Stories by Alexandra Silets
Immigration Reform
| Alexandra Silets
President Barack Obama addresses the nation on immigration reform. Chicago Tonight talks with local analysts about the president’s speech.
Rauner Faces Uphill Battle on Education, Finances
| Paris Schutz
A new report says the state is falling behind in funding its public schools. But with finances a mess, where will incoming governor Bruce Rauner find the money?
Remembering Mike Nichols
| WTTW News
Legendary film and stage director Mike Nichols died at age 83. Nichols is remembered for being among the pioneering forces in the early days of our sister station, WFMT.
‘Porgy and Bess’ Back at Lyric Opera of Chicago
| Eddie Arruza
Lyric Opera of Chicago is currently presenting a production of Porgy and Bess with two highly acclaimed singers in the lead roles.
Viewer Feedback: 11/20
Planes & Cranes
| WTTW News
We share what you had to say about air traffic noise near O'Hare Airport and Sandhill Cranes in tonight's viewer feedback.
Cross Concedes in Treasurer’s Race
Frerichs to Become State Treasurer
| WTTW News
More than two weeks after the election, the Illinois Treasurer’s race has been decided. Democratic candidate Mike Frerichs will become the next treasurer.
City Council Approves Mayor’s 2015 Budget
| Paris Schutz
City of Chicago property taxes will not be going up next year, but a host of other fines and fees will as part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's 2015 budget. City Council approved the budget today by a 46-4 vote.
Complaints About O’Hare Noise
| Nick Blumberg
Residents in Chicago and the suburbs complain that changes to takeoff and landing patterns at Chicago O'Hare International Airport are making previously quiet neighborhoods excessively noisy.
Patrick Kennedy & Stigma of Mental Illness
| Rhyan Zuercher
Former congressman and mental illness advocate Patrick Kennedy discusses his life's work, his personal struggle with bipolar disorder and addiction, and why this is one of the most crucial civil rights issues today.
What's Up on Northerly Island?
| Elizabeth Brackett
The first phase of the new wilderness park on Northerly Island should be open next spring. We take a look at the transformation of Northerly Island over the last year and a half.
Ask Geoffrey: 11/19
Soldier Field, Dream Lady & Kenwood Branch
| Erica Gunderson
Geoffrey Baer answers viewer questions about a dreamy memorial, Soldier Field no man's land, and railroad ruins on Chicago's South Side.
New Archbishop of Chicago
| Rhyan Zuercher
As of Tuesday, Blase Cupich will become the new Archbishop of the Chicago Diocese. We explore the transition process and what can be expected from Archbishop Cupich as he takes on his new flock.
Springfield Fall Veto Session Kicks Off
| Paris Schutz
Lawmakers head back to Springfield for their fall veto session. But will anything happen on the hot button issues of minimum wage, education funding, and Uber ridesharing before Governor-elect Bruce Rauner takes over?
‘The City Lost and Found’
| Marc Vitali
A new show at The Art Institute looks at the transformation of American cities in the 1960s and '70s.
Net Neutrality: What’s at Stake?
| Paul Caine
The debate over net neutrality is at the very core of how the internet will develop. We debate the issue with experts on opposing sides.
Photographing Hillary
| Crystin Immel
A new book showcases Hillary Clinton's political tenure from First Lady to Secretary of State.
Sky Full of Cranes
| Jay Shefsky
Every year at this time, Sandhill Cranes migrate south. But this year, the skies over Chicago seem to be full of them. Field Museum ornithologist Josh Engel explains why.
American Experiences
| Marc Vitali
Dignified Portraits of Men and Women Who Served and the Thoughts They Carried.
Funeral Held for Mayor Byrne
| Paris Schutz
Dignitaries and politicians packed the church service for the funeral of former Mayor Jane Byrne.
Remembering Mayor Jane Byrne
| Alexandra Silets
We look back at Mayor Jane Byrne's political career, her groundbreaking win against the Democratic machine, and her tenure as mayor.
“Big Cat” Williams on Bears vs. Vikings
| Ann Kreiter
The Bears snapped a 3-game losing streak, and earned their first home win of the season, with a 21-13 victory over the Vikings on Sunday.
Smoke and Mirrors
| Rhyan Zuercher
As the medical marijuana pilot program gets underway in Illinois, some fear the corruption and cronyism the state is known for will dominate who will be granted the first licenses. We explore the application process and how it will be overseen by state officials.
'Gangsters & Grifters'
| Paul Caine
We take a look at some classic crime photos from the archives of the Chicago Tribune.
History of Chicago Bears’ Head Coaches
| Kristen Thometz
The Chicago Bears have had 17 head coaches since the team’s inception as the Decatur Staleys. Marc Trestman is the Bears’ current head coach. Learn more about the coaches and their records with the team.
Callaway Magazine: Jane Byrne - 1983
| WTTW News
Watch an episode of Callaway Magazine with Jane Byrne from Nov. 4, 1983.
Callaway Interviews: Jane Byrne - 1979
| WTTW News
Watch an episode of Callaway Interviews with Jane Byrne from Dec. 11, 1979.
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