Stories by Alexandra Silets

After four years of conversations with the Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner, the Chicago Tribune jazz and classical music critic wrote a book. Howard Reich joins us to discuss “The Art of Inventing Hope: Intimate Conversations with Elie Wiesel.”

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has appointed the city’s first “chief risk officer.” What exactly does that job entail – and how will it save Chicago millions of dollars a year?

If you want to see wildflowers in and around Chicago, photographer Mike MacDonald will tell you where to go – and when – for the most glorious blooms.

Watch the July 1, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Iran acknowledged Monday it had broken the limit set on its stockpile of low-enriched uranium by the 2015 nuclear deal, marking its first major departure from the unraveling agreement a year after the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the accord.

There were more than 50 shootings this past weekend in Chicago. Despite that, the total number of shootings in the city is at its lowest point since 2015, police say.

U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush said Kamala Harris was “the only candidate prepared to fight for all Americans against a Trump administration that has left them behind.”

A partnership between Google and the University of Chicago resulted in a violation of patients’ privacy rights, according to a class-action lawsuit filed by a former patient of the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Joe Biden strongly defended his civil rights record on Friday, pledging to be a “president who stands against racism” and “the forces of intolerance” and defiantly dismissing any suggestions otherwise.

Former Ald. Willie Cochran is sentenced to one year in prison. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle reverses course on retirement plans. And new details emerge about a toddler struck by a foul ball in May.

Paris Schutz and guests discuss the first round of Democratic primary debates ahead of the 2020 presidential election.

From hiking to kayaking and fishing to stargazing, here are 10 activities to try this summer in the good ol’ Land of Lincoln. 

Among the cases at Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn are two people treated within the past two months, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The Supreme Court will decide whether President Donald Trump can end an Obama-era program shielding young immigrants from deportation. The program protects about 700,000 people who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children or came with families that overstayed visas.

The lawsuit says the abuse occurred in 1998. Kelly’s attorneys say she had until 2002 to sue. But state law can extend deadlines to file in cases where the accuser becomes aware of the abuse later.

The vaccine didn’t work against a flu bug that popped up halfway through the past flu season, dragging down overall effectiveness to 29%, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Thursday.

For our new summer series, we take some of Chicago’s favorite foods and, like the name says, we deep-fry them and deal with the big questions. Today’s sacrifice to the gods of hot oil: Chicago-style tamales.

Alan King and Tony Hatchett talk about their annual house music festival on the city’s South Side – and its power to bring people together.

Illinois is on the road to legalized marijuana. What that means for local law enforcement.

On its final day before a summer break, the Supreme Court issues major rulings on a census citizenship question and the very controversial practice of political gerrymandering. Former Supreme Court clerks weigh in.

How the first round of Democrats tried to set themselves apart on a packed stage, and how the second group of candidates might fare. A conversation with Jason DeSanto.

The Environmental Protection Agency will soon begin removing up to 2 feet of contaminated soil from as many as 15 homes near a storage facility operated by S.H. Bell, which handles manganese and other industrial materials. 

From houses of worship to working class homes, brick built Chicago. And brick enthusiast Will Quam believes Chicago is one of the nation’s best showcases for all that a brick can do. 

People who inject drugs typically aren’t part of traditional advocacy because of risks associated with going public. But a local research project allows them to share their experiences without the fear of potential repercussions.

Watch the June 27, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

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