Stories by Alexandra Silets

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

The scroll, which bears the seal of one of China's most famous painters, makes few appearances outside of its vault at the Field. 

Wheaton College's decision to place a tenured professor on paid leave after she declared she was wearing a Muslim headscarf to express her solidarity with Muslims facing hostility has created national and international headlines. Larycia Hawkins joins us to discuss her position.

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was the only Republican that President Obama appointed to his cabinet upon taking office in 2009. His new memoir "Seeking Bipartisanship" chronicles his political life in Illinois and on the national stage. LaHood joins us to discuss his book and career.

A spectacular Nativity set blends heavenly drama with earthly delights. “Chicago Tonight” visited the museum and found an elaborate piece of art originally seen in churches in 18th century Naples.

A miserable afternoon for Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears. James "Big Cat" Williams joins us with his take on the Bears ninth loss of the season. 

There was once a club scene in Chicago that was something of a rarefied world. A photographer who was not part of the scene ventured into one of the clubs and captured a fantastic nightlife that is now long gone and preserved almost exclusively in his work. A new book pairs those photos with poems from an acclaimed poet. Eddie Arruza has the rap.

It raked in nearly $250 million in its first weekend, garnering critical acclaim along the way. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is well on its way to becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time. Tonight, we revisit a 2013 "Chicago Tonight" report that introduced viewers to the Chicago computer scientists who helped make some key special effects in the very first "Star Wars" movie.

During this week’s special edition of the Week in Review, Joel Weisman and his panel discuss the biggest news stories of 2015, including the release of the Laquan McDonald video, the resignation of CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett and the three-time Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks.

This week's festive lineup includes movies, music and much, much more.

What can be done to restore trust between police and young people, or to improve safety in both Chicago schools and neighborhoods? Chicago high school students who are interested in politics, policy and community leadership ask our panel tough, thoughtful questions.

The federal civil rights investigation into the Chicago Police Department is now underway. Federal officials will meet with Mayor Rahm Emanuel tomorrow and spent Wednesday with top police officials.

On Thursday, “Chicago Tonight” welcomes 50 Mikva Challenge high school students from across the city to participate in a forum on violence.

The cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools is spiraling closer and closer to a financial doomsday that could see as many as 5,00 teachers laid off to help plug a $480 million budget hole. The CPS CEO joins us to talk about the district's finances and the new four-year contract being offered to the Chicago Teachers Union.

Last night's GOP presidential debate hosted by CNN set off some fireworks as candidates did all they could to make an impression in a crowded field. Political communications specialist Jason DeSanto joins "Chicago Tonight" to give his take on the heated discourse.

One of the most significant transit initiatives to launch in Chicago begins service this weekend. We take a preview spin around the city's first bus rapid transit line, called Loop Link.

In this food-loving town we have everything from hot dog stands and McDonald’s headquarters to the culinary artistry of Grant Achatz's Alinea. And they all need photography. Jay Shefsky offers a behind-the-scenes look at a very tasty photo shoot. 

A small, windowless building on Block 37 is dwarfed by glassy new high-rises. A viewer wonders how it managed to escape the wrecking ball. Geoffrey Baer shares the story behind this unusual building, plus the history of the Marshall Field’s holiday windows and Kermit the Frog’s commercials for milk in this week’s edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Caryn Benson, 38, of Romeoville, was charged on Tuesday by the federal government with one count of embezzlement, but records show a past theft charge.

Embattled State's Attorney Anita Alvarez chose to not attend a marathon City Council committee hearing Tuesday on police misconduct in the wake of the ongoing scandal at the Chicago Police Department.

Exclusive: “Chicago Tonight” has learned that U.S. Department of Justice officials are scheduled to arrive in Chicago on Wednesday as the civil rights investigation into the police department gets underway. 

Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool says the district has offered the Chicago Teachers Union a new contract proposal. Brandis Friedman has the details.

A day after teachers voted overwhelming to go on strike, Chicago Public Schools is offering teachers a new contract that it says will prevent thousands of teacher layoffs. Jesse Sharkey joins us for a discussion.