Stories by Alexandra Silets

Can childhood trauma lead to long-term heart disease? A growing body of evidence says yes, but it’s not just heart health that’s impacted. Toxic stress can lead to a multitude of health consequences.

Identical bills introduced in the Illinois House and Senate would mandate that mammogram providers notify women whose test results show they have dense breast tissue, a risk factor for breast cancer.

Men are less likely to develop multiple sclerosis than women, and now scientists have a better understanding as to why that is, thanks to the discovery of a “guardian molecule” by Northwestern University scientists. 

From “Empire” to “Electric Dreams,” Chicago is fast becoming a major television and film production hub. We speak with the director of the Illinois Film Office.

Attorneys for Brendt Christensen are hoping to postpone a February trial date after prosecutors announced their intent to seek the death penalty.

The broadcaster whose show was suspended indefinitely by PBS in December amid allegations of sexual misconduct will moderate a panel Thursday at St. Sabina Church on the city’s South Side.

Watch the Jan. 31, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Gov. Bruce Rauner gives his election year State of the State speech, but Democrats – and even some Republicans – cast doubts on the sincerity of his message.

Chicago Park District officials presented new details Wednesday on a plan to build a Tiger Woods-designed golf course next to the proposed Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. Will it benefit the surrounding community?

Local mystery writer Gail Lukasik unveils her own startling family mystery in her new memoir.

The Chicago Sun-Times suspends Richard Roeper for allegedly buying social media followers. What exactly is a Twitter bot?

In his first State of the Union address, President Donald Trump called on Congress to pass his $1.5 trillion plan to “rebuild our crumbling infrastructure.” But how far will that money go?

Gertrude Abercrombie is a one-of-a-kind Chicago artist. Though she has been gone for 40 years, she is now getting a rare show at the Elmhurst Art Museum. 

State legislators override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s amendatory veto of a trailer bill to the state’s new evidence-based funding formula. But school districts awaiting new state equity funding will still have to wait to get those dollars, according to one bill sponsor.

The grocery store chain says it is evaluating its supply chain “to see where additional change is needed” in response to public concerns over pork suppliers who confine pigs to tight metal crates.

The Chicago-based fast food chain agreed last year to work toward phasing out antibiotics from its beef and pork products. An Illinois nonprofit now wants McDonald’s to commit to a timeline to meet that goal.

Arm wrestling, hot chocolate-inspired treats, freakish performances and a salute to Langston Hughes usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Watch the Jan. 30, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Even as Gov. Bruce Rauner is expected to call for bipartisanship Wednesday, a source with knowledge of the speech says he will call for legislation that takes direct aim at House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Our story about so-called “congestion pricing” has a lot of you talking. We read comments from the Chicago Tonight website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Lawmakers consider a radical new proposal to solve the state’s massive pension crisis. Why they think it’s the best way to go.

Chicago may be on Amazon’s top 20 list, but what will it take to win it all – and at what cost?

If the skies over Chicago cooperate over the next 12 hours, the moon will offer a very rare triple feature. 

China’s landmark cloning of primates has some worried it sets a dangerous precedent. We discuss the breakthrough – and what it could mean for the future of cloning.

Former pro football players are joining the effort to ban tackling in youth football. We talk pros and cons of the newly introduced Duerson Act.

The Field Museum’s famous dinosaur will be moved to the second floor as part of a planned makeover, and to make room for the eventual installation of a touchable cast of the largest dinosaur ever discovered.