Stories by WTTW News
With Budgets in Hand, CPS Principals Planning Ahead
| Brandis Friedman
For the first time in recent years, CPS principals don’t have to wait until summer to start planning for their next school year.
Tribune Tower Site Redesign Could Include Chicago’s 2nd Tallest Skyscraper
Proposal details 1,400-foot tower, 300 new condos
| Matt Masterson
The site of the Tribune Tower will include nearly 300 condominiums and what would be one of Chicago’s tallest skyscrapers under a new redevelopment proposal developers believe will both revitalize and preserve the international landmark.
Journalist Connects Family’s Turbulent Past with Chinese History
| Evan Garcia
A reporter researching his family history tells an intimate story of China’s modernization. Scott Tong discusses his new book “A Village with My Name.”
Tech Titan Howard Tullman to Lead New Innovation Institute at IIT
| Marc Vitali
An innovation hub opens this fall at the Illinois Institute of Technology. We speak with newly named executive director, Howard Tullman.
Pension Liabilities Leave City, State With Few Options
| Paul Caine
With billions in unfunded pension liabilities, what options remain for lawmakers to defuse the state’s pension time bomb?
‘Explosive Breeding’ Underway for Wood Frogs in Lake County
| Alex Ruppenthal
Spring serves as mating season for all sorts of animals found in Illinois, but no creature goes about it quite like the wood frog.
The Dirty Work of Keeping the Chicago River Clean
| Erica Gunderson
Keeping the river clean is no easy task, particularly during the summer months when the river is bustling. We spend a morning with one of Chicago’s trash-scooping river skimmers.
How Prepared is Illinois to Manage Health Emergencies?
| Kristen Thometz
When it comes to dealing with disasters, disease outbreaks and other emergencies, Illinois is among the most prepared states in the nation, according to a new report.
Viewer Feedback: ‘You Did Your Loyal Viewers a Disservice’
| WTTW News
Reaction to our recent conversation with the authors of a controversial Chicago magazine article.
Adler Planetarium Opens Vault, Reveals Astronomical Treasures
| Eddie Arruza
From Chicago’s first major telescope, to the most sophisticated scientific instrument of the 12th century, a look at some seen and unseen treasures at the Adler Planetarium.
Mayor Emanuel Touts ‘Second Waterfront’ in Chicago
| Paris Schutz
The mayor outlines major projects to expand recreation along the Chicago River. Why some aldermen say it’s not enough.
New Report Reveals Presence of Lead in Many Chicago Homes
| Siobhan Neela-Stock
Why so many Chicago homes are testing high for lead in their water – and what you can do about it.
Hersey Felder’s Portrait of Tchaikovsky Fueled by Composer’s Music of Suppression, Longing
| Hedy Weiss
For those still unfamiliar with the magic Hershey Felder can create, an introduction to the man, whose enthralling show about Tchaikovsky is now in a limited engagement at Steppenwolf’s Upstairs Theatre, is essential.
A Tombstone Tour of Chicago
| WTTW News
A new book by author and photographer Larry Broutman highlights headstones, monuments and memorials at more than 30 area cemeteries.
Cases For and Against Net Neutrality Set for Debate at Northwestern
| Evan Garcia
Northwestern University hosts an Oxford-style debate on net neutrality this week. What are the pros and cons?
New Report Digs Into Drastically Underfunded Police, Fire Pensions
| Nick Blumberg
After massive layoffs in Harvey because of its underfunded pensions, a look at which other municipalities could be in similar trouble.
US Supreme Court Won’t Hear Blagojevich Appeal
| Matt Masterson
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday announced it will not be taking up former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s appeal of his 14-year prison sentence.
Fracking Transparency Bill Moves Forward in Illinois Senate
| Alex Ruppenthal
A bill that supporters say would make fracking operations in Illinois more transparent cleared its first legislative hurdle last week.
John Malkovich joins CSO and Muti in Copland’s ‘Lincoln Portrait’
| Hedy Weiss
The beautifully thought-out program serves as a subtle but revealing portrait of the deep but varied influences that have taken root in this country.
Michael Ferro Sells Tronc Shares to Heir of Former Tribune Owner
| Paris Schutz
The embattled former owner of Tronc, which owns the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers, sold the shares to McCormick Media LLC, according to an SEC filing that came late Friday afternoon.
UChicago Launches LGBTQ Career Readiness Program
| Kristen Thometz
A new resource is designed to help adolescents and young adults develop job skills, continue their education and overcome barriers to stable employment.
Watchdog: Staff Driving Chicago Park District Vehicles Without Licenses
| Alex Ruppenthal
A Park District landscaper who had previously lost his license after a drunk driving conviction is among those found to have operated vehicles without proper documentation, according to a new report.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Chicago Tribune Guild
| Evan Garcia
Paris Schutz and guests discuss unionization effort by dozens of Chicago Tribune employees and the Chicago Bears’ decision to let Cameron Meredith walk.
The Week in Review: Illinois Politicians Turn the Tables on Zuckerberg
| Evan Garcia
Sen. Dick Durbin grills Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Chicago homicides are in decline. South suburban Harvey goes belly-up. And Cubs bats come to life despite injury to star slugger Anthony Rizzo.
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