Stories by Alexandra Silets

What does the mayor’s decision to not seek re-election mean to challengers – and potential challengers – in the 2019 race? Local political reporters weigh in.

Watch the Sept. 4, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel will not seek a third term. We get reaction to the news from City Council.

A bombshell announcement from Mayor Rahm Emanuel and a rare public statement from Laquan McDonald’s family set the scene on the eve of Jason Van Dyke’s murder trial.

“As much as I love this job and will always love this city and its residents, I have decided not to seek re-election,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Tuesday.

These are the names you need to know as the murder trial of suspended police Officer Jason Van Dyke gets underway.

For the third time this summer, activists used major roadways in an effort to shine a light on the violence plaguing Chicago’s South and West Sides. 

More Chicago Public Schools students are earning diplomas than ever before, reaching a record-high graduation rate of 78.2 percent, according to new figures from the district.

A Cook County judge will hear further arguments next week after prosecutors accused the suspended Chicago police officer of violating the terms of his bond.

Police say there’ll be no tolerance for traffic disruptions this Labor Day, despite a planned protest to shut down portions of the Kennedy Expressway on Monday.  

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the impact of politicians’ remarks.

Prosecutors seek to hold Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke in contempt of court. What impact will the highly anticipated case have on Mayor Emanuel’s re-election campaign? And is Cubs manager Joe Maddon on thin ice?

A docent for Seadog Cruises is pushing to unionize, but he says Seadog’s parent company, Entertainment Cruises, is trying to quash the effort.

Readers respond enthusiastically to our story about a push to ban horse-drawn carriages in Chicago.

Watch the Aug. 30, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Soaring harmonies and grinding guitars combine on a new record by a dynamic Chicago duo. We visit the basement headquarters of Ohmme.

The field of candidates running to replace Mayor Rahm Emanuel grew again this week when activist, organizer and policy consultant Amara Enyia officially announced her candidacy.

Researchers say adverse drug events are a leading cause of injury and death among children and adolescents, yet there has been a lack of information about how this population uses prescription medicine.

About 2 million people visit the Indiana Dunes each year for its hills of sand and sprawling beaches. But the beloved site on the southern shore of Lake Michigan is changing – and not in a good way.

After he gave interviews this week with local media, prosecutors say Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke should be held in contempt of court because speaking about the case directly violates a judge’s order to remain silent.

Steven Greenberg knows his way around a courtroom. And he knows how to prepare for a high-profile murder trial. The longtime defense attorney weighs in on the impending trial of Jason Van Dyke.

Watch the Aug. 29, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

The state is set to receive more than $100 million in a settlement from Volkswagen after the automaker admitted to cheating on emission tests.

As he takes the helm of the Chicago Teachers Union, Jesse Sharkey discusses school cleanliness and the potential impact of Janus v. AFSCME on union membership.

Cook County Jail detainees will train dogs from the city shelter as part of a new program aimed at preparing for adoption larger dogs that often struggle to find permanent homes.

Jazz, comedy, DJs, ethnic dishes and lowriders usher in the long holiday weekend. Here are a dozen things to do in and around Chicago.