In light of the charges against Ald. Ed Burke, what can Mayor Lori Lightfoot and aldermen do to clean up City Hall?
Stories by Nicole Cardos
Springfield Showdown: Lawmakers Weigh In on Session’s Local Impact
There were emotional floor debates and the passage of a slew of bills as the spring session wrapped up. Just how does all this capitol action affect Chicago and the surrounding areas? Two state lawmakers weigh in.
Beach Season is Here, and Water Safety Advocates Say They’re Worried
Are Chicagoans getting the information they need to stay safe at the beach – and in the lake? A new task force has some recommendations for Chicago beaches.
Underwood Talks Fiery Exchange, New Caucus on Maternal Mortality
It’s been a busy first term for U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville). The congresswoman joins us to discuss her freshman year goals and recent headlines.
DCFS Acting Director on Plans for Reform of Troubled Agency
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has faced troubles for years. Acting Director Marc Smith talks about issues facing the state’s child welfare agency.
New Mayor, New Solutions to Chicago’s Finances? Local Analysts Weigh In
It’s her first week in office, but Mayor Lori Lightfoot doesn’t have time to waste when it comes to city finances. How can Chicago address its fiscal troubles?
Move Over, Meat! Alternative Options Growing in Popularity
There might be a new kind of meat cooking on the grill this weekend: alternative meat. But what is it? And why the craze?
Looking Ahead: Analysts Preview Lightfoot Administration
Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot unveils an ambitious 100-day plan. We talk to experts about what the future holds under a Lightfoot administration.
New Report Grades Chicago Hospitals on Patient Safety
How safe are Chicago hospitals? A new report says some of them are not making the grade when it comes to patient safety and preventable death.
Could New $1,000 State Tax Drive Electric Car Owners Out of Illinois?
State Sen. Martin Sandoval’s legislation would hike the electric vehicle registration fees from $17.50 to $1,000. It would also include tax and fee increases on gas, license plates and driver’s licenses.
‘World’s Fastest Man’ Remembers Cyclist Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor
At a time of Jim Crow laws, how did a black man compete to become the fastest athlete of his time? A new book by Michael Kranish tells the story a trailblazing cyclist and his connection to Chicago.
Single Mother of 3 Successful Children Embraces ‘Power of Presence’
How to raise children to be successful adults? That’s the million-dollar question for every parent. A new book by Joy Thomas Moore has some suggestions.
Emanuel Supports Retirement Income Tax, But is it Too Taxing on Seniors?
Outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel is the latest supporter of a retirement income tax. A look at the potential impact on Illinois, Chicago – and seniors.
Former Ambassador Says US-Canada Relationship in Trouble
Canada is America’s most trusted ally, but that relationship is at risk. In their new book “The Art of Diplomacy,” a former U.S. ambassador to Canada and his wife explain.
South Side Home Movie Project Aims to Fill in Historical Gaps
A South Side native watches her long-forgotten home movies for the first time in 35 years. What was on them – and how the viewing was made possible.
Report Projects Grim Future for Social Security, Medicare
If you’re expecting to receive Social Security benefits, brace yourself. Costs for Social Security are projected to exceed the program’s income next year, which means beneficiaries may not get all that’s been promised to them.
MIT Economists Argue for Increased Public Investment to ‘Jump-Start’ America
In their new book, a pair of MIT economists say that if the government doesn’t start investing more in research and development, America’s future growth will be in jeopardy. Co-author Simon Johnson makes the case.
Proposal to Wipe Out Student Loan Debt Ignites Conversation
What began as a proposal by a presidential candidate has since turned into a heated debate over managing the nation's trillion dollar student debt burden.
Is Ageism the Last Socially Acceptable ‘Ism?’ A New Book Argues Yes
What does ageism look like in the workplace, and how much of a problem is it in the U.S.? A new book uncovers that and more.
Chicago-Area Congressmen Discuss Mueller Report, 2020 Census
U.S. Reps. Danny Davis and Sean Casten join us to discuss the latest headlines out of Washington D.C., including the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s redacted report and the 2020 census.
Who Might Be Responsible for the Sri Lanka Attacks?
The deadly attacks in Sri Lanka are likely the result of an international terrorist group, says Robert Pape, director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats at the University of Chicago.
Medal of Honor Recipient on His Path from Bullied Victim to War Hero
Long before becoming a decorated war veteran, Chicago native Allen Lynch was a victim of bullying, which he details in a new autobiography.
Local Attorneys Offer Key Takeaways from Mueller Report
What’s in the redacted version of the Mueller report, and what it could all mean for the president.
Why One Sociologist Says It’s Time for Black Women to Date White Men
Cheryl Judice, the author of the new book “Interracial Relationships between Black Women and White Men,” tells us why she believes more black women should date outside their own race.
Will Illinois Blow Up its Tax System? We Ask State Lawmakers
They’ll be faced with a lot of work when they reconvene from spring break. We discuss taxes, marijuana and meeting Chicago Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot with Illinois lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.
New Book Tells Stories from Inside the Therapist’s Room
She is a psychotherapist and author of the “Dear Therapist” advice column. Lori Gottlieb tells us about her new book, “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone.”
