Stories by Alexandra Silets

J.B. Pritzker apologizes for remarks he made on FBI wiretaps about black politicians. But will the apology undo the damage? We discuss the March 20 primary with political reporters Greg Hinz, Natasha Korecki and Laura Washington.

Could Elon Musk’s successful launch and landing of his Falcon Heavy rocket usher in a new era of commercial exploration—and exploitation—of space? This story and more from the world of science with Neil Shubin.

Geoffrey Baer has some newspaper history hot off of yesteryear’s presses, and dives deep into the fishy story of storm drain covers.

Nearly 30 years ago, scientists began collecting semen samples from Mexican wolves. On Sunday, Brookfield Zoo artificially inseminated one wolf as part of an effort to boost the genetic health of the endangered species. 

About 15,000 Chicago Public Schools students are homeless, and a proposal to close four Englewood high schools would disproportionately harm part of that population, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless says. 

Hot rods, cool jazz and sky-high views with four-legged friends usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

A new bill would turn Cook County Jail into a temporary polling site and require that jails across the state provide detainees with voter registration applications.

A recording of a nearly decade-old phone call between disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and J.B. Pritzker is causing a headache for the Democratic front-runner for governor.

Another race in the March 20 primary that is heating up: Cook County assessor. The field narrowed Tuesday to one contender taking on incumbent Joe Berrios, but the dirt is still flying.

Lyric Opera of Chicago announces its 2018-2019 season, including Massenet’s “Cendrillon” (“Cinderella”), a Lyric premiere of a new-to-Chicago production.

Watch the Feb. 6, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

“Ragtime,” Ronald Reagan and a rarely seen Stephen Sondheim show are currently featured on Chicago-area stages. Theater critic Hedy Weiss joins us with recommendations – and two exclusive reviews.

Cape Town, South Africa, could soon be the first major city to run out of water. What lessons can Chicago share – and learn?

The Trump administration is playing down the historic stock market downturn. We discuss the seesawing financial markets and what they may foretell.

We take a look at the powerful—and sometimes graphic—works of art featured in the exhibit “Bill Walker: Urban Griot” at the Hyde Park Art Center.

A bill to be filed this month would ensure Illinois residents are able to challenge certain permits issued by state regulators, giving them legal standing to sue over environmental concerns such as air pollution and contaminated groundwater.

A new University of Chicago study finds 92 percent of teens who received sexual and reproductive health care via mobile health units would recommend their friends use them too. 

Viewers react to our story about where Trader Joe’s gets some of its pork products.

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s challenger, state Rep. Jeanne Ives, R-Wheaton, says she’s been surprised by the “hysteria” surrounding a new ad her campaign released Friday. 

Watch the Feb. 5, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A new model of car-sharing is poised to make its debut in Chicago, but some aldermen are sounding the alarm about how it may impact street parking.

Actor John Mahoney died Sunday at the age of 77. He was best known for his role as Martin Crane in the hit series “Frasier,” but Mahoney was also a long-time ensemble member at Steppenwolf Theatre.

Chicago’s mayoral election is a little over a year away, but Mayor Rahm Emanuel is already taking shots at former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas, even though Vallas hasn’t officially jumped into the race—yet.

Reports of carjackings rose more than 45 percent in Chicago last year, and through the first weeks of 2018, there have been more than three carjackings reported in the city per day, on average. 

How feasible is raising livestock in the city? An urban agriculture advocate weighs in.

Bill Bucklew walked more than 2,500 miles across the country in two months to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease. “I have a whole range of emotions right now,” he said upon walking his final mile.