Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia tells us about the new ID card that pulls triple duty as a library and Ventra card. But it’s not without controversy.
Stories by alexandra silets
Countering Racism, Racial Profiling: Is Racial Bias Training Enough?
Apr 25, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
Starbucks’ CEO apologizes after the arrest of two black men in a Philadelphia store and pledges a nationwide racial bias training. Is it enough?
State Sen. Sam McCann Challenging Primary Winners in Governor’s Race
Apr 24, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
There’s a new candidate in the race for governor. A conversation with state Sen. Sam McCann.
Hanna Holborn Gray on ‘An Academic Life: A Memoir’
Apr 18, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
The first woman to be president of the University of Chicago, who is also a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, talks about her extraordinary life.
FBI Raids of Trump’s Personal Attorney Cohen Raise Questions
Apr 10, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
Search warrants for Monday’s raid were reportedly obtained to collect evidence, in part, for Michael Cohen’s $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. What it all might mean.
How the Cubs Changed Baseball – and America’s Relationship to the Sport
Apr 9, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
That storied and unstoppable Cubs double-play combination of “Tinker to Evers to Chance” is chronicled in a new book. We talk Cubs history with author David Rapp.
The Week in Review: Remembering MLK’s Legacy
Apr 6, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
Remembering the legacy of a civil rights giant. Chicago’s mayoral race heats up. Sinclair Broadcasting’s “must-run” conservative commentaries rattle WGN. And Hawks Coach Q is coming back despite a dismal season.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: UChicago Police Release Shooting Video
Apr 6, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the shooting this week of a University of Chicago student with mental health issues.
The Week in Review: Emanuel Deposed in Fatal Police-Involved Shooting
Mar 30, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
Mayor Rahm Emanuel is deposed in a 2015 fatal police-involved shooting and Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson is forced to release a secret letter calling the shooting “justified.” Meanwhile, the Loyola Ramblers hope to continue their NCAA Cinderella story.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Cook County Sues Facebook
Mar 30, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
Paris Schutz and guests discuss Cook County’s lawsuit against Facebook, and the governor’s race in Illinois.
City Drops Fight Against Activists’ Involvement in Consent Decree Negotiations
Mar 26, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
The ACLU and Black Lives Matter now have official seats at the police oversight negotiations table.
During Chicago’s Pothole Season, City Crews Work Around the Clock
Mar 22, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
One thing we can all count on in Chicago is the late winter and early spring pothole season. We catch up with some city crews trying to make life a little less bumpy.
Fritz Kaegi Beats Democratic Machine in Cook County Assessor’s Race
Mar 21, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
A political newcomer takes down one of the most powerful men in Chicago politics: Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios. We speak with Fritz Kaegi.
Illinois Attorney General Forum: Democratic Candidates
Mar 12, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
Meet the eight Democrats running for Illinois attorney general Monday during a special hourlong episode of “Chicago Tonight.” Watch the full video.
Cook County Assessor Forum: Fritz Kaegi
Mar 6, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
There’s a heated battle in the Democratic primary for Cook County assessor that few saw coming. Fritz Kaegi talks about taking on incumbent Joseph Berrios in our candidate forum.
Loyola Ramblers Head to NCAA Tournament, Ending 33-Year Drought
Mar 5, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
It’s been 33 years since Loyola University was in the NCAA Tournament. But they’re back, and dreaming of repeating the magic of the school’s 1963 national championship team.
Cardinal Blase Cupich Addresses Gun Violence, Legislation
Mar 5, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
Cardinal Blase Cupich was one of the most prominent voices in Springfield last week calling for tighter gun laws. He joins us to talk about gun violence and gun legislation as well as immigration and school closings.
Virtual Reality and the Future of Journalism
Feb 27, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
Virtual reality is taking journalism and storytelling to a new level. We explore the technology with filmmaker Barbara Allen – and discuss whether audiences are ready for these immersive experiences.
Garry McCarthy Mulls Run for Chicago Mayor
Feb 20, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
Will he or won’t he? Former Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy is sounding more and more like a candidate for mayor. He joins us to discuss his potential run against the man who brought him to Chicago.
The Week in Review: City Remembers Slain CPD Commander
Feb 16, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
Chicago reels after highly regarded Chicago Police Commander Paul Bauer is killed. House Speaker Michael Madigan comes under fire. Gov. Bruce Rauner’s budget pitch to lawmakers falls flat.
Comptroller Mendoza: State’s Bill Backlog Now $8.4 Billion
Feb 13, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
As Gov. Bruce Rauner prepares to give the final budget address of his four-year term, the state’s bill payer is sounding the alarm.
Illinois Lawmakers Preview the Upcoming Budget Battle
Feb 12, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
The governor gives his budget address Wednesday, but with a backlog of unpaid bills hovering above $9 billion, what will he propose to plug the hole?
2018 Governor’s Race: Political Battles Turn Bitter
Feb 7, 2018 | 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.
Paul Vallas, Former Schools Chief, Ponders Mayoral Run
Feb 5, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
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.
How Childhood Trauma, Stress Lead to a Lifetime of Heath Issues
Feb 1, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
Can childhood trauma lead to long-term heart disease? A growing body of evidence says yes, but it’s not just heart health that’s impacted. Toxic stress can lead to a multitude of health consequences.
Deconstructing President Trump’s Infrastructure Plan
Jan 31, 2018 | Alexandra Silets
In his first State of the Union address, President Donald Trump called on Congress to pass his $1.5 trillion plan to “rebuild our crumbling infrastructure.” But how far will that money go?