Stories by Alexandra Silets

Safe spaces and trigger warnings: Are they good for college students or stifling academic and intellectual freedom?

Meet the author of a new book that takes an in-depth look at the challenges the justice system poses for minority defendants.

Picking and eating wild mushrooms could result in a delectable treat or a deadly mistake. A fungi expert shares some helpful advice and tells us why picking mushrooms in city parks and your own neighborhood might not be the best idea.

Hear what viewers had to say about our recent interviews with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Che "Rhymefest" Smith when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Renowned Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf pays a visit to his Chicago masterpiece and talks about its evolution over the last 12 years.

The effort to take on powerful interests like House Speaker Michael Madigan and end partisan legislative map drawing may yet have life. Find out what the Independent Maps group plans to do.

A new gang has surfaced at the Cook County Jail that even the sheriff refers to as “bizarre.” Tom Dart credits members of the gang, called Savage Life, with a hostage incident that occurred at the jail late last month.

A medical degree may be worth all the time and money after all. A new report from Zippia, a San Francisco-based online resource for career advice, lists Chicago’s 100 highest-paying jobs.

Watch the August 31, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Visits to emergency rooms increased in the state following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, according to a new study.

The owner of Block 37 is buying the landmark Tribune Tower. We have details from the pages of Crain's Chicago Business.

Not that long ago, air pollution from burning coal made the Windy City more like the Smoggy City. Geoffrey Baer tells us how Chicago cleaned up its act, and shares other stories about Chicago history in this encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.

The head of the Chicago Police Board on what it will take to change the culture of the department and restore public confidence.

Soak up the long summer weekend with cool jazz, world beats, Polish beer and a picnic or two. We've got top picks for city and suburban events this holiday weekend.

Chicago magazine is out with a new ranking of the best public schools in the Chicago area. We discuss the list, the methodology and public education innovators with features editor David McAninch.

Soak up the last weekend of summer by getting out of the city and off the beaten path. We’ve got a handful of destinations for the perfect weekend trip, whether you prefer hiking, rafting, biking or just lazing the day away.

Acknowledging the historically high murder rate in Chicago this month, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Tuesday told “Chicago Tonight” that he is planning a major address in mid-September to deal with violence.

Watch the August 30, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Troy LaRaviere announced Tuesday he has resigned his position at Blaine Elementary – which was recently named among the top public schools in Chicago – four months after he was suspended, blaming Mayor Rahm Emanuel and "political obstructions."

Carol Marin talks with Rhymefest about his mugging, what he thinks of the man who robbed him and how his treatment by police have change his perceptions about cops.

Watch the August 29, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The Port of Chicago is looking to privatize its operations. But while the site needs a massive infusion of cash and upgrades, is privatization risking another city asset?

Just who will police the police? New details emerge on a proposal to replace the embattled Independent Police Review Authority with a new agency.

The maker of the EpiPen announced Monday it will create a generic version of the life-saving drug at half the cost of the brand name. But a local allergist is skeptical about how much that will help.

A new documentary highlights the work of five grade schoolers who worked to keep Barbara A. Sizemore Academy open after CPS voted to shut it down late last year.

What career path to choose, who to marry, whether to have children. A University of Chicago economist tells us how basic economic principles can help you figure out life's biggest decisions.