Stories by paul caine

(WTTW News)

Chicago Tribune Reporter Ray Long’s New Book Explores Michael Madigan’s Rise and Fall

Chicago Tribune investigative reporter Ray Long began covering the statehouse at the beginning of Madigan’s historic reign as speaker of the House, and has unique insight into how he operated. Long joins Paris Schutz to discuss his new book on Madigan’s career. 

(Pixabay)

Facebook in Trouble as Zuckerberg Pivots to the Metaverse

The company faces challenges on multiple fronts, but it was a dismal earnings report Wednesday that triggered the sudden collapse in its share price.

Former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores discusses his recent lawsuit against the team and the NFL. (CNN)

NFL Facing Explosive Allegations of Racial Discrimination, Corruption

The NFL is facing explosive allegations of racial discrimination and corruption made in a class action lawsuit filed by former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores — who was recently fired by the team.

Chicago police superintendent David Brown joins “Chicago Tonight” via Zoom. Feb. 3, 2022. (WTTW News)

Chicago’s Top Cop Touts Reform Progress on Day Van Dyke Released from Prison

Chicago police superintendent David Brown is approaching nearly two years in command. And it's been a rough ride. His tenure has been racked with a soaring homicide rate and weeks of civil unrest in the wake of George Floyd's murder — all while attempting to reform a police department during a global pandemic.

(WTTW News)

Chicago Epidemiologist ‘Dr. Kat’ Calls Out Joe Rogan for COVID-19 Misinformation

One of those health experts calling out Spotify is Dr. Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

(WTTW News)

Mental Health First Responders Replace Police for Some Emergency Calls

To prevent a mental health crisis from turning into a potentially deadly encounter with police, care professionals and organizations are prioritizing treatment over a criminal justice response when possible. A non-profit in Rogers Park launched a mental health emergency responder program earlier this month.

(Provided)

Shedd Aquarium Embarks on $500M Transformation

That transformation will be both physical, encompassing major interior renovations to create immersive exhibits, but will also entail a transformation of mission with more educational programming for Chicago school students.

A Red Cross blood donor rolls up a sleeve to give blood during the COVID-19 outbreak at the Rockville Donation Center in Maryland. (Photo by Dennis Drenner / American Red Cross)

Red Cross Warns of National Blood Crisis Due to Supply Shortage

The U.S. is experiencing a “national blood crisis” during what the American Red Cross says is the worst blood shortage in over a decade. Winter weather, a COVID-19 surge and limited volunteers are seen as the major causes.

(Photo by James Yarema on Unsplash)

Northwestern Study Finds Opioid Overdose Deaths Soaring for Older Americans

The number of Americans 55 and older who died from an opioid overdose surged 1,886% from a little over 500 deaths in 1999 to more than 10,000 deaths two decades later, according to a new report.

Goldfish swimming, not driving. (Sanjiv Nayak / Unsplash )

Israeli Researchers Teach a Goldfish to Drive

A man receives the first pig heart transplant. Astronomers witness a star go supernova. Researchers identify a biomarker of depression. And a goldfish goes for a drive. 

Much to Fix in the Offseason As Bears Begin Search for New GM and Coach

The Bears’ head coach and general manager are out. James “Big Cat” Williams, former offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears, gives us his thoughts on the offseason challenges the team and the incoming new coach and general manager face.

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Bears Face Vikings in What Many Expect to Be Nagy’s Last Game In Charge

The Chicago Bears aim to end a disappointing season on a high note by beating the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in what could be Matt Nagy’s last game as the team’s head coach.

(Alexandra Marta / Unsplash)

Northwestern’s New Longevity Institute Aims to Decode the Mysteries of Aging

While some people seem to just stay young longer, others age prematurely. Your chronological age of course can’t be changed, but research suggests the biological processes that drive aging may in fact be malleable.

(WTTW News)

Chicago Area Housing Market Soared in 2021 But May Slow in 2022

Realtors sold more homes than ever, while prices rose at rates not seen since the housing boom of the early 2000s. 

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Bears Face Giants in Penultimate Game, Look to End Poor Season on a High

The Bears have a chance to finish a lost season on a high note, starting with the last place New York Giants who visit Soldier Field this Sunday. But there are questions as to who will play quarterback, and then the bigger picture questions as to where exactly the organization is headed as fans demand a major overhaul.

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Bears Lose All Three Coordinators to COVID Protocols Ahead of Monday Night Clash with Vikings

Rumors are swirling around the future of the Bears organization as big changes loom. Meanwhile, the team has to contend with all three coordinators possibly missing Monday night's game at home against the Minnesota Vikings due to COVID-19.

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Bears Hoping to Prevent More Rodgers’ Boasts in Prime-Time Sunday Matchup

The NFL’s most storied rivalry hasn’t been much of a rivalry in recent years. But the Bears will take another crack at team shareholder Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in prime time at Lambeau Field with rookie quarterback Justin Fields coming back from a rib’s injury.

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After Ending Losing Streak, Bears Face Stern Test Against Arizona Cardinals

The drama out of Halas Hall over the rumored departure of head coach Matt Nagy has died down this week — with the Bears coming off a victory over the winless Detroit Lions. But this Sunday a much tougher opponent awaits in the shape of Super Bowl contender the Arizona Cardinals.

Greg Harris appears on “Chicago Tonight” on June 3, 2019. (WTTW News)

Greg Harris, Key Proponent of Illinois’s 2013 Same-Sex Marriage Law, Won’t Seek Reelection

Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris, the highest-ranking openly gay lawmaker in Illinois history, said after 15 years, he’s ready to move on. His current term ends in 2023.

(Regina Shanklin / Pixabay)

Small Business Owners Say Soaring Property Tax Assessments Could Put Them Out of Business

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi has vowed to fix what has been a broken assessment system, but it’s meant some big increases for business owners who say they can’t afford it.

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Bears Look to Break Four-Game Losing Streak Against the Ravens

Signs of offensive improvement as rookie quarterback Justin Fields and the Bears come up just short against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a primetime Monday night match-up. James “Big Cat” Williams gives us his thoughts on the season so far and the upcoming game against the Ravens.

(Photo by Sigmund / Unsplash)

Argonne Scientists Lead Effort to Improve Economics of Recycling

The plastics industry is expected to be putting more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than coal by the end of this decade according to a recent report by Beyond Plastic, an environmental advocacy group.

(WTTW News)

‘Food Guy’ Steve Dolinsky Explores the World of Chicago Pizza in New Book

The book, “The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide: A history of Squares and Slices in the Windy City,” is Steve Dolinksy’s second on Chicago pizza.

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QB Justin Fields Impresses in Loss to San Francisco, Some Progress Ahead of Pittsburgh

A new Netflix series on Colin Kaepernick’s life is causing a stir; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is not vaccinated after all; and on the field, the Chicago Bears prepare to tackle the Pittsburgh Steelers. We get into it with former Bears’ offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams.

(kalhh / Pixabay)

Balding Mice Study Points Way to Hair Loss Treatments

The cause of balding – in mice. The probe of a distant exoplanet. Tuskless elephants. University of Chicago paleontologist Neil Shubin returns to help us understand some of the latest science stories making headlines.

(qimono / Pixabay)

As World Leaders Meet on Climate, Local Institutions Moving to Divest from Fossil Fuels

Scientists are warning of a looming climate catastrophe if countries continue to burn fossil fuels. The effort to invest in a sustainable future.