The new coronavirus has upended lives across the globe. We take a look at the mental toll of social distancing, isolation and the fear of illness – and ways to cope.
Stories by alexandra silets
Kim Foxx Talks Primary Win, Moving Beyond Smollett Case
Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx came away the winner in Tuesday’s primary against three Democratic challengers. She joins us in discussion.
Closures, Quarantines: Officials Aim to Halt Spread of COVID-19
Restaurants have closed for dine-in business. Schools are shuttered. Gatherings should be limited. How big a difference will these rules make? We speak with an infectious disease doctor about the new recommendations.
Candidate Forum: Kim Foxx Faces 3 Primary Challengers in State’s Attorney Race
Political ads have been flooding the airways for months in the race for Cook County state’s attorney. And they have been getting increasingly nasty.
Stocks Slide Over Oil War and Coronavirus Fears
Fears over the coronavirus and an oil price war sank the Dow Jones Industrial on Monday, while the S&P 500 had its worst day since 2008.
How SARS Research is Helping Scientists Explore Treatment for Coronavirus
A team of doctors and researchers based in Chicago has discovered that a protein in the coronavirus could be treated with drugs that had been in development for SARS. We get an update on their work.
Coronavirus Rattles Markets: What it Means for the Economy
Global stock markets lost more than $3 trillion in value this week as investors fled amid growing concerns of a coronavirus pandemic. So what’s the outlook for the U.S. economy?
‘Arguing with Zombies’: Paul Krugman on Economic Ideas That Won’t Die
A conversation with with the Nobel Prize-winning economist and New York Times opinion columnist about his new book, “Arguing With Zombies: Economics, Politics, and the Fight for a Better Future.”
Coalition Works Toward 20% Reduction in Chicago Gun Violence
What’s behind the spike in gun violence this year? And what can be done to stanch it? As part of our WTTW Firsthand initiative, we take a closer look at the problem – and possible solutions.
Gloves Come Off in Democratic Debate Over Medicare for All
One particular issue keeps rising to the top of voters’ concerns this primary season. Medicare for All took center stage at the democratic debate in Las Vegas this week – and the candidates pulled no punches.
What’s Behind Chicago’s Black Exodus
Hundreds of thousands of black Chicagoans have fled the city since 1980, according to a recent report. What’s driving that exodus, and what can be done to reverse the trend?
Teachers Unions Decry ‘Traumatizing’ Active Shooter Drills
Active shooter drills are as common as reading, writing and arithmetic in American schools. But a new report says they are traumatizing students.
Report: Pilsen Post Office Clerk Told Customers to ‘Speak English’
Community leaders are pushing the postal service for answers – and changes – after a customer reported a clerk who refused to help Spanish-speaking customers.
Primary Politics: Should Illinois Come First in 2024?
On the heels of the Iowa caucuses debacle, Illinois leaders are trying to rally support for the state to hold the first presidential primary in 2024. But is that a good idea?
The Week in Review: Chaotic Week for Chicago Public Schools
Turmoil at Lincoln Park High School. Bribery scandals take down multiple politicians – will they also quash red light cameras? And President Donald Trump takes a victory lap.
The Week in Review: Trump Impeached, Pot Delay Squashed
A push to delay pot sales in Chicago fails. President Trump is impeached by the House, but Senate trial details are uncertain. Former Assessor Joe Berrios is reportedly under federal investigation. And the Bears play on with the playoff out of reach.
Fight Over President Trump’s Finances Lands at Supreme Court
Can President Donald Trump block Congress from seeing his financial records? The Supreme Court has agreed to hear three cases to determine whether he can keep them private.
Lightfoot Clarifies Police Enforcement of Public Pot Smoking
Legal marijuana sales are coming to Illinois in January. But where exactly can you smoke pot in Chicago? City officials are trying to shed light on the issue – are they ready for the rollout?
The City Council Battle Over Lightfoot’s Budget
The City Council on Tuesday approved Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s $11.6 billion budget plan by a vote of 39 to 11. Four Chicago aldermen join us to discuss their support and opposition to that spending plan.
New PBS Documentary ‘College Behind Bars’ Explores Elite Education Program
A new documentary series explores the rigorous Bard Prison Initiative that offers degrees to a select group of incarcerated men and women. Filmmaker Lynn Novick and program graduate Dyjuan Tatro join us in discussion.
Too Young to Prosecute? 9-Year-Old Boy Facing Murder Charges
A 9-year-old boy returns to court Friday to face five counts of first-degree murder after an April fire killed five people in central Illinois. Joining us to discuss the highly unusual case are a reporter covering the story and a juvenile justice advocate.
The Pros and Cons of New Health Care Price Transparency Rule
The Trump administration aims to make prices more transparent when it comes to medical services – but could it also raise the cost of care?
The Week in Review: Cullerton Shocks Springfield with Retirement News
Illinois’ Senate president unexpectedly announces his retirement. Mayor Lori Lightfoot comes up empty on a Chicago casino redo. A war of words with Uber. And the Bears prepare for a prime-time matchup with the LA Rams.
Top Cop Eddie Johnson on Gun Violence, Police-Community Relations
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson is no stranger to gun violence. The city’s top cop, who will retire at the end of the year, talks about growing up in a Chicago housing project and the importance of officers treating people with respect.
Federal Prosecutor Targets Chicago Violence
Gun violence in Chicago is on the decline, but the number of homicides in the city is still staggering. What can federal prosecutors do to reduce shooting incidents? U.S. Attorney John Lausch Jr. joins us in discussion.
What Policymakers Can Do to Help Reduce Gun Violence
As part of our special episode on gun violence, we discuss the policies being proposed at the state and federal level with U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly and Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and state Rep. La Shawn Ford.
