Stories by Alexandra Silets

You may know her as the official gadget guru for America's Test Kitchen here on PBS. Lisa McManus is also the executive tasting and testing editor at Cook's Illustrated and Cook's Country magazines. She joins us to discuss "Cook It in Cast Iron: Kitchen-Tested Recipes for the One Pan That Does It All."

Efforts to derail Donald Trump's momentum heat up within the GOP as voters in Arizona and Utah decide who to support in Tuesday's primaries.

Watch the March 21, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Rising rates of addiction to heroin and prescription drugs have been making headlines across the country. Find out what the latest science is telling us about the nature of addiction.

Nearly a week after the Illinois primary election, Gov. Bruce Rauner said Monday he has not received any commitment from House Speaker Michael Madigan to resume negotiations on a state budget for what remains of the current fiscal year. 

Three hundred workers at Chicago's Nabisco bakery faced layoffs on Monday, with more cuts looming. We take a look at how the neighborhood is coping – and the future of manufacturing in Chicago.

The famous painting had been on loan to Florence's Palazzo Strozzi since September. In November, the painting moved briefly to the Vatican for a visit with Pope Francis, who had declared it to be one of his favorites. 

Our puzzle pro Sandy Weisz returns with a new video puzzle and photo puzzles. Submit your answer by 10 a.m. Monday, March 28 for a chance to win our puzzle prize package!

Jeremy Geltzer's new book "Dirty Words and Filthy Pictures" explores the film industry's relationship with the First Amendment and how the definition of obscenity has changed over the years.

Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood has long been a haven for the bright green monk parakeet, but its presence – and recent decline – is shrouded in mystery.

Americans are constantly connected and staring at digital screens—be they cellphones, tablets, computers or TVs. Many times, multiple devices are being used at once. This constant exposure is taking a toll: more than half of Americans report feeling digital eyestrain—discomfort caused from the use of digital devices. When more than one device is used 75 percent report discomfort.

Finalists are unveiled for Chicago's top cop. A closer look at election winners: the shockers, the new careers launched and the proxy war between Gov. Bruce Rauner and Mike Madigan. Plus the Adam LaRoche White Sox controversy. Joel Weisman and his guests discuss these stories and more in this week’s show.

An outbreak of canine distemper has infected a record number of racoons in Cook County, putting dogs at risk of contracting the highly contagious virus.

In 1949, a Chicago Tribune reader asked editor and publisher Colonel Robert McCormick a question: If you had only three full days in Chicago, what are the things you would see and do without fail? The Tribune’s Rita Fitzpatrick responded with a brimming list, which made us wonder: If the reader returned to Chicago today, what could she revisit?

Several athletes are voicing their support of Adam LaRoche’s abrupt decision to retire this week after White Sox executive vice president Ken Williams reportedly told LaRoche to limit his son’s time in the clubhouse.

This month marks the 85th anniversary of a Chicago socialite's death in the very house that now serves as the International Museum of Surgical Science. In honor of the event, the museum opens its "Haunted House" exhibit.

Two Chicago aldermen introduced a resolution on Wednesday that would call for the city's animal shelters to limit euthanasia practices. 

Watch the March 17, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

From performances to seasonal treats to a spirited class in Wicker Park, your springtime agenda is in full bloom this weekend.

One of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century comes to Chicago: ancient soldiers from an army of Chinese terra-cotta warriors.

After a nationwide search that lasted nearly four months, three finalists for Chicago police superintendent were named. Among them are 36-year Chicago police veteran Eugene Williams and two outsiders, Cedric Alexander and Anne Kirkpatrick.

Kim Foxx easily defeated incumbent Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez on Tuesday night with 58 percent of the vote. “I knew from my conversations from people throughout the county that there was discontent, that there was a real consensus of a need for change,” Foxx said.

Watch the March 16, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The Field Museum's extensive collection of fossils helped answer a scientific question about a bizarre, ancient creature.

The curtain is going up on one of the most highly anticipated new theater complexes in the Chicago area, and it’s ready to put on a show. And the show begins outside the building. 

Chicago native and Chief Judge for the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Merrick Garland is President Barack Obama's choice to replace the late Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court.