From tax increases to sports betting to recreational marijuana, Illinois lawmakers weigh changes to address the state’s overwhelming financial problems.
Stories by alexandra silets
Mobile Carriers Tout Upcoming 5G Networks. How Fast is That?
Blazing speeds are reportedly coming to your devices with 5G. Chicago Tribune technology reporter Ally Marotti tells us what to expect – and when.
Political Messaging in the Age of Deeply Partisan Politics
The season for political messaging is in swing, but how can politicians – especially those running in highly competitive races for Chicago mayor or alderman – break through?
Russia Vows New Missile Systems as US Withdraws from Nuclear Treaty
Russia’s announcement that it plans to build two new land-based missile launch systems follows the U.S. decision to withdraw from a decades-old nuclear treaty.
Congress Back to Work Despite State of the Union Delay
Congress looks to avoid another shutdown. “PBS NewsHour” correspondent Lisa Desjardins reports on a very busy day on Capitol Hill – that doesn’t include the State of the Union.
Meet New WBEZ ‘Morning Shift’ Host Jenn White
We catch up with Jenn White, who took over hosting duties earlier this month after former “Morning Shift” host Tony Sarabia signed off.
Senate to Vote Thursday on Dueling Bills to End Government Shutdown
Yamiche Alcindor of the “PBS NewsHour” brings us the latest on the longest partial federal government shutdown in U.S. history, now in its second month.
A Closer Look at O’Hare Expansion Proposals
Making sense of the proposals in the O’Hare design competition with the Chicago Tribune’s architecture critic Blair Kamin.
The Week in Review: Jason Van Dyke Sentence, Cover-Up Acquittal
The highly anticipated sentencing of Jason Van Dyke – and a ruling on the fate of three other Chicago cops in a related case stemming from the 2014 shooting of Laquan McDonald.
Jennifer Pritzker: GOP’s Policies ‘Marginalize Me Out of Existence’
Retired Col. Jennifer Pritzker details her scathing rebuke of the Republican Party's positions on transgender individuals.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel Unveils Ethics Reform Plan
In the wake of an attempted extortion charge against longtime Ald. Ed Burke, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has unveiled a number of ethics reforms. Ald. Nick Sposato weighs in.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: R. Kelly in Headlines Again
Eddie Arruza and guests discuss law enforcement’s warrant to search R. Kelly’s Chicago recording studio.
The Week in Review: New Faces, Veteran Leadership in Springfield
New faces meet veteran leadership in the newly seated 101st General Assembly. City Council sees a flurry of reform proposals. Renewed scrutiny over R. Kelly allegations. And a heartbreaking “double doink” ends the Bears season.
Standoff Over Border Wall, Government Funding Continues
President Donald Trump pushes for a southern border wall as the government shutdown enters its third week. U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley talks about the standoff and what’s next for the Democratic-controlled House.
2 Years In, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx Looks Back, Ahead
Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx ran – and won – on a platform of being a reformer, expressing a desire to move the office from being “tough on crime to being smart on crime.” Foxx joins us in discussion.
New Democratic Legislator Pushes Against the Machine
Meet Anne Stava-Murray, an incoming Democratic state representative who says she is rejecting Michael Madigan’s bid for an 18th term as speaker of the House.
Susana Mendoza on Her Battle to Become Chicago’s Next Mayor
Susana Mendoza announced her candidacy for Chicago mayor just days after winning re-election as Illinois comptroller. Now, she is considered by many to be one of the front-runners in that race.
Christopher Kimball Shares Quick Weeknight Recipes in ‘Tuesday Nights’
The chef, author, television and radio host talks about his latest cookbook, “Milk Street: Tuesday Nights.” Plus: Get his recipes for orecchiete with sausage and paprika-rubbed pork tenderloin.
National Safety Council Leader Deborah Hersman Heading to Waymo
For the last four years, Deborah Hersman has led the National Safety Council. Next month, she’ll join Google’s self-driving technology development company, Waymo. Why she’s making the move.
Trump’s Troubles: Prosecutors Detail Illegal Activities in Sentencing Memos
Former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti joins us with insight into the latest legal revelations implicating President Donald Trump of directing criminal activity.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Remembering George H.W. Bush
Paris Schutz and guests discuss the legacy of former President George H.W. Bush as the nation mourns the 41st president.
The Week in Review: FBI Raid Doesn’t Hinder Burke Fundraiser
Ald. Ed Burke’s fundraiser goes on despite FBI raids. Mayoral candidates duke it out in petition battles. The fate of three Chicago cops is in a judge’s hands. And the Bears take on the Rams.
New Cases of HIV in Chicago at Record Lows, But More Work Ahead
It’s been 30 years since the first commemoration of World AIDS Day. We take a look at promising treatments, and some stark statistics.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Lincoln Yards Controversy
Eddie Arruza and guests discuss the Lincoln Yards development plan. Will new design tweaks be enough to win over neighbors?
The Week in Review: FBI Drops Political Bombshell
Federal agents raid the offices of powerful 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke. Twenty-one candidates officially file petitions to become Chicago’s next mayor. The cover-up trial of three Chicago cops begins. And the Bears have the playoffs in their sights.
Exit Interview: Cook County Clerk David Orr
After nearly 40 years in public office, Cook County Clerk David Orr is leaving the political stage. He joins us to discuss the past, present and future of elections.
