Stories by Alexandra Silets
Outcome Health Aims to Improve Patient Experience
| Alexandra Silets
Chicago-based health care technology firm Outcome Health just raised $500 million, making it the biggest Chicago startup since Groupon. We meet one of the company's founders.
‘Shattered’ the Inside Story of What Sunk Hillary Clinton’s Campaign
| Paul Caine
It was arguably the biggest political upset in American history. Political journalist Jonathan Allen joins us with his insight and to discuss the book he co-authored, “Shattered: Inside Hillary Clinton’s Doomed Campaign.”
The Spectacular Art World of Takashi Murakami
| Marc Vitali
The MCA celebrates its 50th anniversary with a new exhibition by a colorful contemporary artist.
‘Brown Girls’ Series to Highlight Chicago, Intersectionality on HBO
| Nicole Cardos
A popular web series based in Chicago that highlights the “complex and flawed” lives of “regular people” has secured a development deal with HBO.
As Lyme Disease Cases Rise, Tips for Protecting Against Tick Bites
| Kristen Thometz
Experts are predicting an increase in tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease this season. Find out how to protect yourself—and what to do if you get bitten by a tick.
Chicago Restaurants Ditch Disposable Straws for a Day to Cut Plastic Waste
| Alex Ruppenthal
Americans use an estimated 500 million straws each day, but a Shedd Aquarium initiative is trying to put a dent in that figure. Last week, nearly two dozen restaurants joined the effort.
Black Lives Matter Files Lawsuit to Force Chicago Police Reforms
| Amanda Vinicky
A class-action “use of force” lawsuit seeks a federal crackdown on the Chicago Police Department.
Durkin: Madigan ‘Needs to Work With Us’ on Balanced Budget
| Eddie Arruza
Republican state lawmakers say they have crafted a balanced budget bill that is both a compromise with Democratic proposals and one Gov. Bruce Rauner has promised to sign if it’s passed.
Illinois Man, 66, Identified as Suspect in Virginia Shooting
| Eddie Arruza
An Illinois man from Belleville is identified as the lone gunman who opened fire Wednesday morning at a park in Alexandria, Virginia.
In Homan Square, 102-Year-Old Building Gets a New Life
| Brandis Friedman
The 225,000-square-foot Sears and Roebuck printing facility was once described as its own city within the city of Chicago, but it’s been closed for decades—until now.
Lipizzan Horses Trained in Dressage a Noble Mix of Athlete, Artist
| Marc Vitali
On a horse farm north of Chicago, a European tradition combines artistry and athletic prowess. We meet some of the star athletes–and the ponies that will someday take their place.
What the US Can Learn from Southeast Asia
| Evan Garcia
An alliance of Southeast Asian countries turns 50. What the Western World can learn from it.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: June 15-18
| Maya Miller
Street festivals, vintage sales, funny femmes and plenty of tacos usher in Father’s Day weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Chicago Teachers Offer Plan to Better Handle Student Trauma
| Matt Masterson
Local teachers are recommending changes to Chicago Public Schools to offer better support to students dealing with poverty, homelessness and violence.
3.3 Million-Year-Old Fossil Reveals Evolution of Human Spine
| Kristen Thometz
What the nearly complete skeleton of a 2 1/2-year-old child tells researchers about the history the human spine – and human evolution.
Ask Geoffrey: White Castle Inspired by Chicago Water Tower?
| Erica Gunderson
Was the design of White Castle restaurants based on a Chicago landmark? Geoffrey Baer has the answers you crave.
Big Property Tax Hike for Chicago Homeowners
| Amanda Vinicky
Chicago residents should expect to pay about 10 percent more in property taxes.
The Illinois Executive Mansion Gets a Makeover
| Amanda Vinicky
A leaky roof, rotting walls and crumbling stairs – that was the condition of the Illinois executive mansion in 2015. Now a renovation of the 161-year-old mansion is underway.
It’s ‘A Whole New World’ for Disney Composer Alan Menken
| Brandis Friedman
What does it take to adapt a classic Disney musical for a live audience? We sit down with the award-winning composer to talk about remaking “Aladdin,” and the “keys” to his success.
Chicago’s Taxi Industry Is In Crisis: Can It Be Saved?
| Evan Garcia
Since ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft hit the Chicago market in 2013, overall taxi ridership in the city has taken a plunge. We discuss the future of Chicago’s cab industry.
Russia’s Election Meddling More Extensive Than Originally Thought
| Nicole Cardos
New details on the Russian cyberattack before the 2016 election, and how Illinois was affected.
Fed Expected to Hike Interest Rate Again
| Nick Blumberg
The Federal Reserve is expected to raise the benchmark interest rate again. What that means about the U.S. economy.
Giraffes Wear ‘FitBits’ to Measure Activity Rates at Brookfield Zoo
| Alex Ruppenthal
Customized activity monitoring devices are helping Brookfield Zoo staff study sleeping patterns and other behaviors in giraffes.
‘Love, Africa’ Details Beauty, Danger of Conflicted Continent
| Paul Caine
Jeffrey Gettleman was born and raised in Evanston, but a trip to Kenya when he was 18 years old changed the trajectory of his life.
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