CPS teachers set a walkout date. A local Republican congressman hedges on the Trump impeachment inquiry. What are the feds looking for in Illinois? And the Bears get ready for battle across the pond.
Stories by nick blumberg
Lyft Blocks Bike-Sharing Access on Popular App – But Chicago Riders Won’t Be Affected
This week the popular transportation app Transit announced Lyft was blocking users from accessing rides on New York’s bike-sharing system. But Chicagoans who use Transit to access Divvy bikes need not worry.
As Teachers Strike Looms, Principals Group Says CPS Misrepresented Its Views
Troy LaRaviere, the head of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, discusses how a teachers strike would impact school administrators.
‘A New Low’: Sen. Durbin on Ukraine Call, Trump Impeachment Inquiry
In a flurry of tweets, President Donald Trump spent the last several days attacking the newly launched impeachment inquiry against him. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin weighs in on the situation.
Jacqueline Stewart, TCM’s Newest Host, on Film Preservation, Representation
The Turner Classic Movies series “Silent Sunday Nights” is a celebration of some of the triumphs of early filmmaking, and its new host is a Chicago native whose love of the movies goes all the way back to her childhood.
Bus Driver Fired After Striking Cyclist Was Among Highest-Paid CTA Drivers
A CTA bus operator who was fired after an on-duty accident in which he struck a cyclist was among the highest-paid drivers working for the agency in recent years, according to a WTTW News analysis of CTA employee salaries.
Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Trump Impeachment Inquiry
He has experienced how it feels inside a White House facing the threat of impeachment. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel offers his take on the impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump.
After 40 Years in Solitary Confinement, a ‘Story of Transformation and Hope’
Albert Woodfox was held in solitary confinement for decades in Louisiana before his release in 2016. Now, he’s written a book about his experiences. He joins us to discuss “Solitary.”
Schools Consider Unrestricted Locker Room Access for Transgender Students
A suburban high school district that’s faced years of court battles over equal locker room access is considering a big policy change.
‘Greenway’ Plan for Lincoln Park Side Street Sparks Neighborhood Tension
A proposal to add a so-called greenway for cyclists and introduce pedestrian-focused safety measures on a Lincoln Park side street has sparked an outpouring of attention from neighbors.
Author Paul Tough on ‘How College Makes or Breaks Us’
College admissions have been major news in recent months after a bribery scam came to light. A new book explores how the higher education system is failing many low-income students and students of color.
The Week in Review: Anne Burke Named Chief Justice of Illinois Supreme Court
Anne Burke is elevated to chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. CPS is hit with another scathing report on sexual abuse. Uber’s CEO bets big on Chicago. And the Bears try to reverse fortune against the Broncos.
How Satellites Can Detect and Protect Earth From Asteroids
Adler Planetarium astronomer Mark Hammergren explains how a space-based sentry can help detect asteroids that will pass near Earth.
Lack of E-Cigarette Regulations Complicates Explanation for Lung Illnesses
Hundreds of people have been sickened and as many as five are dead after a recent outbreak of vaping-related lung illnesses. We speak with Dr. Samuel Kim, associate professor of surgery at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.
CPS CEO Janice Jackson on a Possible Teachers Strike and the School Year Ahead
The Chicago Teachers Union on Wednesday set a date for a strike authorization vote. It’s the latest turn in what’s been a contentious round of contract negotiations. CPS CEO Janice Jackson discusses that and more.
Bus Driver Fired, CTA Sued After Cyclist Struck by Bus in River North
A Chicago Transit Authority bus driver who racked up more than a dozen traffic tickets before working at the agency is out of a job and facing a lawsuit, along with his former employer, following a nonfatal June crash that sent a Chicago cyclist to the hospital.
A Pantry in a Pilsen Health Center Takes Aim at Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is a nationwide problem, but studies show it’s even more acute in Chicago. How one food pantry is trying to tackle the problem.
Deep Frydays: Part of Your Complete Breakfast
If your breakfast routine is feeling a little boring these days, Nick and Erica have just the thing for you: deep-fried Cream of Wheat – with a surprise center.
Cook County Public Defender Amy Campanelli on Gun Violence, Police Database
Chicago’s top cop says a gun offender dashboard will create a “culture of accountability.” But not everyone agrees. Cook County Public Defender Amy Campanelli explains why she objects to the database.
With Business Community’s Help, CRED Fights Chicago Violence with Jobs
Solving the epidemic of gun violence in Chicago is an unrelenting challenge. We learn about CRED, a program that wants Chicago’s business community to see it as a problem it can – and should – help stem.
A Look at Immigration Status in the Workplace
Amid workplace raids, what responsibilities do employers have to verify immigration status? And what rights do workers have?
Lawsuit Over Facebook Facial Recognition Survives Legal Challenge
Why some Illinois Facebook users are suing the company over its facial recognition software for photos.
Sportswriter Chronicles Her Groundbreaking High School Basketball Team
How Title IX changed a future Chicago sportswriter’s life, and paved the way for a championship basketball team from Niles West. We speak with Melissa Isaacson, author of “State: A Team, a Triumph, a Transformation.”
The Week in Review: Trump Teases Blagojevich Pardon, Again
President Trump once again dangles a commutation for Rod Blagojevich. Mayor Lightfoot spars with judges on gun violence. And optimism surrounds the Bears at their first preseason game.
Deep Frydays: Hot Tips
Since the rib tip is not only a Chicago institution but also a finger food, we decided it was the best candidate this week for a beer-batter-and-hot-oil dunk.
Record-High Lake Swallowing Up Chicago Shoreline
Joel Brammeier, president and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, talks about the area’s shrinking and disappearing beaches this year, and why it matters.
