Stories by alexandra silets

Chicago Launches CityKey, a New Municipal ID Program

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.

(Derek Goulet / Flickr)

Countering Racism, Racial Profiling: Is Racial Bias Training Enough?

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

There’s a new candidate in the race for governor. A conversation with state Sen. Sam McCann.

Hanna and Charles Gray, June 1993. (Courtesy of Hanna Gray)

Hanna Holborn Gray on ‘An Academic Life: A Memoir’

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.

President Donald Trump: “It’s a disgraceful situation. It’s a total witch hunt.”

FBI Raids of Trump’s Personal Attorney Cohen Raise Questions

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.

From left: Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers and Frank Chance.

How the Cubs Changed Baseball – and America’s Relationship to the Sport

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 appears on “Chicago Tonight” on March 6, 2018.

Fritz Kaegi Beats Democratic Machine in Cook County Assessor’s Race

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

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

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.

“Sister Jean? She’s our heart and soul,” said guard Marques Townes.

Loyola Ramblers Head to NCAA Tournament, Ending 33-Year Drought

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

Cardinal Blase Cupich Addresses Gun Violence, Legislation

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.

(HammerandTusk / Pixabay)

Virtual Reality and the Future of Journalism

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

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

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

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

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? 

(Éovart Caçeir at English Wikipedia)

2018 Governor’s Race: Political Battles Turn Bitter

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

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

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

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?