Stories by Kristen Thometz
IHSA to Limit Baseball Pitchers to 105 Throws per Game
| Kristen Thometz
Starting this spring, high school baseball pitchers will be limited to throwing 105 pitches in a game, according to guidelines adopted by the Illinois High School Association.
Are Americans Dying Younger? A Closer Look at Report on Life Expectancy
| Erica Gunderson
For the first time in more than two decades, American life expectancy is dropping. Is this cause for alarm?
Illinois Lawmakers Look to Expand, Protect Abortion Rights
| Paris Schutz
In light of anti-abortion comments made by President-elect Donald Trump, a pair of proposed state bills would protect and expand abortion rights in Illinois.
Room to Grow: Chicago’s Eleanor Clubs
| Erica Gunderson
Chicago’s rapid growth in the late 19th century meant opportunities for the throngs of young, unmarried women who came to make their way in the big city. How one woman’s practical move impacted thousands for more than 100 years.
Chi-Town Rising Announces Lineup, Hosts for 2016
| Reuben Unrau
Bronzeville rapper Sir the Baptist and L.A. indie pop band Saint Motel will headline this year's Chi-Town Rising celebration on New Year's Eve.
Experimental Alzheimer’s Drug Fails in Large Study, But Hope Persists
| Kristen Thometz
Disappointing results from a clinical trial released late last month by Eli Lilly, but the drug is still being studied as a potential therapy for those who are at risk for memory loss.
The Week in Review: Trump Tussles with Boeing, Meets with Mayor
| WTTW News
Donald Trump tussles with Boeing then meets with Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Illinois universities say no to sanctuary campuses. And the Cubs and Sox are making deals. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.
CPS Passes ‘Welcoming District’ Resolution to Shield Students From Discrimination
| Matt Masterson
The Chicago Board of Education this week unanimously approved a resolution affirming Chicago Public Schools’ status as a “welcoming district” for all students, no matter their race, gender or religion.
Cullerton: Rauner Holding Up Budget, Pension Reform
| Paris Schutz
Legislative leaders and the governor are in a high-stakes game of chicken. A one-on-one with Senate President John Cullerton to see how he proposes ending the Springfield stalemate.
Stitches in Time: Historic Quilts at DuSable Museum
| Marc Vitali
A modest but eye-opening new exhibition features practical works of art from the collection of a scholar on American quilts.
Watchdog Says CPS Board Blocking Ethics Investigation
| Brandis Friedman
An investigation into whether or not the Chicago Board of Education’s top attorney violated a Chicago Public Schools ethics policy has been stalled, according to the district’s Inspector General Nick Schuler.
Unpacking the President’s Cabinet, Past and Present
| Evan Garcia
Looking back on U.S. history in addition to contemporary politics, what does the president-elect’s choices for Cabinet positions so far say about how he might lead as president?
Study: Treating Malnutrition Shortens Hospital Stays, Decreases Readmissions
| Kristen Thometz
Addressing hospital patients’ malnutrition can reduce patient stays by nearly two days and decrease hospital readmissions by nearly 30 percent, according to a new study.
Chicago Indie Bookstores Launch Campaign Ahead of Amazon’s Arrival
| Reuben Unrau
“We know Amazon is going to open and we’re not thinking that we can stop it,” said Lynn Mooney, who co-owns a Chicago bookstore. Find out how local shops are uniting to promote literary events.
Mayor Emanuel Meets with President-Elect Trump
| Paris Schutz
The mayor delivers a letter to Donald Trump, urging the president-elect to protect the status of Dreamers.
CPS Board Approves Revised Budget With $215M Gap
Charter Applications and Inspector General Investigation on the Table
| Brandis Friedman
Chicago Public Schools has a budget, but it could change again before the end of the school year.
Illinois Budget Crisis Hurting Public Safety, State’s Attorneys Say
| Nick Blumberg
State lawmakers don’t appear to be any closer to passing a budget, and prosecutors warn the impasse is damaging public safety. Three county state’s attorneys weigh in.
Jimmy John’s Agrees to Pay $100K in Noncompete Lawsuit
| Reuben Unrau
Jimmy John’s has agreed to settle a lawsuit with the office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan over its use of noncompete agreements, Madigan’s office announced Wednesday.
Parents, Teachers Blast Special Education Funding in Latest CPS Budget
| Matt Masterson
Chicago Public Schools teachers and parents blasted the district's plan for special education funding in its budget for the coming year, saying it pits students against each other in a "Hunger Games"-esque struggle for school resources.
Hairdressers to Help Recognize Signs of Domestic Violence
| Kristen Thometz
Starting next year, cosmetologists working in Illinois will be required to learn how to recognize signs of domestic violence and sexual assault.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Dec. 8-11
| Rebecca Palmore
Neighborhood holiday markets, outsider art, cyclocross and Jerry Seinfeld usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
As Recycling Rates Drop in Chicago, Officials Look to Reeducate Public
| Eddie Arruza
Why aren't Chicagoans getting on the recycling bandwagon? What city officials are doing to reverse dropping participation rates.
Chicago Police Department Mulling Changes to Use of Force Policy
| Paris Schutz
When is a police officer allowed to fire a weapon? The Chicago Police Department is set to release new rules on that, but they are already drawing criticism.
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