Chicago-area birds are nesting and laying eggs earlier than ever before. A mysterious meteor burns up over Papua New Guinea. A fossil could rewrite the history of the evolution of life on Earth. And a disturbing finding about microplastics.
Stories by paul caine
Profits for Meat Producers Soar Amid Allegations of Price Gouging
Last year, shoppers paid roughly 6% more for their groceries than the year before. But it’s the cost of meat in particular that is behind much of the rise in our grocery bills. Beef is now some 20% more expensive than it was, while pork is up 14% and chicken around 7%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Biden’s Budget Takes Aim at the Wealthy
President Joe Biden’s proposed $5.8 trillion budget aims to provide more money for police, education, public health and housing — while at the same time slimming the federal deficit.
Sports Betting Brings Tax Windfall – And a Surge in Problem Gambling
Last year, Illinois residents wagered $7.1 billion according to the Illinois Gaming Board. Now, just in time for March Madness, Illinois has dropped an in-person registration requirement for sports bettors — making it even easier to gamble using online apps.
Chicago Council on Global Affairs Celebrates its Centenary
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs turns 100 this year. The organization was created in 1922 amid isolationist sentiment in the U.S. following World War I. In the years since, it has brought a long list of global leaders and experts to Chicago.
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.
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.
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’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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
