Stories by Alexandra Silets

Ahead of the special session called by Gov. Rauner, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle weigh in on the battle over education funding.

Illinois State Sens. Heather Steans and Karen McConnaughay report on the status of school funding and which reforms were passed this session.

The field of Democratic candidates running for governor is especially crowded, but there is only one Republican aiming to challenge Bruce Rauner. And he'll face the governor’s formidable campaign war chest.

Cardinal Blase Cupich talks about a new anti-violence initiative and other issues facing the Catholic Church.

The Sun-Times publisher and editor-in-chief talks about the newspaper’s new owner and what’s ahead for the 69-year-old paper.

Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin analyzes a new report that envisions new uses and upgrades for Chicago’s Pedway.

After 736 days, Illinois finally has a budget. But it’s not all good news: At the moment, funding is locked up for all of the state’s public schools. Will schools open on time?

A lawsuit aims to stop the sugary drink tax that's supposed to go into effect on Saturday.

The Supreme Court has given President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban a split decision. Analysis of that and other big decisions at the court.

In the crowded race for governor, businessman Chris Kennedy is making a name for himself by bucking Democratic Party leaders.

There are eight Democratic candidates vying to take on incumbent Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, but one is gaining traction as the anti-Madigan candidate.

The state has been without a budget for 719 days. Illinois Senate President John Cullerton joins Carol Marin to talk about how the state can finally get a budget.

The billionaire businessman and venture capitalist is the early front-runner in the Democratic race for governor. He joins us in discussion.

Chicago-based health care technology firm Outcome Health just raised $500 million, making it the biggest Chicago startup since Groupon. We meet one of the company's founders.

The state owes nearly $15 billion in unpaid bills, and if a budget isn’t passed, the backlog could swell to $24 billion. Can a deal be made? We discuss the budget crisis.

The Lincoln biographer and Clinton family adviser discusses his newest book, “Westling With His Angel.”

A look at the city’s past, present and fiscal future with the outgoing city budget director who is stepping down after six years.

No budget for a third consecutive year. J.B. Pritzker caught on FBI tapes seeking a political appointment. And will Tiger Woods’ DUI derail his Chicago golf course plans? These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

In the wake of the 2014 shooting of Laquan McDonald, the Independent Police Review Authority, or IPRA, is being replaced by COPA—the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. Sharon Fairley, COPA’s chief administrator, joins us to discuss the transition.

A look at the cases to watch as U.S. Supreme Court decisions start rolling in.

“Chicago's Very Own," WGN-TV could be soon owned by a politically active, conservative broadcast company based in Baltimore.  

Barbara Kingsolver’s book “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life” helped launch a new, healthier food movement a decade ago. We speak with the author about the recent “One Book, One Chicago” selection.

The Chicago Sun-Times theater critic gives us her take on highly recommended shows from the Goodman Theatre, TimeLine, Paramount and Marriott.

The latest on one of the world’s most extensive cyberattacks ever.

Chicago Police Board President Lori Lightfoot talks about misconduct findings against all 15 officers who faced discipline last year.

Adam Selzer, author of the new book “H.H. Holmes: The True History of the White City Devil,” joins us to discuss the latest chapter in a story that's already more than a century old.