Stories by Alex Ruppenthal

Fix Chicago 2019 aims to end the killing of shelter pets in Chicago. The first task of the new group? Taking inventory of where candidates running for city office stand on various animal welfare issues. 

Paris Schutz and guests discuss the legacy of former President George H.W. Bush as the nation mourns the 41st president. 

Ald. Ed Burke’s fundraiser goes on despite FBI raids. Mayoral candidates duke it out in petition battles. The fate of three Chicago cops is in a judge’s hands. And the Bears take on the Rams.

A federal judge rules the upcoming trial of Brendt Christensen will be moved from Urbana to Peoria. He is charged with the kidnapping and death of 26-year-old Yingying Zhang.

Watch the Dec. 6, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Arguments are over in the trial of three Chicago cops accused of trying to cover up details of the Laquan McDonald shooting. Now it’s up to a judge to issue her verdict in a ruling that will come later this month.

Few Chicagoans can say they’ve lived through 100 years of change. But historian and civil rights activist Timuel Black can when he marks his 100th birthday on Friday.

An analysis by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning posits economic conditions likely played a role in the yearslong exodus of black residents from the Chicago region.

The Trump administration is taking another swing at coal regulations, announcing that it plans to ditch an Obama-era rule that set pollution limits for new coal-fired power plants.

Saturday marks 125 years since the opening of the historic building that houses the Art Institute of Chicago. We reflect on the past – and look to the future – with James Rondeau, the museum’s president and director.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle secures a mayoral endorsement from the Chicago Teachers Union as candidates stake out positions on an elected CPS board. 

Eddie Lampert and his ESL Holdings hedge fund are offering to buy the rest of Sears for up to $4.6 billion in cash and stock.

Walgreens said Thursday it will partner with FedEx to deliver prescriptions as soon as the next day for a $4.99 fee, and it also is providing same-day deliveries in several cities including Chicago.

A lesser-known mayoral candidate wins a lottery to get the top spot on February’s ballot. We take a deep dive into that and other top political headlines in our new weekly feature.

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

Alternately farcical and romantic, this very French rendering of the Cinderella story has arrived on the Lyric Opera stage for the very first time in an altogether enchanting production.

Defense attorneys for three Chicago police officers will have their first opportunity to present evidence Thursday morning. But it remains to be seen if any witnesses will be called.

From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, fishermen in Illinois are allowed to use a specific technique to catch salmon that’s banned in several other states. What snagging is, and where you’re allowed to do it.

Holiday trains, festive fairs, cutting-edge choreography and ice skates usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

The appointment of Brian Perkovich as head of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago comes five months after the abrupt – and unexplained – resignation of David St. Pierre. 

The state of Indiana announced Wednesday that Alliance Steel plans to invest $19.7 million in Gary, about 25 miles from its plant in Bedford Park, Illinois.

Police said Tuesday that 24-year-old Darius Mayze has been charged with first-degree murder in the Nov. 20 slaying of 58-year-old Ronald Rockett. 

Powerful Ald. Ed Burke, who is under federal scrutiny, holds a fundraiser as mayoral candidates start to distance themselves from the embattled chair of the City Council Finance Committee.

After the state rested its case Tuesday, defense attorneys each requested a directed finding of not guilty, claiming the state had failed to prove any conspiracy existed. More updates from week two in the courtroom.

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

It’s been 30 years since the first commemoration of World AIDS Day. We take a look at promising treatments, and some stark statistics.