Could a three-year pilot program to lower fares and expand train service on the South Side hurt the Chicago Transit Authority? A supporter of the plan weighs in.
Stories by Alexandra Silets
The Week in Review: Illinois Dems Join Pelosi’s Call for Impeachment Inquiry
Illinois’ congressional Democrats support impeachment. Southwest Side politicians get caught in federal crosshairs. The Chicago Teachers Union overwhelmingly supports a strike. And the Cubs collapse.
Aldermen Propose Limits on Backyard Livestock in Chicago
A new ordinance has been introduced in City Council to severely reduce farm animal adoption in Chicago. We discuss the proposal with Ald. Raymond Lopez and Laura Calvert of Advocates for Urban Agriculture.
University of Chicago Nurses Hit the Picket Line
Some 2,200 nurses at the University of Chicago Medical Center walked off the job Friday, citing staffing shortages and forced overtime. “The reason we are striking is for our patient safety and our staff safety,” said one nurse from the picket line.
The Reparations Debate is Heading to City Council
A new resolution on reparations is scheduled to be introduced in City Council this week. Alds. Roderick Sawyer (6th Ward) and Nick Sposato (38th Ward) weigh in on the topic.
Business is Buzzing This Summer for a Chicago Beekeeper on Wheels
It’s a job as old as time, but one Chicagoan is beekeeping in her own unique way. Meet graphic designer-turned-beekeeper Jana Kinsman.
Will Illinois Become the Next State to Pass Rent Control Laws?
Rent control has been barred in Illinois since 1997 but is once again under consideration. How does it work, and is it the answer to Chicago’s affordable housing crisis?
Vista Tower’s Engineering Feats: Blair Kamin Explains
Chicago’s third-tallest building, the Vista Tower, is being touted for it’s unique curvilinear-shaped structure. But it’s the engineering secrets you can’t see that really set this skyscraper apart.
Sterigenics Settlement: Controversial Company Gets Green Light from Judge
A DuPage County judge signed off on a consent order Friday allowing for Sterigenics to reopen but with stricter emissions controls. What exactly does the settlement allow – and how soon can Sterigenics be fully operational?
The Week in Review: Sterigenics Ruling, Bears Flop
A judge rules Sterigenics can reopen. The mayor hears "no new property taxes" at her first budget town hall meeting. Elected officials spar over city violence. And the Bears blow the 100th season opener.
The Legal Battle Over Lincoln Yards $1.3B TIF District
The battle over the massive $6 billion Lincoln Yards development is far from over. We discuss the controversial project with Aneel Chablani, chief counsel of the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, and 2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins.
The ‘State of the City’: Chicago’s $838M Budget Gap and the Path Ahead
A day after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot marked her 100th day in office, she delivered her first “State of the City” address at Harold Washington Library. Our panel reacts to the speech and offers analysis.
Top Cop Eddie Johnson on Organ Donation, Chicago Violence
In 2017, Daniel Johnson donated a kidney to his father, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson. In 2018, Daniel was sworn in as a Chicago police officer. The two join us to discuss the successful transplant and Chicago’s policing challenges.
Chickens and Roosters Rescued from Foul Play in Chicago
People commonly adopt dog and cats from the pound, but there’s a new phenomenon in Chicago: stray chickens and roosters are being rounded up in an effort to find them their forever homes.
Joe Walsh Apologizes for Past and Attacks Trump
The former tea party Republican congressman wrote an op-ed in the New York Times calling for a primary challenger to take on President Donald Trump in 2020. Joe Walsh on his change of heart.
The Week in Review: Chicago Casino Future in Doubt
It’s back to the drawing board for a Chicago casino. Two longtime Chicago politicians decide to hang it up. President Trump is still considering clemency for former Gov. Blagojevich. And the Cubs nose-dive on the road.
Chief Judge Evans: Gun Violence Not the Result of Bail Reform
Chief Judge Timothy Evans responds to Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s concerns about suspects with illegal guns getting out on bail.
Can – and Should – Chicago Take Over ComEd’s Infrastructure?
For years, ComEd has had control of Chicago’s power supply. Now, nearly two dozen aldermen want to take a closer look at a possible public takeover of the utility. A look at the pros and cons of a takeover.
What to Watch for in Next Round of Democratic Presidential Debates
This week, 20 Democratic hopefuls again take the stage to debate the issues currently at the forefront of the 2020 presidential election. Jason DeSanto of Northwestern University previews the event.
What Will Chicago Look Like in 2050? A Look at CMAP’s Long-Range Plan
Erin Aleman doesn’t have a crystal ball, but she has a pretty good idea of what Chicago and the surrounding area will look like 30 years from now.
Illinois GOP Denounces Controversial Facebook Post Amid War of Words
From President Donald Trump’s tweets to a Facebook post on the page of the Illinois Republican County Chairmen’s Association, we discuss the widening political divide and what constitutes racism.
The Week in Review: Cops Fired, Christensen Avoids Death Penalty
Four cops fired over an alleged cover-up. A life sentence for a former U. of I. student. A war of words between Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Five casino locations are unveiled. And the Cubs are red hot.
Wild Weather Gardening: How to Garden with Excessive Rain and Heat
It is possible to keep your garden alive when the weather shifts from extreme rain to extreme heat? The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Eliza Fournier has some tips for combatting common problems.
Veterans, Lawmakers Push to Overturn Transgender Service Ban
The House passes an amendment to reverse President Donald Trump’s ban on most transgender people serving in the military. Retired Col. Jennifer Pritzker joins us.
ICE Raids Rattle Chicago’s Immigrant Communities
Immigration raids in Chicago and around the nation stoked fear, but there were very few reports of mass detentions and deportations. We discuss the ICE deportation operations with Ruth Lopez-McCarthy and Randy Ramey.
