the conservative leader who helped derail the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s and also fought against communism and abortion rights, died Monday of cancer in Ladue, Missouri, near St. Louis.

The State Board of Elections computer hack may have been smaller than first thought. Now it seems the personal information of only 90,000 Illinois voters was compromised. How safe is voter information? We get the latest.

Classes resumed Tuesday for students across Chicago, but many of the 500-plus teachers laid off in August could be left outside the classroom this school year.

Giddy on up to North Avenue Beach this weekend to watch the “sport of kings” at the Qatar Airways Chicago Beach Polo Cup.

Nearly three out of four seniors within Chicago Public Schools earned their diplomas in 2016 – a district record – as graduation rates increased across neighborhood, charter and traditional high schools.

Field Museum archaeologists made an unexpected find while excavating an the site of an ancient city in southern Mexico.

Our summer series of politically inspired cocktails has come to an end but goes out with a bang as we look back at a man who encompassed just about everything wrong with Chicago politics – longtime alderman Fred Bruno Roti.

A new transit facility aimed at improving connections between trains and buses at Union Station is set to open Sunday, city officials announced this week.

August is Chicago's most violent month in 20 years. The historic Tribune Tower is sold. Chicago teachers are set to vote on an October strike. And the Cubs are still on top. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

Helping patients recover from gunshot wounds is just one part of a new violence-prevention program at Stroger Hospital. A look at how workers are going above and beyond the bedside.

With girls and women seriously underrepresented in fields involving computer science, we visit a computer camp that is aiming to change that at the Illinois Institute of Technology. 

August marks Chicago's deadliest month for gun violence in 20 years. What Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson has to say about rising crime, and whether others agree.

Doors at the school will reopen next week in Bronzeville for the first time since the 2014-15 school year. Chicago Public Schools announced last fall the school would be transformed into a neighborhood school focused on arts.

Watch the Sept. 1, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

It's been a spectacular growing season in the WTTW garden. Jeanne Nolan, the Organic Gardener, joins us with tips for harvesting and preparing some of our crops, including corn, tomatoes, Mexican sour gherkins, red noodle beans and neon eggplant.

Safe spaces and trigger warnings: Are they good for college students or stifling academic and intellectual freedom?

Meet the author of a new book that takes an in-depth look at the challenges the justice system poses for minority defendants.

Picking and eating wild mushrooms could result in a delectable treat or a deadly mistake. A fungi expert shares some helpful advice and tells us why picking mushrooms in city parks and your own neighborhood might not be the best idea.