Stories by Alexandra Silets

It was a wild day for the markets. Stocks plummeted deeply this morning—then bounced back a bit in the afternoon. Crain's Chicago Business columnist Joe Cahill joins “Chicago Tonight” with the latest on what has been the worst yearly start for the markets on record.

They are some of the most divisive issues of our time: abortion, affirmative action, contraception, unions and immigration. And they are all under consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court this term. Three former clerks join us to outline the cases.

Despite the cold, there's plenty to do with your green thumb – even though it may be a little blue right now. Joining us with some winter gardening ideas and tips is Eliza Fournier of the Chicago Botanic Garden.

The Shedd Aquarium recently announced a new arrival at the Chicago institution and it's definitely not the creature you'd expect it to be. We went to the Shedd to investigate its latest rescue, named Peach.

NorthShore University Health System and Advocate Health Care are battling the Federal Trade Commission over their megamerger and a developer is betting millions on the next big retail market. Crain’s Chicago Business deputy managing editor Ann Dwyer joins “Chicago Tonight” with these stories and more.

A breathtaking new book of photos captures the wild and natural wonders of Chicago. Meet the photographer and see some of his stunning work.

"Failure is just not an option here," the Independent Police Review Authority chief said to Carol Marin during Monday's interview. "I believe that all the invested agencies involved here, the police department, the mayor's office, state's attorney's office – everybody understands that. We have to make this work, and I'm committed to making this work."

There's a new cat on the PBS block. We meet big-name local talent behind "Nature Cat."

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is calling for the resignation of Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez in the wake of the shooting death of Laquan McDonald. Carol Marin talks with Preckwinkle about the crisis surrounding the Chicago Police Department and the sweeping probe of police patterns and practices by the DOJ.

Google is looking to shake up the broadband market in Chicago and compete with Comcast, while hometown airline United is going no-frills. Crain’s Chicago Business deputy managing editor Ann Dwyer joins “Chicago Tonight” with these stories and more.

With each passing day, there are more questions than answers in the Laquan McDonald shooting case. Joining us to discuss the case are Chicago Tribune editorial page editor Bruce Dold and Chicago Sun-Times columnist and editorial board member Mary Mitchell. 

Aldermen in Chicago's Black Caucus want to hold police Superintendent Garry McCarthy accountable in the Laquan McDonald case and activists are calling for the ouster of Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.

Chicago Tribune columnist JeanMarie Brownson shares some of her favorite recipes for Thanksgiving from her new book, "Dinner at Home: 140 Recipes to Enjoy with Family and Friends."

Apple has a new Frank LLoyd Wright-esque store proposal for the riverfront, Ford's labor agreement vote hits a rough patch and frequent fliers may notice even more frequently changing rules surrounding airline rewards programs. Crain's Chicago Business deputy managing editor Ann Dwyer joins us for more on these stories.

Now that controversial Legislative Inspector General Faisal Khan is out, what will aldermen do with the watchdog office? We speak to three aldermen about whether the future should be in the hands of Chicago's Inspector General Joe Ferguson or if there's another way to investigate City Council.

Illinois has been without a budget for almost five months, as lawmakers and Gov. Rauner have been locked in a battle split down party lines. However, one Democrat broke ranks—to the consternation of his colleagues. Is there any hope for compromise on the budget stalemate?

Cincinnati giant Kroger puts Mariano's on its grocery list, McDonald's has a new recipe for success and Macy's is exploring a State Street redevelopment. Joining us with these stories and more is Crain's Chicago Business deputy managing editor Ann Dwyer.

The general consensus: Last week's GOP presidential debate on CNBC was a disaster, but it has led to a lot of discussion over what sort of format and approach upcoming debates should take. Newton Minow, who has been called the father of televised presidential debates, joins our discussion.

Oscar Mayer is making cold cuts as Kraft Heinz moves its headquarters to Chicago. Tesla may soon be cruising the Mag Mile; while Groupon looks to reverse its fortunes with a new CEO. Joining us with these stories and more is Crain's Chicago Business deputy managing editor Ann Dwyer.

Enrollment is now open for health insurance through the Get Covered Illinois marketplace. The Midwest regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tells us what to look for when reconsidering or shopping for a health insurance policy under the Affordable Care Act.

The Bears and City Hall strike a deal on the Lucas Museum, Chicago-based Walgreens wants to buy a rival and the Bulls go international for sponsorship deals. We’ll discuss these stories and other top business headlines of the week with Crain’s Chicago Business deputy managing editor Ann Dwyer.

There's a new book for kids detailing the historical contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to the LBGT movement, which also benefited society, science, the arts and the civil rights movement. The book's author, Jerome Pohlen, joins us.

The Cubs playoff run has been a ratings boon, but what about the economic impact to Chicago? Meanwhile, Chicago-based United Airlines continues its CEO shuffle and McDonald’s franchisees aren't loving all-day breakfast service, as some chains energize Monster sales. Ann Dwyer of Crain’s Chicago Business gives us the story behind these headlines and more.

The two biggest stories in sports news lately have been the Chicago Cubs and the controversy over online fantasy sports. What are your chances of getting a ticket to a playoff game at Wrigley Field and what will it cost you? And what exactly is fantasy sports—is it gambling and should it be banned or regulated? Join us for a discussion on these topics and more.

Former New York Times Moscow bureau chief Steven Lee Myers spent seven years covering one of the most controversial leaders on the world stage. Myers now has written a comprehensive new biography, "The New Tsar: The Rise and Reign of Vladimir Putin." Myers joins us to discuss the book.

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett will reportedly plead guilty to a federal bribery indictment along with the co-owners of SUPES Academy, her former employer. We'll talk with the reporter who broke the story and the former CPS Inspector General who blew the whistle, as well as a former federal prosecutor.