U.S. personnel and Afghan allies are being safely evacuated from Afghanistan. The Senate-passed infrastructure bill heads to the House. And Illinois Democrats prepare to redraw the state’s congressional districts. U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis weighs in on those topics — and a possible run for governor.
Stories by Quinn Myers
CTU: City ‘Trying to Roll Back’ Some Health Protections Ahead of School Reopening
Chicago Public Schools will welcome students back to the classroom in less than two weeks, as the delta variant of COVID-19 is driving the number of infections up across the city. The rising case count has put another wedge between CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union.
Ask Geoffrey: Cicero’s Klas Restaurant
The Old World meets the new at a legendary Cicero restaurant that’s long served as an anchor for Chicago’s expansive Czech community. But now, its legacy is under threat.
Will Mask Mandates Return to Chicago as COVID-19 Cases Surge?
Consider wearing a mask indoors, even if you’re fully vaccinated. That’s the newest recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and some experts say they expect mask mandates, not just recommendations, to return in Chicago and elsewhere.
Dr. Arwady on Lollapalooza: ‘We’re Not in a Place to be Shutting Things Down Yet’
The four-day music festival is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people to Grant Park, and many are concerned it could become a “superspreader” event. But city officials say it will go on as planned.
Ask Geoffrey: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Francis Apartments
Today we know Frank Lloyd Wright as one of the most influential American architects, but early in his career he designed projects you might have trouble recognizing as his — even if you lived in the building.
Climate Change vs. Chicago: NYT Article Shows City’s Vulnerabilities
Because Chicago is situated in the middle of the country it would, at first glance, appear to be insulated from the worst effects of climate change. But a much-talked about report from environmental journalist Dan Egan pours cold water on that myth. He joins us with details.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: South Loop
It’s another sign that Chicago is returning to normal: Conventions are beginning to return to the city, including the Chicago Auto Show, which is set for mid-July at McCormick Place in the South Loop. We hit the streets as part of our community reporting series.
Illinois Tech Hires Raj Echambadi as Next President
We discuss Chicago’s role in the tech world with the incoming president of Illinois Tech, who takes the helm on Aug. 16.
The Week in Review: City Council Grills Police Brass in Special Meeting
Another day, another aldermanic federal indictment. The mayor coins the name “Burger King Ed,” and battles City Council over summer crime. Trump’s company gets indicted.
HIV Criminal Transmission Law in Illinois Faces Repeal
A bill awaiting Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signature would repeal the state’s so-called HIV criminal transmission statute, which makes it illegal for people living with HIV to have unprotected sex without disclosing their status to sexual partners.
Latest Parish Unifications Prompt Concerns Over Fate of Historic Catholic Churches
Next month, a wave of Chicago-area Catholic church consolidations will take place, merging parishes as part of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s “Renew My Church” initiative. Among them will be five churches in and around Bronzeville.
Ask Geoffrey: New Downtown Buildings
You may have been stuck at home the past 15 months, but Chicago’s ever-growing skyline didn’t skip a beat. New buildings have sprouted up all over downtown Chicago, including some projects that might surprise you.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Downtown Reopens
The city and state’s full reopening is a double-edged sword for many in the hospitality and entertainment industry. They wonder: the crowds may be coming back, but will the labor force return?
Crain’s Headlines: Medline Faces Massive Private Equity Buyout
A massive buyout of a Chicago-area medical supply company. Crain’s Chicago Business editor Ann Dwyer takes us behind the headline of that story and more.
Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Launches in Gary, Indiana
It’s an idea that’s grown increasingly popular in recent years: guaranteed or universal basic income payments. Now, a pilot program is launching just outside Chicago, where more than 100 residents have started to receive monthly payments of $500.
Local Doctors Question Move to Drop Mask Mandate for Fully Vaccinated People
Some local doctors say scrapping mask mandates is premature, and increases the risk of COVID-19 for essential workers, many of whom are Latino.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Humboldt Park
Paseo Boricua has been the heart and soul of Chicago’s Puerto Rican community for decades. But the area has been impacted in recent years by gentrification and displacement of some longtime residents, as rents rise and luxury buildings sprout up on its borders.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Logan Square
It’s been two years since Chicago got a new mayor when Lori Lightfoot was sworn into office. For the latest in our community reporting series, we visit Lightfoot’s neighborhood on the Northwest Side.
Permit for Southeast Side Metal Shredding Facility Paused After EPA Steps In
Southside Recycling has long planned a move to the Southwest Side. But last week, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency asked Mayor Lori Lightfoot to conduct an environmental justice assessment in the community before allowing the company to operate.
Ask Geoffrey: Remembering Helmut Jahn
German architect Helmut Jahn died Saturday after being struck by a car while riding a bicycle in the western suburbs. Geoffrey Baer takes a look at Jahn’s work and his legacy in a special edition of Ask Geoffrey.
What’s Driving the Chicago Area’s Red-Hot Housing Market?
The number of local home sales has skyrocketed, driving prices in the Chicago metro area to all-time highs. That’s translated into lightning-fast turnover as people put their homes up for sale — as well as a decline in inventory.
Ask Geoffrey: Logan Square’s Norske Club
What can an apartment building that once hosted royalty tell us about Chicago’s Norwegian American community? Geoffrey Baer has the story of this former social club designed by a pair of famous Chicago architects.
The Secret Behind Some of Illinois’ Most Celebrated Honey
Illinois is known for growing corn and soybeans, but there’s another local crop some say is ready for its close up: honey. We visit a bee farm just north of Chicago that has become one of the most celebrated in the entire state.
History Museum Picks Chicago Native Donald Lassere as Next President
After helming the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville for many years, the South Side native has returned to the city to lead the Chicago History Museum. Donald Lassere joins us to talk about expanding the museum’s mission to all of Chicago.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Navy Pier
Chicago is loosening its pandemic restrictions. As part of our community reporting series, we spend the day reporting in and around Navy Pier as it begins a phased reopening.
