Stories by Alexandra Silets

A new soda tax angers many Cook County consumers. The governor vetoes part of the school funding reform bill. And a nasty outfield collision injuries White Sox rookies.

A Chicago neighborhood once permeated with black dust from uncovered piles of petroleum coke now faces another toxic pollutant, but one that is not as visible or widespread.

A countermove by Cook County in the fight over the controversial beverage tax. 

Watch the Aug. 3, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

All you need to know to get ready for the coming total eclipse of the sun.

The massive former site of U.S. Steel South Works has a new buyer—and new possibilities.  

The singer-songwriter talks about writing songs for Barbra Streisand—and the influence of her father, John Callaway.

Another record-setting day on Wall Street. What’s propelling the stock surge—and can it last?

Each summer, thousands hired through One Summer Chicago earn work experience and a paycheck. But the city may be earning something, too.

Students within the City Colleges of Chicago won’t see any tuition hike this fall as the state’s largest community college district works through its first full budget in more than two years.

Sample more than 80 beers while taking in the zoo’s wildlife and nature at the sixth annual event.

Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt said he does not believe in “regulation through litigation,” but his stance appears to be subject to change.

Viewers weigh in on the new Cook County sweetened beverage tax.

While Illinois was lauded in a new report for its smoke-free laws and rules on indoor tanning devices, the state is “exceptionally” far behind on comprehensive tobacco-control programs, according to a national cancer advocacy organization.

Fresh off of a two-year budget crisis rooted in partisan tensions, Illinois is careening toward a new one – and this time, schoolchildren are left in the wake.

Watch the Aug. 2, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

After several days of speculation, Lori Lightfoot met with Mayor Rahm Emanuel in hopes of getting clarity over whether or not he would reappoint her as president of the Chicago Police Board.

There was once an extensive network of African-American golf leagues and clubs across the country. As the golf world opened up, most of them faded away. But one that remains is the Chicago Women's Golf Club. We go for a visit.

The new sweetened beverage tax is causing confusion and debate among consumers, and demand from industry groups that the tax be repealed. Is it here to stay?

Geoffrey Baer has the story of a statue's journey from a library to a North Side park in this encore edition of “Ask Geoffrey.”  

Citing principal feedback, CPS says it will no longer withhold 4 percent of schools’ special education funding and will instead using central contingency funds to grant appeals for both general and special education resources.

An attempt to make the high school application process easier is raising some questions.

For black women in Chicago, a breast cancer diagnosis in 2003 meant you were 68 percent more likely to die from the disease than a white woman. A new study shows that gap is closing.

Lollapalooza, lowriders, indie flicks and Staley Da Bear usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is criticizing Cook County’s bail bond system.

If you’re one of the nine million drivers in the state of Illinois, there’s a slight chance you could be driving on suspended license plates and not even know it.