Stories by Alexandra Silets

We take a closer look at the race for governor in both parties, and the surprise candidate running for attorney general.

Lobbyist Denise Rotheimer, who is also running as a Republican for state representative, testified that she was the victim of “mind games” and untoward comments made by state Sen. Ira Silverstein, D-Chicago.

An investigation uncovers a disturbing gap in how much local communities charge their residents for water. We discuss the findings with Chicago Tribune reporters Cecilia Reyes and Ted Gregory.

Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are back home in Chicago to launch the inaugural Obama Foundation Summit. 

Up to this point, it wasn’t certain that a challenger would emerge from the intraparty revolution Gov. Bruce Rauner ignited when he signed an abortion law in late September. There’s no ambiguity now.

Walgreens and CVS try to fend off competition from Amazon. Reporter Bruce Japsen joins us for a look at possible shifts in the pharmacy business.

Supporters of a bill vetoed this summer by Gov. Bruce Rauner are calling on legislators to override that action next month in the hopes of expanding the use of gas tax funds to public transportation services and other improvements.

Former Northwestern professor Wyndham Lathem and his accomplice Andrew Warren, charged in the stabbing death of a Chicago hairstylist, will have their hearings scheduled together as their cases proceed.

Words of culinary wisdom from master pastry chef Jacquy Pfeiffer, co-founder of The French Pastry School.

Is Gov. Bruce Rauner about to get new competition in the Republican primary? 

Watch the Oct. 30, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The Chicago Tribune published a report Monday on the “rediscovery” of a long-forgotten 35 mm film in the National Archives. The story behind the incredible aerial footage of Chicago shot in August 1914.

Paul Manafort and his longtime associate Rick Gates are indicted on money laundering charges, but the White House says it has nothing to do with President Donald Trump.

The EPA says the source of an Oct. 26 oil spill remains unknown, but cleanup efforts continue this week along the 1.5-mile stretch of the south fork of the South Branch of the Chicago River.

Lawmakers who signed an open letter describing a culture of sexual harassment and misconduct in Springfield discuss the problem.

On the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s dramatic challenge to the Catholic Church, two local exhibitions reveal the astonishing impact of the Reformation.

A Southeast Side company tipped off regulators to its own violation of city air pollution standards, documents submitted to the city show. 

At a book signing in Winnetka, the former Democratic presidential candidate was asked for her response to Robert Mueller’s investigation. “I have a great chapter about Russia in here,” she said, holding up her book.

Allegations of abuse against a former theater teacher at Evanston Township High School have poured in this month following a social media post by an ETHS grad.

In an effort to fill a void created by federal and state agencies that have cut back environmental oversight, Chicago plans to expand its environmental enforcement division.

A new book by Rolling Stone reporter Matt Taibbi examines the life of Eric Garner, and the impact his death had on his family, friends and the criminal justice system in New York City.

In some Chicago neighborhoods, pharmacies appear to be in abundant supply. In others, they’re scarce. Researchers will spend the next three years addressing their dwindling numbers on the city’s South and West Sides.

Illinois is taking creative steps to prepare residents for all kinds of potential disasters. “If you are prepared for zombies, you are prepared for a natural disaster,” said state Rep. Chris Welch.

Gov. Bruce Rauner launches his re-election bid. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle demands 10-percent cuts. And in Springfield, a “bump stock” bill is defeated and sexual harassment allegations emerge. 

High school students who take advanced classes are more likely to enroll in college. But Chicago Public Schools says that not enough minority students are getting access to this more challenging coursework.

Watch the Oct. 26, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."