Stories by Tonia Hill

Martin Luther King Jr. was known for speaking out against racial segregation, voter disenfranchisement and economic inequality. We discuss his life and legacy with a man who marched with him: Paul Adams III.

An apology by The Daily Northwestern for its coverage of two protests caused harsh backlash on social media and in newspapers across the country. We discuss the incident with the associate dean of the university’s Medill School of Journalism.

What lies ahead for Chicago’s next top cop? And what’s the job like? We asked John Escalante, who served as interim Chicago police superintendent following the ouster of Garry McCarthy in 2015. 

Mayor Lori Lightfoot unveils a new mental health plan that includes a boost in funding. But some say it falls short of her promise to bring back six clinics that were shuttered by her predecessor in 2012.

Alds. David Moore and Sophia King introduced an ordinance Wednesday to rename Lake Shore Drive to Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Drive in honor of the city’s founder.

This week, a number of dead monarch butterflies were found along the lakefront. The sight alarmed some members of the public who spotted the insects. But one local expert says it’s par for the course as the butterflies retreat south for the winter.

Should tipped workers make the same minimum wage as non-tipped workers? We discuss the pros and cons of a pending ordinance in City Council that would raise the city’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2021 – including for those who earn tips.

For more than a decade, Northwestern University professor Celeste Watkins-Hayes documented the lives of more than 100 women living with HIV/AIDS in Chicago and beyond. Now, their stories are featured in a new book.

Police departments and divorce attorneys are collecting personal data from I-Pass users. WBEZ reporter Tony Arnold tells us how that happens – and why it’s legal.

The social activist and senior pastor at Saint Sabina Church will join local and national organizations next week in D.C. to demand that Congress pass common sense gun safety laws. He joins us in discussion.

A new scripted comedy series set in and around Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood is lighting up the small screen. We speak with one of the stars of the show, Harvey native LaRoyce Hawkins.

A new short film series debuting this week explores the nature of crime, punishment and forgiveness through the voices of Chicagoans impacted by the criminal justice system.

Marijuana sales for recreational use will be legal in Illinois come January, but not all cities in the state are on board. Two Naperville City Council members join us to discuss how that city is handling the change.

A new office aims to examine policy with equity and racial justice in mind. We speak with Candace Moore, who is leading the office.

Just what is the felony murder law? Critics say it is broad and unjust, especially when it involves juveniles. Proponents say it deters crime. Chicago defense attorney Brandon Brown weighs in.

One of Chicago’s leading organizations aimed at addressing the needs of the African American community is about to get a new leader. We speak with outgoing Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson.

It’s been nearly three years since pro golfer Tiger Woods announced his plan to restore and merge two historic golf courses on the South Side. We discuss the proposal and the varying reactions to it.

We discuss the future of the Obama Presidential Center with Ghian Foreman, president and CEO of Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative; and University of Illinois at Chicago professor David Stovall.

Saturday marks the 100th anniversary of the Chicago race riots. How some local organizations are planning to remember that violent week in 1919.

Comic book lovers, pop culture fanatics and art and tech enthusiasts are flocking to McCormick Place this weekend for the Afro-futuristic celebration Wakandacon. We get a preview of this year’s fest.

President Donald Trump delivers his second State of the Union address Tuesday night following a historic 35-day government shutdown. 

The next U.S. census will take place April 1, 2020. How the data is collected, what it’s used for and the latest on the controversial citizenship question.

With support from new Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the effort to legalize recreational marijuana in Illinois is getting closer attention throughout the state. 

A decade after the comedian’s death, Bernie Mac’s widow, Rhonda McCullough, looks back on his Chicago roots and successful acting career.