A Whopper of a Fish Tale: The Sturgeon That Set Social Media Atwitter Could Become the Norm Again
The 240-pound, 100-year-old, nearly 7-foot-long sturgeon is making headlines. But fish that size used to be common in the Great Lakes and maybe, thanks to restoration efforts, they will be again.
Ask Geoffrey: Logan Square’s Norske Club
What can an apartment building that once hosted royalty tell us about Chicago’s Norwegian American community? Geoffrey Baer has the story of this former social club designed by a pair of famous Chicago architects.
May 5, 2021 - Full Show
What legislators need to do before the end of the month. How the COVID-19 vaccine is impacting the economy. Reducing the state’s maternal mortality rate. Key issues facing Latino communities.
Illinois Legislators’ Checklist for May
The month of May means it's prime time for action in Springfield. The legislature is set to wrap up its business by the end of the month. Here’s a look at what’s on the to-do list.
Lightfoot Stops Short of Calling on Ald. Daley Thompson to Resign After Indictment
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who campaigned on a promise to root out corruption in City Hall, has repeatedly called for Ald. Ed Burke, the other indicted member of the Chicago City Council, to step down. But on Wednesday she stopped short of calling on the 11th Ward alderman to resign.
‘Unacceptable Disparities’ Persist Among Maternal Deaths: Report
Black women are three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts, according to a new report. While that disparity has narrowed, officials say it’s not due to conditions improving for Black women but instead worsening conditions for white women.
Report: ‘Breakdown of Communication’ Led to Mischaracterization of Toledo Shooting in Court
An internal investigation by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office found a “breakdown of communication” and other issues were responsible for the inadvertent mischaracterization of the Adam Toledo shooting in a hearing last month.
The Secret Behind Some of Illinois’ Most Celebrated Honey
Illinois is known for growing corn and soybeans, but there’s another local crop some say is ready for its close up: honey. We visit a bee farm just north of Chicago that has become one of the most celebrated in the entire state.
Latino Unity Day: Leaders Address Challenges on Many Fronts
Chicago’s Latino community has been especially affected by the events of the past year, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the fatal police shootings of Adam Toledo and Anthony Alvarez. We discuss key issues community leaders want elected officials to address.
As US Economy Surges Back, Economists Forecast 2021 Boom
The U.S. economy grew at 6.4% in the first quarter of 2021 as the combined impact of a mass vaccination rollout and federal stimulus checks triggered a surge in consumer spending. But how long can this economic boom last?
Collaboraction’s ‘Family Tree Stories’ Aims to Connect Chicagoans, One Story at a Time
Thanks to support from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Chicago theater company Collaboraction is exploring the impact of oral history, one story at a time. We learn about the group’s newest project, “Family Tree Stories,” and how it’s working to unite the city through storytelling.
Chicago on Track to ‘Fully Reopen’ July 4 as Auto Show Returns: Lightfoot
The 113th edition of the Chicago Auto Show will be the first convention to return to Chicago since the pandemic began in March 2020, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Tuesday, and it marks a major step toward normalcy after a harrowing year.
Group Works to ‘Redefine the Narrative’ and Reduce Number of Women in Prison
At the end of 2020, about 1,400 women were in the Illinois prison system, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections. One group is aiming to cut that number in half.
May 4, 2021 - Full Show
Illinois Congress members on Liz Cheney, infrastructure and more. Plus, the latest on Chicago and Illinois' reopening plans. The debate over menthol cigarettes. Internet cookie concerns and more.
FDA Announces Plans to Ban Menthol Cigarettes, Flavored Cigars
Tobacco companies have long marketed menthol cigarettes to Black Americans. The CEO of the NAACP calls a potential ban of such products “long overdue,” but some people are concerned it could lead to further criminalization of communities of color.