Stories by alexandra silets

Running and Life Lessons with ‘Wait, Wait’ Host Peter Sagal

You may know him as the funny and irreverent host of NPR’s “Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me!” But did you know Peter Sagal is also an avid runner? We get the rundown on “The Incomplete Book of Running.”

Political, Financial, Housing Issues Face Next Mayor, City Council

City Council overwhelmingly approved a 2019 budget with no major tax or fee increases, but the next mayor and City Council will face rapidly rising city pension obligations and a host of other issues.

Anthony Clark and Joylynn Pruitt-Adams appear on “Chicago Tonight.”

Responding to Hate Speech in Schools

A recent spike in hate incidents at Oak Park and River Forest High School leads to a community march – and a criminal charge. A teacher and administrator tell us how they’re responding.

(Free-Photos / Pixabay)

Infertility Myths and Facts as Michelle Obama Reveals Miscarriage, IVF

Former first lady Michelle Obama opens up about her family’s fertility struggles in her new book “Becoming.” We ask a local doctor about the myths and facts of infertility.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Possibilities of Legal Marijuana

How high is the possibility of legalizing recreational marijuana in Illinois with a supportive Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker? 

The Week in Review: Pritzker Wins, Blue Wave Sweeps Illinois

 J.B. Pritzker wins the battle of the billionaires. Strong voter turnout driven by millennials helped bring a blue wave to the state. And in sports, the Chicago Blackhawks dump coach Joel Quenneville. 

Sean Casten appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Nov. 7, 2018.

Casten, Underwood Oust GOP Incumbents in House

Democrats have regained control of the House due in part to two congressional seats flipping in the Chicago suburbs. We speak with political newcomer Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove) about his victory.

Sean Casten, left, and U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam appear on “Chicago Tonight” on Oct. 22, 2018.

In 6th District, Newcomer Casten Defeats GOP Incumbent Roskam

In a political upset, political neophyte Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove) has defeated six-term conservative Republican incumbent Peter Roskam (R-Wheaton) in the 6th Congressional District.

Gov. Bruce Rauner and J.B. Pritzker appear on “Chicago Tonight” on Aug. 14, 2017 and March 14, 2018, respectively.

Election 2018: A Last Look at the Races to Watch

With less than 12 hours left before polling places open, it’s time for a recap of the races to watch in Illinois. Carol Marin and guests take a last look at some of the hottest.

‘This Book is Not for Everyone’: Camille Paglia Talks ‘Provocations’

Sex, politics and religion are widely considered taboo topics for polite conversation. Yet that's exactly what Camille Paglia tackles in her latest book, “Provocations: Collected Essays.”

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Debating Police Reform

The public weighs in on the police reform consent decree, but will it impact the final agreement?

The Week in Review: Rauner Drops Controversial Ad

While the country debates civility and decency in political rhetoric, a new commercial causes a stir in the race for Illinois governor. Grammy-winning rappers stump for a mayoral unknown. And can the Bears bounce back Sunday against the Jets?

Chicago Company Ballot Ready Gets Voters Primed for Polls

The Illinois governor’s race has gotten a lot of attention, but do you know who else you’re voting for? How a Chicago company is helping inform voters about their candidates and referendums.

Sean Casten, left, and U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam appear on “Chicago Tonight” on Oct. 22, 2018.

6th Congressional District Forum: Sean Casten, Peter Roskam

In one of the most-watched Congressional races this election season, six-term incumbent, U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Wheaton), is facing political newcomer Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove).

(flockine / Pixabay)

Polio-Like Acute Flaccid Myelitis Strikes Northern Illinois

A 10th case of a polio-like illness is diagnosed in Illinois. We discuss acute flaccid myelitis – and what parents should be on the lookout for – with Dr. Nirav Shah of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Bradley Tusk appears on “Chicago Tonight”

Former Blagojevich Aide Bradley Tusk on Politics and the Midterms

Bradley Tusk served as deputy governor under Rod Blagojevich. Now he advises tech startups. What it was like working for the now-imprisoned former governor.

Web Extra, The Week in Review: Kanye West at the White House

Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the “interesting” visit to the White House by Grammy Award-winning rapper – and former Chicagoan – Kanye West.

The Week in Review: Governor’s Race Gets Testy

With less than a month to Election Day, the Illinois governor’s race turns into a verbal cage match. Chicago cop Jason Van Dyke is transferred out of Cook County. The Trump administration opposes the city’s police consent decree. And does Kris Bryant really say no to $200 million? 

Chicago Aldermen Weigh In on City’s Unrelenting Gun Violence

President Donald Trump says “there’s no reason” for recent shootings in Chicago. We speak with two aldermen about the gun violence in their communities and what can be done to stop it.

Legal Analysis of Van Dyke’s Guilty Verdict

Jason Van Dyke remained expressionless as one guilty verdict after another was read Friday in court. And now, with his bail revoked, he is in jail as a convicted felon.

Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke listens while attorneys step before Judge Vincent Gaughan’s bench on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune / Pool)

City, CPS Prepares for Verdict in Jason Van Dyke Murder Trial

“I hope that everybody heeds the advice of Laquan McDonald’s family, the pastors, the community leaders to make their message heard in what they have to say and do it in a way that’s respectful to the city that we all call home,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Friday morning.

From left: Prosecutor Joseph McMahon, defense attorney Daniel Herbert and Jason Van Dyke approach the judge’s bench on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune / Pool)

As Jury Deliberates Van Dyke’s Fate, a Closer Look at the Charges

Jason Van Dyke faces 19 counts in the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald. With jury deliberations underway, we break down the charges, the evidence and closing arguments.

(Goodfreephotos_com / Pixabay)

Untangling College Financing to Avoid Student Debt

Nearly 40 percent of recent college graduates don’t think they’ll pay off their student loan debt within 10 years, according to a new study. 

Cardinal Blase Cupich appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Oct. 1, 2018.

Cardinal Blase Cupich: Sexual Abuse Victims ‘Are the Priority’

The Catholic Church is struggling to deal with worldwide sex abuse scandals. And within its own walls, the church seems to be at war with itself.

What Will Be Emanuel’s Architectural and Urban Planning Legacy?

How will Mayor Rahm Emanuel will be remembered when it comes to the city’s built environment? Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin weighs in.

Former U.S. Commerce Secretary and White House chief of staff Bill Daley appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Sept. 17, 2018.

Could Another Daley Become Mayor of Chicago?

It’s official: Bill Daley is running for Chicago mayor. The former U.S. Commerce Secretary and White House chief of staff made his candidacy official at 12:01 a.m. Monday. He joins us in discussion.