A notorious hedge fund becomes the largest shareholder of Tribune Publishing. Two other news outlets are going by the wayside. But the local media landscape includes some possible bright spots, too.
Stories by nick blumberg
CTA Bus Driver Fired After Striking Cyclist Racked Up Overtime Pay
A Chicago bus driver who was fired after running over a cyclist in River North in June racked up more than 532 hours of overtime in 2019 – including on the day of that nonfatal crash, according to records obtained by WTTW News.
Inside Uber’s Dramatic Rise – and Its CEO’s Fall
When Uber burst onto the scene a decade ago, it dramatically reshaped how we get around. But the story inside the company was just as dramatic. Mike Isaac, author of the new book “Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber,” explains.
The Week in Review: Trump Lashes Out After House Panel Vote
The House moves forward on Trump impeachment. Interim top cop Charlie Beck makes a big change. Is Chicago equipped to weather a recession? And the Bears head to Lambeau for a rematch with the Packers.
Major Red Line Closures on Far North Side This Weekend
Northbound Red Line trains will run express between Wilson and Howard from 10 p.m. Friday until 4 a.m. Monday as part of the CTA’s Red and Purple Line modernization project.
New Book Traces ‘The Rise and Fall of Chicago’s First Black Banker’
Over its long history, Chicago has seen plenty of firsts, but those stories aren’t always well-known today. Entrepreneur Jesse Binga is at the center of one of those stories. Longtime journalist Don Hayner tells us more.
Lightfoot Names City Transportation Commissioner
Mayor Lori Lightfoot has picked Gia Biagi to run the Chicago Department of Transportation and will submit her nomination for City Council approval this month.
CDOT: ‘Please Don’t Stop Reporting Bike Lane Issues to 311’
The Chicago Department of Transportation on Thursday acknowledged the frustrations cyclists have faced when submitting bicycle-related issues to 311, but said the system has been improving and called on everyone to keep those service requests coming.
Constitutional Questions Debated in Testy New Phase of Impeachment
The House Judiciary Committee holds its first hearing as it weighs articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. Local law professors Tom Ginsburg and David Franklin discuss the testimony and what lies ahead.
Cyclists Say City Isn’t Addressing 311 Complaints About Bike Lanes
With hundreds of miles of bike lanes, Chicago is touted as a city for cyclists. But many who ride on city streets say the daily hazards they encounter and report aren’t being addressed.
Fox News Analyst Gianno Caldwell on the Power of Conservatism
The conservative political analyst and consultant, who is also a Chicago native, discusses his new book “Taken for Granted: How Conservatism Can win Back the Americans That Liberalism Failed.”
Democrats Eye Impeachment Articles, Despite Some No-Show Witnesses
Nine witnesses in three days made for a packed and dramatic week of public testimony in the House’s impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump. U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley weighs in on the hearings and next steps.
The Week in Review: Lightfoot’s Budget Advances Despite Pushback
Despite gripes from aldermen, the mayor’s first budget advances. Who will replace the top senator in Springfield? Cops go to court. Fraud at City Colleges. And can the Bears pull off a win this weekend?
State Board of Education Calls for End to Student Isolation Following Investigation
An emergency action from the state board of education comes a day after a Tribune-ProPublica investigation revealed thousands of cases in which schools put students into seclusion. We speak with two of the reporters behind that story.
‘Firsthand’ Accounts: How Guns Changed the Course of Their Lives
WTTW’s new digital documentary series “Firsthand: Gun Violence” follows the stories of five Chicagoans whose lives have been touched by shootings. Three of them join us in discussion.
WTTW Launches New Digital Series ‘Firsthand: Gun Violence’
A new documentary series from WTTW looks at how gun violence affects Chicagoans – and what some of them are doing to stem it. We speak with “Firsthand” director and producer Dan Protess.
‘Shared Street’ Model in Uptown is Here to Stay. Will it Be Replicated?
Four years ago, Argyle Street in Uptown was dramatically reimagined. How the single-level streetscape, now permanent, is working – and whether it can serve as a model in other neighborhoods.
How a Small-Town City Employee Stole Nearly $54M in Public Money
It’s one of the most outrageous cases of municipal fraud in modern times. We discuss “All the Queen’s Horses” with the documentary’s director, Kelly Richmond Pope.
The Week in Review: 11-Day Teachers Strike Comes to an End
Chicago teachers return to school. A state lawmaker resigns after a federal bribery charge. Trump knocks Chicago during his first visit to the city as president. And the David Ross era begins for the Cubs.
Illinois House Passes Bill Allowing College Athlete Endorsement Deals
College athletes could soon make money on endorsement deals if a bill in Illinois becomes a law. We explore the debate over changing the rules with former Chicago Tribune sportswriter Fred Mitchell.
John Leguizamo Brings ‘Latin History for Morons’ to Chicago
If your Latin history is a little rusty, actor and writer John Leguizamo understands – and he’s here to offer an antidote in the form of his latest one-man show, playing in Chicago this week. We get a preview.
CPS Teachers, Staff Take Their Case to the Streets with Rallies Across the City
Chants of “fair contract!” and “Mayor Lightfoot, get on the right foot!” rang through the air outside Chicago Public Schools around the city on the first morning of the Chicago Teachers Union and SEIU support staff walkout.
As Scooter Pilot Ends, A Call For Keeping Them Around – With Changes
A report from the Active Transportation Alliance says Chicago should develop a long-term e-scooter program across the entire city.
Mayor, CPS CEO: Solutions to ‘Quality-of-Life Issues’ Aren’t in a Teachers Contract
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday again accused the Chicago Teachers Union of ignoring the city’s contract proposals – but said a strike isn’t a foregone conclusion. Lightfoot and CPS CEO Janice Jackson join “Chicago Tonight” in conversation.
Quigley: Attempts to Slow Impeachment Probe Show White House ‘Panic’
A conversation with U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley on President Trump’s moves to stall the impeachment inquiry.
Northwestern Coach Pat Fitzgerald on Sports, School and Leadership
The winningest football coach in Northwestern University’s history talks about leadership – and why his team has been successful academically.
