Stories by Alexandra Silets

Join us Monday at 7 p.m. for the second of three mayoral candidate forums, moderated by Phil Ponce. Watch on WTTW11 or live on our website, Facebook and YouTube.

More than 100,000 women are suing manufacturers over painful complications from surgical mesh, which is implanted in the vaginal wall to treat urinary incontinence and other health issues. 

From tax increases to sports betting to recreational marijuana, Illinois lawmakers weigh changes to address the state’s overwhelming financial problems. 

Blazing speeds are reportedly coming to your devices with 5G. Chicago Tribune technology reporter Ally Marotti tells us what to expect – and when.

The season for political messaging is in swing, but how can politicians – especially those running in highly competitive races for Chicago mayor or alderman – break through? 

Russia’s announcement that it plans to build two new land-based missile launch systems follows the U.S. decision to withdraw from a decades-old nuclear treaty. 

Congress looks to avoid another shutdown. “PBS NewsHour” correspondent Lisa Desjardins reports on a very busy day on Capitol Hill – that doesn’t include the State of the Union.

We catch up with Jenn White, who took over hosting duties earlier this month after former “Morning Shift” host Tony Sarabia signed off.

Yamiche Alcindor of the “PBS NewsHour” brings us the latest on the longest partial federal government shutdown in U.S. history, now in its second month.

Making sense of the proposals in the O’Hare design competition with the Chicago Tribune’s architecture critic Blair Kamin.

The highly anticipated sentencing of Jason Van Dyke – and a ruling on the fate of three other Chicago cops in a related case stemming from the 2014 shooting of Laquan McDonald.

Retired Col. Jennifer Pritzker details her scathing rebuke of the Republican Party's positions on transgender individuals.

In the wake of an attempted extortion charge against longtime Ald. Ed Burke, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has unveiled a number of ethics reforms. Ald. Nick Sposato weighs in.

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss law enforcement’s warrant to search R. Kelly’s Chicago recording studio.

New faces meet veteran leadership in the newly seated 101st General Assembly. City Council sees a flurry of reform proposals. Renewed scrutiny over R. Kelly allegations. And a heartbreaking “double doink” ends the Bears season.

President Donald Trump pushes for a southern border wall as the government shutdown enters its third week. U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley talks about the standoff and what’s next for the Democratic-controlled House.

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx ran – and won – on a platform of being a reformer, expressing a desire to move the office from being “tough on crime to being smart on crime.” Foxx joins us in discussion.

Meet Anne Stava-Murray, an incoming Democratic state representative who says she is rejecting Michael Madigan’s bid for an 18th term as speaker of the House.

Susana Mendoza announced her candidacy for Chicago mayor just days after winning re-election as Illinois comptroller. Now, she is considered by many to be one of the front-runners in that race.

The chef, author, television and radio host talks about his latest cookbook, “Milk Street: Tuesday Nights.” Plus: Get his recipes for orecchiete with sausage and paprika-rubbed pork tenderloin.

For the last four years, Deborah Hersman has led the National Safety Council. Next month, she’ll join Google’s self-driving technology development company, Waymo. Why she’s making the move.

Former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti joins us with insight into the latest legal revelations implicating President Donald Trump of directing criminal activity. 

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.

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

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the Lincoln Yards development plan. Will new design tweaks be enough to win over neighbors?