Stories by Alexandra Silets

Federal agents raid the offices of powerful 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke. Twenty-one candidates officially file petitions to become Chicago’s next mayor. The cover-up trial of three Chicago cops begins. And the Bears have the playoffs in their sights. 

After nearly 40 years in public office, Cook County Clerk David Orr is leaving the political stage. He joins us to discuss the past, present and future of elections.

You may know him as the funny and irreverent host of NPR’s “Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me!” But did you know Peter Sagal is also an avid runner? We get the rundown on “The Incomplete Book of Running.”

City Council overwhelmingly approved a 2019 budget with no major tax or fee increases, but the next mayor and City Council will face rapidly rising city pension obligations and a host of other issues.

A recent spike in hate incidents at Oak Park and River Forest High School leads to a community march – and a criminal charge. A teacher and administrator tell us how they’re responding.

Former first lady Michelle Obama opens up about her family’s fertility struggles in her new book “Becoming.” We ask a local doctor about the myths and facts of infertility.

How high is the possibility of legalizing recreational marijuana in Illinois with a supportive Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker? 

 J.B. Pritzker wins the battle of the billionaires. Strong voter turnout driven by millennials helped bring a blue wave to the state. And in sports, the Chicago Blackhawks dump coach Joel Quenneville. 

Democrats have regained control of the House due in part to two congressional seats flipping in the Chicago suburbs. We speak with political newcomer Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove) about his victory.

In a political upset, political neophyte Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove) has defeated six-term conservative Republican incumbent Peter Roskam (R-Wheaton) in the 6th Congressional District.

With less than 12 hours left before polling places open, it’s time for a recap of the races to watch in Illinois. Carol Marin and guests take a last look at some of the hottest.

Sex, politics and religion are widely considered taboo topics for polite conversation. Yet that's exactly what Camille Paglia tackles in her latest book, “Provocations: Collected Essays.”

The public weighs in on the police reform consent decree, but will it impact the final agreement?

While the country debates civility and decency in political rhetoric, a new commercial causes a stir in the race for Illinois governor. Grammy-winning rappers stump for a mayoral unknown. And can the Bears bounce back Sunday against the Jets?

The Illinois governor’s race has gotten a lot of attention, but do you know who else you’re voting for? How a Chicago company is helping inform voters about their candidates and referendums.

In one of the most-watched Congressional races this election season, six-term incumbent, U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Wheaton), is facing political newcomer Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove).

A 10th case of a polio-like illness is diagnosed in Illinois. We discuss acute flaccid myelitis – and what parents should be on the lookout for – with Dr. Nirav Shah of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Bradley Tusk served as deputy governor under Rod Blagojevich. Now he advises tech startups. What it was like working for the now-imprisoned former governor.

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the “interesting” visit to the White House by Grammy Award-winning rapper – and former Chicagoan – Kanye West.

With less than a month to Election Day, the Illinois governor’s race turns into a verbal cage match. Chicago cop Jason Van Dyke is transferred out of Cook County. The Trump administration opposes the city’s police consent decree. And does Kris Bryant really say no to $200 million? 

President Donald Trump says “there’s no reason” for recent shootings in Chicago. We speak with two aldermen about the gun violence in their communities and what can be done to stop it.

Jason Van Dyke remained expressionless as one guilty verdict after another was read Friday in court. And now, with his bail revoked, he is in jail as a convicted felon.

“I hope that everybody heeds the advice of Laquan McDonald’s family, the pastors, the community leaders to make their message heard in what they have to say and do it in a way that’s respectful to the city that we all call home,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Friday morning.

Jason Van Dyke faces 19 counts in the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald. With jury deliberations underway, we break down the charges, the evidence and closing arguments.

Nearly 40 percent of recent college graduates don’t think they’ll pay off their student loan debt within 10 years, according to a new study. 

The Catholic Church is struggling to deal with worldwide sex abuse scandals. And within its own walls, the church seems to be at war with itself.