Stories by Reuben Unrau
City Sets Aside $1 Million for Municipal ID Program
| Reuben Unrau
Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced on Wednesday a new program that will provide city municipal photo ID cards to Chicago residents.
Field Museum Fossil Identified as Early Relative of Dogs, Bears
Discovery Results in Creation of 2 New Genera
| Kristen Thometz
Thanks to an inquisitive Field Museum researcher, a nearly 40-million-year-old fossil housed at the institution has been identified as one of the earliest relatives of dogs, bears and foxes known as a beardog.
The Week in Review: Teachers Strike Averted
| Nick Blumberg
A costly deal averts a teachers strike. The mayor paints a rosy picture of city finances, but the county budget is grim. Donald Trump threatens to sue the New York Times. And the Cubs advance to the NLCS. Those stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.
Michael Madigan: The Movie
| Paris Schutz
A new documentary about Michael Madigan is playing now in select theaters. What it reveals about the powerful House speaker, and who is behind it.
Trump Responds to Misconduct Allegations, Clinton Campaign Emails Leaked
| Evan Garcia
Donald Trump responds to allegations of misconduct from multiple women. “PBS NewsHour” correspondent Lisa Desjardins weighs in on this and more.
Times Are Changing: Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize in Literature
| Paul Caine
Iconic singer-songerwriter Bob Dylan wins the Nobel Prize in literature. We get reaction to the surprise choice.
Labor Issues Could Force 1st-Ever Charter School Teachers Strike
| Matt Masterson
The United Educators of UNO plans to strike next week if it cannot come to terms on a new labor agreement with the UNO Charter School Network.
Actor Geraldine Chaplin Reflects on Lengthy Film Career
| Marc Vitali
The actor talks about making the classic film “Doctor Zhivago,” the Chicago International Film Festival, and her famous father, Charlie Chaplin.
‘America’s Test Kitchen’ Launches New Cooking Venture
| Paul Caine
The folks from “America’s Test Kitchen” are branching out and focusing their attention on the science behind good food. We hear from two of the key people behind the project.
IHSA to Hold Meetings on Pitch Count Limits
| Kristen Thometz
The Illinois High School Association wants to hear from school principals and athletic directors before voting on proposed pitch count guidelines.
Why the Mysterious, ‘Beautiful’ Bat is So Often Misunderstood
| Gwendolyn Purdom
In Chicago and surrounding counties, where reports of nearly 40 cases of rabies-infected bats have made headlines so far this year, the reputation of the small, winged creature seems bleak.
CTU President Karen Lewis on the Deal That Stopped the Teachers Strike
| Evan Garcia
The Chicago Teachers Union President talks about the union's tentative agreement with Chicago Public Schools.
Plan to Merge Ventra App With Divvy Receives Federal Grant
| Reuben Unrau
Just weeks after Chicago was named the best U.S. city for biking, plans are underway to make the bicycle sharing program Divvy more convenient for CTA riders.
New Architecture Book Looks at ‘Building Chicago’
| Marc Vitali
Masterworks of Chicago architecture from the early days through the 21st century: A new book from a longtime curator at the Art Institute looks at “Building Chicago.”
Innovation, Sustainability Key to Future of Farming in Illinois
| Marc Vitali
Tomatoes and salad greens that are served in upscale Chicago restaurants are grown in Ogle County, Illinois. We visit the source.
Ask Geoffrey: What Was a Manure Monger?
| Erica Gunderson
Before automobiles, Chicago basically ran on horsepower. Find out how the city kept its streets free of manure in this week’s edition of Ask Geoffrey.
Local Author Helps Kids Find Voice, Courage to Stand Up to Bullies
| Kristen Thometz
October is national bullying prevention month. Holistic psychotherapist and author Regina E. McCarthy wants to help children of all ages find their voice and the courage to stand up to bullying.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Oct. 13-16
| Rebecca Palmore
International films, behind-the-scenes access and migrating hawks usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Cubs Beat Giants, Head to National League Championship Series
| Paris Schutz
A thrilling ninth-inning rally clinches the NL Division Series for the Cubs. Looking at just how they did it–and what lies ahead.
CTU, CPS Agree to Contract, Full Cost Remains Unclear
| Brandis Friedman
Chicago teachers were back in schools Tuesday instead of on the picket line. We take a closer look at the eleventh hour contract agreement between the district and teachers union.
Mayor Presents Budget ‘Unlike Any Other’
| Paris Schutz
Is the fiscal tide finally turning for Chicago? The mayor lays out the coming year's spending plan.
Debating the Transportation Fund Lockbox Amendment
| Evan Garcia
Illinois voters will decide whether the state's transportation funds will be locked away solely for transportation spending. A look at what’s at stake.
Global Garden Cultivates Hope for Refugee Farmers
| Jay Shefsky
Displaced farmers–refugees from other countries–get more than food for their hard work at an urban garden in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood.
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