The mental and emotional health of Chicago children has been hit hard by the pandemic, according to researchers at Lurie Children’s Hospital, who surveyed more than 1,500 parents across the city—including all 77 community areas—about the impact of the pandemic on their child’s behavior.
Stories by Paul Caine
Federal Funds Seen as Key to Reviving Public Transit
The coronavirus pandemic and mitigation measures to control it have led to a huge drop in ridership on public transit. As more and more people get vaccinated and the economy reopens, are riders going to come back?
New Burns and Novick Documentary Explores the Life of Ernest Hemingway
The life of the Oak Park native is the subject of Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s newest PBS documentary. The six-hour, three-part series explores the writer’s complex life behind the carefully cultivated public image as well as his influence on generations of writers who followed him.
Northwestern Study Says 1994-2004 Federal Assault Weapons Ban Worked
The last assault weapons ban expired in 2004, but a new study finds that had that ban remained in place, as many as 30 mass shootings could have been prevented. We speak with the study's lead author, Lori Ann Post, and Richard Pearson, executive director of the Illinois State Rifle Association.
Puerto Ricans May Soon Get Say on Island’s Long-Term Territorial Status
The Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act calls for the creation of a “status convention” of delegates elected by Puerto Rican voters to determine the island’s long-term territorial status, whether that be statehood, independence, or perhaps a variation on the current arrangement.
Chicago Has More Lead Service Pipes Than Any Other US City, Illinois the Most of Any State
Illinois may have as much as a quarter of all lead service pipes in the country, according to U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who is leading the push for a bipartisan infrastructure bill to rebuild the nation’s water systems. We discuss what else is being done to address the issue.
Chicago Business Owners Optimistic with Full Reopening in Sight
With the announcement Thursday that the state could soon begin easing restrictions as more people get vaccinated, there’s hope for struggling businesses. Business owners from across the city tell us how they’re staying afloat and share their hopes for a better year ahead.
The Environmental Impact of Bitcoin ‘Mining’
The soaring price of Bitcoin has many environmentalists concerned. University of Chicago paleontologist Neil Shubin has more on that and other science stories making headlines around the world.
After a Year of Remote Life, New Anxiety Emerges: Returning to Work
One year ago, the World Health Organization declared the spread of the COVID-19 virus a global pandemic. With that announcement the whole world changed. Now, as the pace of the vaccine rollout quickens, a new fear is emerging for many people who have been able to work from home.
COVID-19 Relief: What the Massive Package Could Mean for Illinois
President Joe Biden’s signature $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package is expected to bring roughly $13 billion in aid to Illinois. We ask four state senators about the American Rescue Plan.
Dr. Seuss’ Literary Estate Embroiled in ‘Cancel Culture’ Controversy
The work of the beloved children’s author is at the center of a controversy over racist and stereotypical depictions. Dr. Seuss Enterprises, which manages the author’s legacy, announced that six books would no longer be published because they “portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong.”
Local Doctors Say Equitable Access, Not Hesitancy the Main Issue in Vaccine Distribution
Vaccine hesitancy may have been an issue when vaccines were first being developed and rolled out, but now the main issues are equitable access and supply, according to a pair of local doctors.
Dr. Lester Fisher Turns 100, Reflects on 30 Years as Lincoln Park Zoo Director
Dr. Lester Fisher has led a remarkable life, from taking care of Gen. George Patton’s bulldog Willie during his service in World War II to a more than four-decade association with Lincoln Park Zoo, where he started out as a part-time veterinarian.
Chicago Mail Delays Creating ‘Unbearable’ Burden for Residents
Residents of Chicago have been experiencing mail delays for months. Some of those delays are simply irritating, but others can be far more consequential. What’s going on at the U.S. Postal Service?
Special 3-Month Enrollment Period for ACA Runs Through May 15
An executive order from President Joe Biden has created a special new enrollment period for people to get health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. What you need to know.
Deputy IG: Senior Police Leadership Failed Front-Line Officers and Public During May Unrest
The author of a scathing report from the city’s Office of Inspector General says the senior leadership of the Chicago Police Department failed both their front-line officers and the public during the unrest that followed the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.
Journalists Fearful as Hedge Fund Strikes Deal to Buy Tribune Publishing
Alden Global Capital seeks to buy Tribune Publishing in a $630 million deal, but the deal has newsroom journalists worried because of Alden’s history of deep cuts at other newsrooms.
NASA’s Perseverance Hunting for Ancient Life on Mars
NASA prepares to land a rover on Mars designed specifically to detect signs of ancient life. Local astronomer and space exploration enthusiast Mark Hammergren tells us more about the mission.
Durbin Says McConnell Had ‘Casablanca’ Moment With Complaints Over Partisanship
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin on efforts to get President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 relief plan passed as Republicans decry a “partisan” approach from Democrats.
State and Local Governments Battle Entrenched Poverty Made Worse by the Pandemic
Long before the coronavirus pandemic, communities of color across Illinois and in Chicago were experiencing an epidemic of poverty. We discuss the root causes of poverty and what public officials are doing to address it.
Argonne National Lab’s Key Role in Global Pandemic Fight
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory, just outside Chicago, helped fast-track the development of coronavirus vaccines. Dr. Stephen Streiffer, director of the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne, tells us more.
Chicago Doctor on Being the 1st to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine
Dr. Marina Del Rios was the first person in Chicago to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 after receiving her second dose of the Pfizer vaccine Tuesday. “I felt reassured that this was safe and efficacious,” she said.
What a Second Round of Stimulus Checks Could Mean for the Economy
More stimulus checks will be coming to most Americans after Congress passed a $900 billion coronavirus relief package late Monday. But critics, including President Donald Trump, say it’s not enough.
Bears Need to Win to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams previews the Bears matchup Sunday against the Vikings.
State Regulators Vote to Keep Mercy Hospital Open, For Now
South Side residents have reason to hope that Mercy Hospital could yet be saved from closure. We speak with three people who are fighting to keep the city’s oldest hospital open.
Bears Desperate for Win Against 4-8 Texans
Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams previews the Bears matchup Sunday against the Texans.
