Stories by Alexandra Silets

The first woman to be president of the University of Chicago, who is also a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, talks about her extraordinary life.

Earth Day activities, heaps of chocolate and international pop bands usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

The judge in the high-profile murder case could unseal documents not yet seen by the public later this month. A defense expert witness also testified Wednesday about a possible change of venue in the case.

Carl Kasell, legendary NPR newscaster and “Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me” scorekeeper, died Tuesday. We revisit a 2010 interview with him.

Watch the April 17, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

For the first time in recent years, CPS principals don’t have to wait until summer to start planning for their next school year.

The site of the Tribune Tower will include nearly 300 condominiums and what would be one of Chicago’s tallest skyscrapers under a new redevelopment proposal developers believe will both revitalize and preserve the international landmark.

A reporter researching his family history tells an intimate story of China’s modernization. Scott Tong discusses his new book “A Village with My Name.”

An innovation hub opens this fall at the Illinois Institute of Technology. We speak with newly named executive director, Howard Tullman.

With billions in unfunded pension liabilities, what options remain for lawmakers to defuse the state’s pension time bomb?

Spring serves as mating season for all sorts of animals found in Illinois, but no creature goes about it quite like the wood frog.

Keeping the river clean is no easy task, particularly during the summer months when the river is bustling. We spend a morning with one of Chicago’s trash-scooping river skimmers. 

When it comes to dealing with disasters, disease outbreaks and other emergencies, Illinois is among the most prepared states in the nation, according to a new report. 

Watch the April 16, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Reaction to our recent conversation with the authors of a controversial Chicago magazine article.

From Chicago’s first major telescope, to the most sophisticated scientific instrument of the 12th century, a look at some seen and unseen treasures at the Adler Planetarium.

The mayor outlines major projects to expand recreation along the Chicago River. Why some aldermen say it’s not enough.

Why so many Chicago homes are testing high for lead in their water – and what you can do about it.

For those still unfamiliar with the magic Hershey Felder can create, an introduction to the man, whose enthralling show about Tchaikovsky is now in a limited engagement at Steppenwolf’s Upstairs Theatre, is essential.

A new book by author and photographer Larry Broutman highlights headstones, monuments and memorials at more than 30 area cemeteries.

Northwestern University hosts an Oxford-style debate on net neutrality this week. What are the pros and cons?

After massive layoffs in Harvey because of its underfunded pensions, a look at which other municipalities could be in similar trouble.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday announced it will not be taking up former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s appeal of his 14-year prison sentence.

A bill that supporters say would make fracking operations in Illinois more transparent cleared its first legislative hurdle last week.

The beautifully thought-out program serves as a subtle but revealing portrait of the deep but varied influences that have taken root in this country.

The embattled former owner of Tronc, which owns the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers, sold the shares to McCormick Media LLC, according to an SEC filing that came late Friday afternoon.