Stories by Nicole Cardos

Only 13 specimens of Archaeopteryx — and one special feather — are known to exist since the first Archaeopteryx fossils were discovered in 1860. Most come from the same deposit of Solnhofen Limestone in Bavaria, Germany.

WTTW News sat down with paleornithologist Jingmai O’Connor and talked about dinosaurs, birds, the Chicago Archaeopteryx, evolution and why studying fossil birds is more important now than ever.

In the aftermath of two major earthquakes that shook southern California last week, officials in Illinois are urging residents to prepare themselves and their homes in the event of a similar incident.

Chicago police on Monday released hundreds of files from the investigation into Jussie Smollett’s claim he was attacked by two men, including releasing video footage for the first time of the “Empire” actor wearing a thin white rope wrapped around his neck.

Recently passed legislation to expand gambling in Illinois is so massive, not many people know everything that’s in it. That includes at least two of the state’s legislative leaders who helped negotiate the bill.

A new report from the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago recommends a 1-percent increase in the state income tax. 

The who’s who in American cuisine descended on Chicago’s Lyric Opera House for the 2017 James Beard Awards.

Gov. Bruce Rauner sits down with Chicago Tonight correspondent Amanda Vinicky to discuss his agenda for public schools, the state budget crisis and why he drops the “g” when he speaks.

Some Chicago teachers say CPS is looking into whether they are skipping school.

Some major policy decisions for the Trump administration as global events heat up.

The mighty Chicago flag gets a special shout-out in City Council just in time for its 100th birthday. We mark Chicago Flag Day by exploring its evolving design, history and popularity.

The Chicago alderman joins host Eddie Arruza to discuss his run for Illinois governor.