(Steven Kevil / Wikimedia Commons)

Following a highly controversial move in 2013 to close 50 elementary schools, Chicago Public Schools has sought to sell the vacant properties. Find out who is buying the shuttered schools, how much they’re paying, and what the sites could be used for.

City officials say the ordinance affirms that government agencies will not practice discrimination-based operations, but some activists say the city could do more to protect immigrant and minority rights.

As Chicago looks to boost recycling rates, Chicago Tonight explores the city's recycling program up close—and with numbers. 

Chicago’s recycling rate is among the lowest in the country. What the city is now doing to try to change that.

A worker at Lakeshore Recycling Systems in Forest View. (Alex Ruppenthal / Chicago Tonight)

What happens to Chicago’s recycling after it’s hauled away from neighborhood alleys and sidewalks? We tour a massive processing facility and watch sorting in action.

Hoda Katebi of CAIR Chicago speaks during a press conference. (Courtesy of Council on American Islamic Relations)

So far this year, the Chicago Council on American Islamic Relations received about 400 complaints of discrimination against Muslim-Americans—the same number it received during all of 2016. 

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The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is lending the city access to technology that police hope will help close thousands of gun cases opened every year.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle says embattled Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios, a close political ally, has agreed to an outside evaluation of the property tax assessment process.

The Chicago chapter of Women Who Code wants to help shape the culture of the city’s technology industry.

The international nonprofit Women Who Code boasts 100,000 members worldwide. This week, it’s relaunching its Chicago chapter and plans to offer meet-ups and other networking opportunities.

Students participate in the U.S. CyberPatriots competition, sponsored by the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Association. (U.S. Air Force)

Can a collectible card game teach cybersecurity skills to middle school students? A UIC professor wants to get young people excited about computer science and interested in high-demand, high-paying careers.

Chicago Techweek takes place from June 19-23. (Courtesy of Motion PR)

The technology festival Chicago Techweek returns for a sixth year. We speak with the Techweek CEO about this year’s “radical shift” in programming.

Che “Rhymefest” Smith appears on Chicago Tonight on Aug. 29, 2016.

When Hyde Park resident Connie Spreen wrote song lyrics about bicycle safety a few years ago, her children begged her not to produce them. Now, she’s a co-producer alongside Rhymefest for “Stay in Your Lane.”

(Photo courtesy of Educators For Excellence)
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Local teachers are recommending changes to Chicago Public Schools to offer better support to students dealing with poverty, homelessness and violence.

Chicago taxi drivers protest ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft by holding signs and driving around City Hall in February 2015. (ScottMLiebenson / Wikimedia Commons)

Since ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft hit the Chicago market in 2013, overall taxi ridership in the city has taken a plunge. We discuss the future of Chicago’s cab industry.

Meet Lombard native Zeshan Bagewadi—known as Zeshan B—who sings classic soul covers and originals with a big, opera-trained voice.

Chance the Rapper holds a press conference on March 6, 2017 at Westcott Elementary School to announce a $1 million donation to CPS. (Chicago Tonight)
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After winning three Grammys and making national headlines this year for his contributions to the Chicago Public Schools, Chicago-born Chance the Rapper is set to receive another award later this month.