“State and municipal budgets across the nation and here in Illinois are being decimated,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday. “It’s not a blue state problem or a red state problem.”
Stories by paul caine
Trump Calls For More Stimulus Money, Pritzker Warns of ‘Thousands’ of State Layoffs
Sep 16, 2020 | Paul Caine
Social Media Misinformation a Major Challenge for Election Authorities, Voters
Sep 14, 2020 | Paul Caine
In an age when false information can be disseminated to millions with a single tweet or Facebook post, combatting that misinformation is all the more important. What election officials are doing to dispel misleading myths.
US EPA Rolls Back Obama-Era Regulations that Protect Lake Michigan Water
Sep 10, 2020 | Paul Caine
Will new EPA regulations allow a Wisconsin power plant to dump more toxic metals into Lake Michigan? Chicago Tribune reporter Michael Hawthorne explains.
Opponents of Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park Considering Appeal to US Supreme Court
Sep 9, 2020 | Paul Caine
We speak with Protect Our Parks founder and president Herb Caplan about the latest in the legal battle over the $500 million project planned for Chicago’s South Side.
Argonne, Fermilab at Forefront of ‘Transformational’ Quantum Research
Sep 1, 2020 | Paul Caine
Quantum technology is expected to transform our world, and Chicago appears to be at the center of this quantum acceleration, thanks to funding from the Department of Energy to establish two quantum research centers locally.
Local GOP Lawmakers Praise First Lady’s ‘Home Run’ RNC Speech
Aug 26, 2020 | Paul Caine
The president’s wife and children present the case for their dad’s reelection. Republican state lawmakers share their thoughts about the Republican National Convention so far.
Local Republicans Expect Economic Optimism, ‘Law and Order’ Message from RNC
Aug 24, 2020 | Paul Caine
The leader of the Chicago Republican Party said Monday that he is expecting to hear a strong “law and order” message from this week’s National Republican Convention combined with a hopeful economic vision for the future.
Former President Obama’s Speechwriter Talks Crafting DNC Speech
Aug 20, 2020 | Paul Caine
Former President Barack Obama launched a blistering attack on his successor at Wednesday night’s Democratic National Convention. Obama’s speechwriter talks about that speech and the challenge of writing for a virtual convention.
Durbin Backs Pelosi’s Move to Recall Congress Amid Postal Service Standoff
Aug 17, 2020 | Paul Caine
A political convention unlike any other is underway as Democratic leaders step up their fight against President Donald Trump and his attacks on mail-in voting. We discuss that and more with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.
GOP Congressman Says Chicago May Need National Guard If Looting Continues
Aug 10, 2020 | Paul Caine
Illinois U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis says Chicago may have to call the National Guard back to the city if it is unable to prevent further looting. Davis and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, join us in conversation.
Democrats, Republicans ‘Miles Apart’ on Unemployment Insurance Deal, Says Bustos
Aug 4, 2020 | Paul Caine
As cities and states across the nation struggle to get control of COVID-19, members of Congress butt heads over another stimulus package. Illinois U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos weighs in on those topics and more.
Secret Service Agent Shot in Reagan Assassination Attempt Retires as Orland Park Police Chief
Jul 28, 2020 | Paul Caine
The Secret Service agent who took a bullet to protect President Ronald Reagan has spent the last 26 years as chief of police in Orland Park. We speak with Tim McCarthy ahead of his Aug. 1 retirement.
Dr. Ezike: Residents’ Actions Will Determine if Reopening Rollback Needed
Jul 27, 2020 | Paul Caine
With Illinois reporting more than 1,000 new cases of COVID-19 for the sixth consecutive day, the state’s top public health official says the question of a reopening rollback will be answered by residents.
New Solar Orbiter Snaps Closest Pictures Ever Taken of the Sun
Jul 21, 2020 | Paul Caine
We journey to the sun’s surface and explore more from the world of science with University of Chicago paleontologist Neil Shubin.
More Than Half of Chicagoans Expected to Vote by Mail in November
Jul 15, 2020 | Paul Caine
A record 121,000 Chicagoans have sent in applications to vote by mail in the November election. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump claims without evidence the 2020 election will be “the most rigged.”
Trump Pressures Schools to Reopen But Many CPS Teachers Fearful of Classroom Return
Jul 13, 2020 | Paul Caine
President Donald Trump is pressuring schools to fully reopen in the fall. But as many teachers, parents and even some students are expressing fears over returning to school, cases of COVID-19 are rising across the country.
Northwestern Infectious Disease Expert Rips National Response to Pandemic
Jun 24, 2020 | Paul Caine
He is optimistic about the development of vaccines and treatments to slow the spread of COVID-19 but describes the national response to the virus as a “disgrace.” We speak with Dr. Robert Murphy of Northwestern University.
Lt. Gov. Stratton Urges Caution as Illinois Prepares to Enter Phase 4
Jun 22, 2020 | Paul Caine
Illinois is on track to move into phase four of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reopening plan on Friday, but the state faces a huge challenge in reviving its pandemic-stricken economy and putting people back to work.
Argonne Uses Supercomputer to Model Coronavirus Spread in Chicago
Jun 11, 2020 | Paul Caine
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have created the most detailed simulation that exists to model the spread of COVID-19 in Chicago — and what it shows is sobering.
Study: Black Families Have 1 Cent for Every Dollar White Families Have
Jun 10, 2020 | Paul Caine
A new study from Northwestern University highlights the growing wealth gap between black and white families.
Illinois Hair Salons Prepare to Open Friday, But Not in Chicago
May 27, 2020 | Paul Caine
On Friday, all salons and barbershops in the state — except those in Chicago — will be allowed to reopen as part of phase three of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reopening plan. What will the new salon experience be like?
Health Inequality Plus Coronavirus Creates Perfect Storm in Chicago’s Black Community
May 25, 2020 | Paul Caine
Black Chicagoans are almost six times more likely to die from the new coronavirus than white residents, according to state and city health officials. We talk about the city’s ongoing health disparities with the Rev. Marshall Hatch of New Mount Pilgrim Church.
General Iron Now Links Pollution Control Equipment to Explosions
May 20, 2020 | Paul Caine
General Iron Industries believes that two explosions at its scrap metal-shredding facility that shook Lincoln Park on Monday were connected to a new piece of pollution control equipment installed last year.
Adler Planetarium Lays Off 120 Employees
May 14, 2020 | Paul Caine
A day after celebrating its 90th birthday, the Adler Planetarium laid off 120 part-time and full-time employees. The “difficult decision” was made “in order to help the Adler survive,” spokesperson Jennifer Howell said in a statement to WTTW News.
State Lawmakers at Odds Over Gov. Pritzker’s Recovery Plan
May 11, 2020 | Paul Caine
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s recently unveiled five-phase plan to gradually reopen the state is already getting pushback. Joining us to share their views are state Reps. Deanne Mazzochi, a Republican, and Mike Zalewski, a Democrat.
Pandemic Creates Hard Choices for Low-Income Essential Workers
May 6, 2020 | Paul Caine
The pandemic has laid bare how existing inequalities can magnify the impact of the virus on low-income workers, who are disproportionately women and people of color. And now, many of those workers are being designated as essential.