Oak Park Record Store Val’s Halla Closing its Doors Nov. 30
A legendary record store is closing at the end of the month. We revisit our portrait of this one-of-a-kind shop opened by Val Camilletti in 1972.
Impeachment Reversal: Diplomat Now Acknowledges Quid Pro Quo
In a striking reversal, a top diplomat revised his testimony in the House impeachment inquiry to acknowledge that U.S. military aid to Ukraine was being withheld until the foreign ally promised to investigate corruption as President Donald Trump wanted.
CPS Announces Dates of 5 Make-Up Days Following Teachers Strike
The school district says it will spread five make-up days across the rest of the year. CPS Chief Education Officer LaTanya McDade joins us to discuss the 11-day strike, recent negotiations and a new teachers contract.
Congestion Plan or Regressive Tax? A Debate Over Ride-Hailing Fee Hikes
If you rely on ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft to get around Chicago, your fare could soon be higher. How a fee hike could impact Chicagoans – and the city.
State Elections Board: ‘We’re Under Constant Threat’ from Foreign Interference
The 2020 election is just under a year away, and both federal and state election authorities say the threat of foreign interference is ramping up.
How the Chicago Teachers Union Contract Helps Students, Teachers
Smaller class sizes and more counselors and nurses. We discuss the changes coming to Chicago Public Schools if teachers ratify a new five-year contract.
Is Time Running Out for the Seasonal Clock Change?
The Illinois Senate is scheduled to take up a bill next week to make daylight saving time permanent. And it’s not just politicians who want to beat the clock. A local sleep expert sounds the alarm on why we should end the seasonal time shift.
There’s Plenty of Time for Play at Arcade-Themed Rescue The Catcade
In Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, there’s an animal shelter with a twist. We visit an arcade-themed cat rescue and lounge that’s helping foster feline friendships.
Driving While Stoned: Police Still Lack Reliable Test
As the legalization of recreational marijuana approaches, police have no reliable test for whether a person is driving under its influence. What science tells us about marijuana use and safe driving.
Crain’s Headlines: Ousted McDonald’s CEO ‘Demonstrated Poor Judgement’
In an email to employees, former McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook acknowledged he had a relationship with an employee and said it was a mistake. He had been CEO since 2015.
Farmer’s Love of Trees Leads to Lifelong Hunt for Heirloom Apples
When Al Westerman’s grandparents bought a farm in Northern Illinois in 1911, it came with a house, a barn and an apple orchard. Now, he collects heirloom apple trees and grows more than 100 varieties.
Hedy Weiss Reviews ‘A Doll’s House,’ ‘I’m Lenny Bruce’ and More
There are many treats on Chicago stages these days. Theater critic Hedy Weiss joins us with her latest roundup.
In the Zooniverse, Everyone Can Be a Scientist
In a world in which scientific literacy is often lacking, the online platform Zooniverse.org is doing what it can to encourage “people-powered research.”