Dozens of talented journalists are leaving the Chicago Tribune after its new owner, Alden Global Capital, offered employees voluntary buyouts. Among those who have announced their departure are some of the newspaper’s most notable columnists.
Stories by Alexandra Silets
The Week in Review: City Moves Up Full Reopening to June 11
Remaps, school boards, ethics, budgets and more: We recap the flurry of activity in Springfield. Chicago is on track for a full reopening this month. Gov. Pritzker is coy about another term.
VA Doctors on the Health Effects of COVID-19 on Veterans
On Memorial Day, Americans remember and celebrate members of the military who made the ultimate sacrifice. But living veterans have fought another enemy over the past year: the coronavirus pandemic.
The Week in Review: Lori Lightfoot’s Midterm Report Card
The mayor gets mixed grades on her two-year anniversary and controversy follows her policy of offering interviews based on race. A dreaded Tribune deal goes through. And Lollapalooza will be back in full force for summer.
The Week in Review: Illinois Enters Bridge Phase
Illinois enters the reopening bridge phase as summer festivals are announced. Leaked emails spell trouble for the mayor. Rahm may be headed to Japan. And the sudden death of a Chicago star-architect.
The Week in Review: Full Reopening Nears with Warning
Illinois is on track to open fully in June. Cultural institutions prepare for their return. High-profile political corruption cases heat up in court. And bombshell resignations both at CPS and COPA.
The Week in Review: A Current and Former Alderman Indicted
A current and former alderman indicted. Another police shooting video released. Trouble over renaming Lake Shore Drive after DuSable. And the Bears shock the NFL Draft and land quarterback Justin Fields.
Spotlight Politics: Alvarez Shooting Video Released
Another video showing the police shooting death, this time of Anthony Alvarez, is released. It shows Officer Evan Solano making a split-second decision to fire his weapon at the 22-year-old during a foot chase. Our politics team takes on that story and more in this week’s roundtable.
The Week in Review: City Stands Down After Chauvin Verdict
The Derek Chauvin verdict brings some relief to Chicago. Ald. Ed Burke allegedly makes anti-Semitic statements. City Council meets in person. And Superintendent David Brown addresses the media about shootings.
News Educators Say Journalists Should ‘Slow Down’ on Social Media
Unfounded rumors erupted on social media over the weekend about the alleged resignation of Mayor Lori Lightfoot. We talk about how rumors spread on social media and how journalists should cover them.
The Week in Review: Community and Officials React to Video of Fatal Shooting of Adam Toledo
Bodycam video released in the shooting death of 13-year-old Adam Toledo. Demonstrators across the city respond. CTU and CPS strike a deal on return to high school. And Obama Center on track.
For the Immunocompromised, Vaccines Alone Won’t Bring ‘Normal’ Back
A preliminary study from Johns Hopkins University finds that fewer than 20% of organ transplant patients generated an antibody response to their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The research raises questions about vaccine protection for those patients and others with weakened immune systems.
Author Hope Edelman on Grief and What Comes After
Hope Edelman has been writing, speaking and leading bereavement workshops for 25 years. She joins us to discuss her latest book, “The AfterGrief: Finding Your Way Along the Long Arc of Loss.”
The Week in Review: Loretto Hospital Vaccine Scandal Spurs Investigation
A Loretto Hospital executive resigns amid growing controversy. Mayor Lightfoot sidelines a vaccine contractor over more improper vaccinations. Evanston passes the nation’s first reparations law. Chicago homicides are on the rise.
Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Her 88th Birthday
The diminutive Supreme Court justice with a towering legacy would have been 88 years old Monday. Her son Jim Ginsburg and daughter-in-law Patrice Michaels talk about a classical music tribute to her.
The Week in Review: Biden’s ‘Help is on the Way’ in Form of Vaccines and Stimulus Aid
Illinois officials plan on how to spend roughly $13 billion from the stimulus bill. Mayor Lightfoot hints at a near normal summer for Chicago. State lawmakers head back to Springfield. And Loyola and the University of Illinois brace for the NCAA tournament.
The Week in Review: Mass Vaccination Sites Open to Address Disparities
Officials are opening mass vaccination sites hoping they’ll correct disparities in COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Lower COVID-19 infections prompt Mayor Lori Lightfoot to relax restrictions on restaurants. And a return to in-person learning for Chicago high schoolers is floated.
The Week in Review: Michael Madigan Fills His House Seat Twice
The fight is on to replace Michael Madigan as Democratic Party chair, while his legislative successor steps down after three days on the job. And Chicago City Council erupts over COVID-19 spending.
The Week in Review: After 50 Years, Madigan Calls it Quits
A political era ends. A report slams the police response to summer unrest. Gov. Pritzker’s budget has no income tax hike but some pain for business. Vaccination rates lag in Black and Brown communities.
Spotlight Politics: Pritzker Takes Aim at Republicans in Budget Address
Gov. J.B. Pritzker takes aim at Republicans during his budget address. Our politics team breaks that down and more.
The Week in Review: Impeachment Managers, Trump’s Defense Make Their Case
Impeachment managers and Donald Trump’s defense wrap up the former president’s second impeachment trial. U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth continue to push President Joe Biden to keep Chicago’s top federal prosecutor. Gov. J.B. Pritzker says no new taxes in his new budget.
Spotlight Politics: Trump’s 2nd Impeachment Trial Underway
Powerful video evidence is presented at former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial. Our politics team of Amanda Vinicky, Paris Schutz and Heather Cherone takes on that story and more in this week’s roundtable.
The Week in Review: CPS, CTU Remain at Odds
After heated negotiations this week, there’s still no deal between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union. Meanwhile, Chicagoans scramble for COVID-19 vaccinations as complaints mount against the sign-up process.
Spotlight Politics: Vaccine Rollout, CPS Uncertainty
The tug of war between the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools is still on, as the vaccine rollout bumps along. Our politics team of Amanda Vinicky, Paris Schutz and Heather Cherone weighs in on that story and more in this week’s roundtable.
The Week in Review: Still No Agreement On Return to In-Person Learning
Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union are still negotiating a return to in-person learning. The coronavirus keeps indoor dining to a minimum in Chicago, and pushback over backroom political deals.
Spotlight Politics: Potential for Teachers Strike Looms
A possible teachers strike over safety issues looms as city and state COVID-19 mitigations are being rolled back. Our politics team of Amanda Vinicky and Heather Cherone weighs in on that story and more in this week’s roundtable.
