Ridership on public transit in the Chicago area has dropped dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic. Will an influx of federal money be enough to prop up area transit agencies?
Stories by nick blumberg
Chicago Showdown, Round Four: Everyday Icons
Missing that chatty CTA conductor from your morning commute? Have a hankering for an old fashioned mixed up by your favorite bartender? So are we. Join us as we pay tribute to the everyday folks who make Chicago great.
Transit Union Says CTA Isn’t Doing Enough to Protect Bus, Train Drivers
Ridership on city bus and train lines is down, but the CTA is still operating its regular schedule. What the agency is – and is not – doing to protect riders and operators during the pandemic.
CTA Ridership Drops Nearly 80% as Chicagoans Stay Home
The city’s buses and trains are largely empty these days, as many Chicagoans heed calls from Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov. J.B. Pritzker to stay home.
3 CTA ‘L’ Stations to Close This Weekend Amid Modernization Efforts
Customers still riding the CTA Red Line won’t be able to get on or off the “L” at Granville, Thorndale and Bryn Mawr this weekend as part of the CTA’s Red and Purple Line Modernization project.
This 5-Year-Old’s Coronavirus Podcast is Just What We Needed
These days, it’s as important as ever to stay informed. But the glut of coronavirus content can, at times, be overwhelming. A new, locally produced podcast offers a much different perspective on the pandemic.
Chicago Showdown, Round Three: Windy City Cinema
We’re spending a lot more time indoors. Join us as we get reacquainted with our beloved city through film. The polls are now open!
Public Space in the Age of COVID-19: How Other Cities are Coping
Mayor Lori Lightfoot shut down Chicago’s lakefront, 606 trail and Riverwalk to encourage social distancing. But will limiting access to public space reduce the demand for it? We look to other cities’ ideas.
Mayor Lightfoot to Chicagoans: ‘You Simply Cannot Congregate’
A day after Mayor Lori Lightfoot threatened to close off access to city parks if Chicagoans continued to flout social distancing rules, the city shut down the lakefront trail, beaches and adjoining parks, the Bloomingdale Trail and the Chicago Riverwalk.
City Responds to Coronavirus with Discounted Divvy Memberships, CTA Credits
Half-priced Divvy memberships, credit for unused CTA passes and free rides for paratransit customers are all part of Chicago’s plan to keep its transportation network rolling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Republican Jeanne Ives on Facing Sean Casten, Coronavirus Pandemic
First-term congressman Sean Casten was unopposed in Tuesday’s Democratic primary for Illinois’ 6th District, but in the general election he’ll face outspoken competition from Republican candidate Jeanne Ives.
Sean Casten on Confronting COVID-19 and His Conservative Challenger
Can Jeanne Ives flip Illinois’ 6th Congressional District back to red? We sit down for a one-on-one with first-term congressman Sean Casten.
Illinois Congressional Races: Newman Defeats Lipinski; Oberweis, Ives Declare Victory
Challenger Marie Newman has defeated long-serving U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski, and the Republican challengers for first-term Democrats Lauren Underwood and Sean Casten are set. Where else things stand across congressional districts.
Chicago Showdown, Round One: Lost Chicago Buildings
With no hockey or basketball, delayed baseball and no March Madness, we don’t even have sports to turn to in these times of trouble. Enter the Chicago Showdown, four weeks of Chicago-themed brackets built to fuel friendly arguments – and we need your votes!
This Chicago Company Hopes its Seated Scooter Gives it a Leg Up
As city officials plan a second round of the electric scooter pilot program, meet a company that hopes its seated scooter will make the cut.
Candidate Forum: US Rep. Dan Lipinski Faces 3 Primary Challengers
Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District has long been a Democratic stronghold, but in recent years the Democrat representing it has been under fire from his ideological left.
66 Divvy Stations, 10 Miles of Bike Lanes Coming to South Side, City Says
The long-awaited expansion of Chicago’s Divvy bike-share program on the Far South and Southwest sides is set to kick off this spring — and some new bike lanes and pedal-assist bikes are on the way too, according to city officials.
Meet the 5 Republicans Hoping to Take on Sen. Dick Durbin
Five Republican candidates are vying to take on Illinois’ long-serving and well-funded incumbent senior senator, Dick Durbin, who is running for a fifth term this fall. All five join “Chicago Tonight” for a candidate forum.
The Week in Review: Coronavirus Panic Crashes Markets
Coronavirus fears tank the stock market. The gloves come off in the race for Cook County state’s attorney. More turmoil at Chicago Public Schools. And the city preps for round two of electric scooters.
4 CTA ‘L’ Stations in the Loop Closed This Weekend
Track maintenance will close four “L” stations in the Loop this weekend from 2 a.m. Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday, according to the Chicago Transit Authority. Get the full details.
Keep Scooters Off Sidewalks, Aldermen Say, as Second Pilot Ramps Up
At a hearing Wednesday, Chicago aldermen voiced their concerns and hopes for the city’s second round of electric scooter testing that’s expected to kick off this summer.
Chicago’s FBI Chief on Tackling Corruption, ‘Our Highest Criminal Priority’
Chicago’s FBI office is in the midst of several high-profile political corruption cases that appear to be targeting politicians. Since last fall, those investigations have been overseen by Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie Jr.
How ‘Hood Feminism’ Picks Up Where Mainstream Feminism Fails
In her new book, Chicago native and author Mikki Kendall offers a critique of mainstream feminism. She joins us to discuss “Hood Feminism: Notes From the Women That a Movement Forgot.”
Creating the State Street of the Future, Again
Every year, millions of people visit State Street in the heart of Chicago’s Loop. But is the street working the way it should? That’s the question the Chicago Loop Alliance is asking as it considers what State Street could be.
4 CTA Stations on Red, Blue Lines Set to Close This Weekend
Three CTA Red Line stations in Edgewater will be closed from Friday night through Monday morning for the fifth consecutive weekend. The Grand Blue Line station will also be closed.
The Week in Review: Jussie Smollett Indicted Again
Jussie Smollett faces new criminal charges. State’s Attorney Kim Foxx faces political fallout. Mayor Lori Lightfoot addresses rising crime numbers. And the NBA All-Star game descends on Chicago.
