Stories by Alexandra Silets

No budget for a third consecutive year. J.B. Pritzker caught on FBI tapes seeking a political appointment. And will Tiger Woods’ DUI derail his Chicago golf course plans? These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

On a mission from Chicago, two Shedd Aquarium staffers have been providing around-the-clock care for a sea otter pup rescued in Alaska. 

In a culture where swiping left and right has become part of the dating ritual, a local clinical psychologist and her former student have some advice: get to work.

One week before Chicago Public Schools’ 2017-18 school year begins, district CEO Forrest Claypool and a handful of other high-ranking CPS officials will be called to testify as witnesses in a yearslong whistleblower case that dates back to their time working at the Chicago Transit Authority.

The two credit agencies have downgraded Illinois' bond rating yet again.

Watch the June 1, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Gov. Bruce Rauner sits down with Amanda Vinicky to talk about the next steps in Springfield.

A new report shows Chicago Public Schools has fallen behind on removing or encapsulating asbestos found in dozens of school buildings.

Chicago elected officials and environmental leaders react to President Trump's decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate accord. 

A dramatic transformation in the Lawndale Triangle, after two years of hard work. “When you sit here, you feel a sense of peace,” said one community organizer.

Maifest, a traditional German festival to usher in spring, kicks off Thursday in Lincoln Square. 

Art fairs, comedy shows and street festivals usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

Author Laura Kipnis joins Chicago Tonight for a conversation about her book “Unwanted Advances: Sexual Paranoia Comes to Campus.”

In the wake of the 2014 shooting of Laquan McDonald, the Independent Police Review Authority, or IPRA, is being replaced by COPA—the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. Sharon Fairley, COPA’s chief administrator, joins us to discuss the transition.

It’s the 700th day of Illinois’ historic budget stalemate and the final day of the General Assembly’s scheduled spring session—and still no budget in sight. The Illinois House will now push budget negotiations into June, when rules change for passing legislation.

George Sheldon’s departure comes as he faces an ongoing ethics probe involving contracts and DCFS is under fire for its handling of the Semaj Crosby case. 

Watch the May 31, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

With collective bargaining agreements covering more than 90 percent of city workers set to expire this year, a new report from the inspector general highlights millions in potential savings.

In April, veteran Chicago band Local H was announced as the winner of Metallica’s “Hit the Stage” contest. Now they’re adjusting to playing stadium shows. We speak with one of the founders of the band.

A new exhibit aims to be an immersive experience that brings the 2015 movie and its gigantic reptilian stars to life. 

“Chicago’s Fabulous Fountains” details the history and curiosities behind some of the city’s aquatic art, from politically induced mischief to true crime stories.

Geoffrey Baer drops the curtain on an opera house mystery in this week’s edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Former gang members cited a lack of recreational activities and the rush of adrenaline they got from participating in gang violence as reasons for joining gangs, according to a new study.

As museum director, the Yale graduate will lead the design, development and operation of the Obama Presidential Center’s museum, according to the Obama Foundation. 

Visitors to Shedd Aquarium’s seasonal exhibit can dip their hands into a pool and discover the texture of this unique sea creature. 

Often when criminal court defendants are placed on probation, they’re sent back to jail if caught using drugs. But in one Cook County courtroom, they’re given a second chance – and sometimes a third or fourth.