The Chicago Police Department plans to adopt only five changes to its use-of-force policies out of 155 recommended by a community working group. Members of that group are now criticizing the entire process.
Stories by Quinn Myers
An Exit Interview with Barbara West, the Highest-Ranking Black Woman in CPD History
After more than 25 years on the force and 10 months as Chicago’s number three cop, Deputy Superintendent Barbara West is retiring from the Chicago Police Department.
Ask Geoffrey: What to See at This Year’s Reimagined Open House Chicago
Geoffrey Baer takes a look at the redesigned event in the latest Ask Geoffrey.
Injustice Watch Launches Judicial Voting Guide for 2020 Election
It might just seem like names at the end of the ballot, but voting for judges in Cook County has serious consequences. How voters can make educated decisions about the dozens of judges listed on the 2020 ballot.
Ask Geoffrey: Landmarking in Chicago
Geoffrey Baer traces the half-century story that cost at least one preservationist his life, in this week’s Ask Geoffrey.
Little Village Residents, Business Owners Fear Displacement as Discount Mall Redevelopment Looms
After a developer purchased a neighborhood plaza earlier this year, some residents and business owners are concerned the fabric of the community — known as the epicenter of Mexican culture and commerce for the entire Midwest — could be at risk.
Ask Geoffrey: The Gate of Horn
Geoffrey Baer has the story of a Chicago nightclub that helped launch the careers of artists like Peter, Paul and Mary, Shel Silverstein, and many more.
Anti-Violence Groups Respond to Lightfoot’s New Safety Plan
Mayor Lori Lightfoot is unveiling a new plan to curb the city’s violence epidemic. But does it go far enough?
Firsthand Gun Violence: Accessing Violence Recovery on Chicago’s South Side
Following one of Chicago’s most violent summers in recent history, officials and advocates are stressing the importance of mental health care for victims of violence and their families — but access to those services can be difficult.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Little Village
Little Village on Chicago’s Southwest Side is known for its rich Mexican culture. But some residents and business owners fear a neighborhood staple could be in danger.
As Summer Turns to Fall, Extreme Weather Wracks US
As Chicago gets ready for cooler weather, many parts of the country are being hit by wildfires, hurricanes and the aftermath of last month’s destructive derecho. We learn more with atmospheric scientist Scott Collis.
Ask Geoffrey: Seawall or Railway Tracks?
Geoffrey Baer on a mysterious lakefront structure in this week's Ask Geoffrey.
Gage Park Latinx Council Opens Cultural Center on Southwest Side
How some Gage Park residents are giving back to their community during the pandemic.
Ask Geoffrey: The Fritz Reuter Monument
Two famous Germans take up permanent residence in Chicago, only to witness the evolution of a West Side neighborhood. Geoffrey Baer goes long on two enduring Humboldt Park statues.
Renée Fleming on Virtual Lyric Concert, Performing During COVID-19
The coronavirus has shuttered concert venues around the world, but that hasn’t stopped artists and musicians from finding new ways to share their work. Soprano Renee Fleming tells us about Lyric’s upcoming concert.
How Illinois Universities Are Handling COVID-19 on Campus
Some college campuses are seeing alarming spikes in the number of COVID-19 cases. Many schools have launched widespread testing efforts, but reports of student parties and gatherings have led to increased restrictions.
Ask Geoffrey: An Identity Crisis For Prudential Plaza?
An iconic Chicago building could soon be facing an identity crisis. Geoffrey Baer has the backstory of a prominent – and sometimes underrated – member of Chicago’s skyline.
Unrest in Kenosha: A Live ‘Chicago Tonight’ Report
Protesters have returned to the streets of Kenosha every day since a police officer shot 29-year-old Jacob Blake seven times. We visit the city to speak with residents and officials about the shooting and unrest that’s followed.
Jeanne Ives Weighs In on Republican Convention, Illinois GOP
As part of our special coverage of the Republican National Convention, we speak with Jeanne Ives, Republican candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 6th District.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: West Ridge
For a time, the ZIP code that comprises much of West Ridge had the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases – but not anymore. The community’s positivity rate is now below the city average.
1,467 New COVID-19 Cases in Illinois, 14 Additional Deaths
The Illinois Department of Public Health on Sunday reported 1,467 new cases of COVID-19 — the 12th day in a row the state reported more than 1,000 new cases in a 24-hour period. In total, the state has seen 181,943 confirmed cases of the virus.
Amid Surge in Homicides and Shootings, CPD Points to Overall Crime Reduction
According to data released by the Chicago Police Department, the city saw 105 homicides in July — an increase of 138% compared to July 2019. Despite that increase, police say overall crime numbers are trending down.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Austin
Bordering the western suburb of Oak Park, community leaders say Austin often grapples with violence and disinvestment – as of late it’s struggled with COVID-19 and an uptick opioid overdoses.
Chicago Tribune Moves Columnists to Reinforce Line Between Opinion and News
How should local newspapers and the media industry at large differentiate between news and opinion? What the Chicago Tribune is doing to clarify its content.
‘Love March’ Showcases ‘Black Joy’ on Chicago’s West Side
Several hundred people participated in a march against gun violence as neighborhoods across Chicago deal with a recent spike in violence — and as the city prepares for an influx of federal agents at the behest of President Trump.
Open Letter Demands Lightfoot, Dart Not Cooperate with Federal Agents Coming to Chicago
A coalition of Chicago-area politicians and community groups issued an open letter Saturday demanding that local officials not cooperate with federal agents being sent to the city by the Trump administration.
