Stories by Marc Vitali

A new film looks at skateboarding as an escape from violence and boredom for three friends in Rockford, Illinois. We speak with director Bing Liu.

The blight, as well as the occasional bursts of beauty that define life in inner-city high schools is all too familiar. But rarely has it been captured with such a sense of wit, grace, exasperation and tragicomic insight.

A lawsuit filed Thursday by Illinois and seven other states challenges a Trump administration plan to eliminate long-standing protections for migratory birds.

As a new school year gets underway at Chicago Public Schools, we visit a first-year teacher who has her own share of first-day jitters – and excitement for what lies ahead.

Four years after the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald, the trial of Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke, who is charged with his murder, is underway. Scenes from day one of the trial.

Retro tunes, barbecue bites, historic homes and feline films usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

Watch the Sept. 5, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

He stunned the city with his decision to not seek a third term, leaving everyone wondering: what’s next? A discussion with Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

A proposal in City Council would end a tourist industry that’s operated in the city for nearly 40 years. Supporters and opponents weigh in.

The mayor’s surprise announcement has triggered a flurry of speculation about new candidates. But running for office successfully is far more complicated than shaking hands and raising money.

Women are at an increased risk of depression before menopause, even if they don’t have a history of the mood disorder. New guidelines seek to help clinicians identify and treat women during this “window of vulnerability,” said UIC professor Pauline Maki.

The aquarium’s initiative to offer free admission to Illinois residents this month has a new twist that could help you avoid rush-hour traffic.

Winning a third term wasn’t ever going to be easy for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. But the dynamics of the race quickly went topsy-turvy with Emanuel’s announcement that he won’t be on the 2019 ballot.

Not only does director Calvin MacLean have deep Chicago roots, so do a number of the major players in this grand-scale production.

From issues of police and violence, to community development and education, an assessment of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s legacy.

What does the mayor’s decision to not seek re-election mean to challengers – and potential challengers – in the 2019 race? Local political reporters weigh in.

Watch the Sept. 4, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel will not seek a third term. We get reaction to the news from City Council.

A bombshell announcement from Mayor Rahm Emanuel and a rare public statement from Laquan McDonald’s family set the scene on the eve of Jason Van Dyke’s murder trial.

“As much as I love this job and will always love this city and its residents, I have decided not to seek re-election,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Tuesday.

These are the names you need to know as the murder trial of suspended police Officer Jason Van Dyke gets underway.

For the third time this summer, activists used major roadways in an effort to shine a light on the violence plaguing Chicago’s South and West Sides. 

More Chicago Public Schools students are earning diplomas than ever before, reaching a record-high graduation rate of 78.2 percent, according to new figures from the district.

A Cook County judge will hear further arguments next week after prosecutors accused the suspended Chicago police officer of violating the terms of his bond.

Police say there’ll be no tolerance for traffic disruptions this Labor Day, despite a planned protest to shut down portions of the Kennedy Expressway on Monday.  

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the impact of politicians’ remarks.