Stories by Kristen Thometz

On Wednesday, President Barack Obama announced a stunning policy shift on Cuba. We discuss the policy changes and local reaction to the news. 

President of the American Academy of Religion Laurie Zoloth proposes her colleagues take a sabbatical from their annual conference every six years.

The Better Government Association reports that some Illinois municipalities struggling with high debt loads and troubled budgets could be looking at bankruptcy as an option to get out of a financial hole -- even though it's technically illegal.

With support from the Chicago Public Education Fund, a CPS K-12 magnet school is using time and technology to benefit students.

Last year's winter was known as "Chiberia." Will this year's winter be a repeat? We talk with WGN Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling about what to expect in the winter weather forecast.

A new report updates the percentage of Chicago Public Schools' ninth-graders who will graduate from college by the time they turn 25.

State Sen. Daniel Biss discusses a new workplace retirement program that was just approved in Springfield and will impact 2.5 million Illinois workers.

Chicago Deputy Mayor Steven Koch joins us to discuss booming downtown development and job growth, and the city's new minimum wage.

The Illinois General Assembly is in session. The governor-elect talks about the state budget, and we dive into legislation that could make state government less transparent.

Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy shares crime stats, with a month to go until year's end. And as more protests regarding the police-involved shooting death of Michael Brown are scheduled in Chicago, McCarthy also discusses how events in Ferguson, Mo. have influenced his policing strategy.

The Organic Gardener Jeanne Nolan returns to the WTTW garden for the final harvest of the year just in time for Thanksgiving.

A Sangamon County judge tossed lawmakers' much touted pension reform law saying it's unconstitutional. Now it heads to the Illinois Supreme Court. What does this mean for pensioners and for Illinois, which has the worst bond rating in the nation and faces a $105 billion unfunded public employee pension liability? 

President Barack Obama addresses the nation on immigration reform. Chicago Tonight talks with local analysts about the president’s speech.

Residents in Chicago and the suburbs complain that changes to takeoff and landing patterns at Chicago O'Hare International Airport are making previously quiet neighborhoods excessively noisy.

As of Tuesday, Blase Cupich will become the new Archbishop of the Chicago Diocese. We explore the transition process and what can be expected from Archbishop Cupich as he takes on his new flock.

State Sen. President John Cullerton and Minority Leader Christine Radogno discuss the Fall Veto Session and how they plan to work with Governor-elect Bruce Rauner.

The Chicago Tribune's analysis of borrowing by Chicago Public Schools has been causing quite a stir. The reporters on the story lay out what they found.

Enrollment opens Nov. 15 for Illinois residents purchasing health insurance on the Get Covered Illinois marketplace. We’ll talk about the new health care choices people have here. 

As a Democrat who voted for Republican Bruce Rauner, Newton Minow joins us to talk about his 10 tips for our new governor-elect to help make him an effective governor.

Illinois legislators talk about the upcoming Fall Veto Session and look ahead to working with Bruce Rauner's administration.

With winter fast approaching, it’s time to clean up the WTTW garden and remove the remaining summer plants. The Organic Gardener Jeanne Nolan stops by to help our garden transition into the next season.

Architect John Vinci is honored by the Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

How are Cook County health officials preparing for potential Ebola cases? Paris Schutz has the story.

Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Jesse Sharkey is filling in as president of the union, while Karen Lewis battles an illness.

Filmmaker Michael Caplan discusses the first completed documentary on National Book Award winning Chicago author, Nelson Algren.

The governor says nearly 700,000 state residents have signed up for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. But could inaction in Springfield cost the state big in federal health care funds?