Stories by Marc Vitali

Lila Downs is an innovative singer with roots in both Minnesota and Oaxaca, Mexico. She studied voice and anthropology in college and marries the two interests in her culturally inspired musical pursuits. 

The multi-episode saga to build the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on Chicago’s lakefront is apparently over. In a statement sent just before noon on Friday, “Star Wars” creator George Lucas himself announced that the ongoing litigation from Friends of the Parks effectively killed off the project.

Longtime U.S. Congressman Dan Rostenkowski famously called Chicago politics “blood sport.” We raise a glass to one of Chicago's own (who also happened to have one of the all-time great heads of political hair) with a Polish twist on a classic cocktail.

City Council strikes deals on Uber, Airbnb, the Wrigley Field plaza and more. Dennis Hastert reports to prison. And Derrick Rose is leaving the Bulls. Joel Weisman and guests discuss these stories and more on this week's edition.

The longtime Chicago news anchor was recently hired by Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson to be a departmental spokesperson and his special adviser on fostering stronger community relationships. She tells us about her new job.

Gov. Bruce Rauner doubles down on his calls for Chicago Public Schools to declare bankruptcy. But how would it work, and could it actually make CPS finances worse?

The University of Chicago's startup accelerator and entrepreneurship center lands a multimillion-dollar gift to expand. Meet the alumni donor and the center's director.

Starting Saturday, thrill-seekers and nature lovers will get the chance to swing, soar and climb through a new zip line and obstacle course nestled in the treetops of a Cook County forest preserve.

Watch the June 23, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Students are the focus of a new mural at a CPS school that has a nationally recognized art collection. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the contemporary work.

A father and daughter travel to the far reaches of Alaskan wild and live to write about it in a new book.

We got strong reaction to Carol Marin's conversation with Shannon Spalding. Hear what viewers had to say when read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Syphilis rates have been steadily increasing in the United States ever since they hit historic lows in 2001. A new concern is the shortage of medicine used to treat the disease.

Pride Month culiminates on Sunday with the 47th annual Chicago Pride Parade. Free movie screenings and concerts, a food truck fest and a celebration of encased meats are also on tap.

The dreary weather Wednesday morning didn't keep scores of Chicago Teachers Union members from taking to the streets and calling on the city and the school district to enact measures to stabilize the district's funding.

Watch the June 22, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Information on police abuse settlements is now available online thanks to a new database from the Chicago Reporter. 

After some parliamentary poker games, City Council takes up a watered-down rideshare ordinance and new restrictions on Airbnb rentals. Find out how they voted.

The Lincoln Park Zoo welcomed the birth of a female zebra on Saturday. It's the first zebra birth at the zoo since 2012.

The conflict between the U.S. and Vietnam in the 1970s serves as inspiration for a Vietnamese artist collective that now has a show at the MCA.

Crain’s Chicago Business managing editor Ann Dwyer reports on United Airlines' efforts to quell 12 months of turbulence. McDonald's switches the Egg McMuffin’s margarine to butter with its new nimble approach. And there’s a possible front-runner to buy the iconic Tribune Tower.  

In 1976, a 37-year-old suburban French teacher led an eight-month trek retracing the 17th century expedition of French explorer Robert de La Salle. Hear about the trip from two who experienced it, including the teacher who led the exhibition, and the author of a new book about the trip.

A psychologist takes a deep dive into the mind of Donald Trump to create a psychological portrait of the presumptive GOP nominee and his possible presidency.

The first full day of summer also marks the last day of the school year for Chicago Public School students. How stormy will their summers be as the district tries to weather its financial crisis?

In light of the elevated lead levels found at Chicago Public Schools, we ask local experts what high lead levels mean for your health.