Stories by Shelby Hawkins

A rendering of the proposed new stadium for the Chicago Bears on a redesigned Museum Campus. (Credit: Chicago Bears)

New Chicago Bears Stadium Plans Met With Mixed Reviews as Analysts Question True Cost to Taxpayers

Last week’s announcement of a proposed new domed, lakeside stadium brought with it more questions. Namely, the price tag.

A still image from a video taken of the demolition of the Crawford Coal Plant smokestack, April 11, 2020. (Courtesy of Alejandro Reyes)

Judge Approves $12.25M Settlement Over Botched Little Village Smokestack Implosion

“At the end of the day, it’s about respect for this community — the immigrant, Mexican community of Little Village, and it’s about justice,” attorney Scott Rauscher said.

File photo of the Chicago River. (WTTW News)

Would You Swim in the Chicago River? Navigating Safety Concerns Ahead of Open Water Swim Event

The nonprofit A Long Swim is planning an open water swim event in the Chicago River this fall. Proceeds will support ALS research and Learn to Swim, a program that teaches children in underserved communities how to swim.

A still from the new docuseries “Shame of Chicago, Shame of the Nation.” (Provided)

‘Shame of Chicago, Shame of the Nation’ Delves Into Chicago’s History of Segregated Housing

The new docuseries uses firsthand accounts, archival footage and animation to better explain complex practices like redlining and blockbusting, and how Black families were systemically barred from homeownership.

Cook County Medical Examiner's Office (WTTW News)

Cook County Event Aims to Provide Resources, Support to Families and Friends of Missing Persons

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office is hosting its fourth Missing Persons Day on Saturday as a way to provide support and resources for the loved ones of missing persons.