Stories by Kristen Thometz
McCormick Place East Proposed as New Site for Lucas Museum
| Kristen Thometz
A new lakefront location for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is being proposed in Chicago. Mellody Hobson, wife of movie mogul George Lucas and board member of the Lucas Museum, calls it a “good idea.”
How Does Physical Education in Illinois Measure Up?
New Report Grades States PE Requirements, Policies
| Kristen Thometz
When it comes to physical education, a new report shows many states aren’t measuring up to national recommendations, including Illinois. Only Oregon and the District of Columbia meet national recommendations for weekly time in physical education at both the elementary and middle school levels, according to the report.
Second Snow Monkey Born at Lincoln Park Zoo This Year
| Evan Garcia
The snow monkey, born on Wednesday, has since clung tightly to 11-year-old mother Ono. Zoo employees have not yet named it or determined its sex. Maureen Leahy, the zoo’s curator of primates, said they prefer to give mother and infant plenty of space at this stage.
The Week in Review: Clarion Call for Police Reform
| Nick Blumberg
The Chicago Police Department faces a scathing review from a reform task force that says many Chicagoans believe officers are "fundamentally racist." Joel Weisman and guests discuss this story and more on this week's show.
‘Chicago Tonight’ Live: Task Force, Community Discuss Troubled CPD
| Alexandra Silets
Mayor Emanuel's Police Accountability Task Force has issued a sobering assessment of the Chicago Police Department. We talk about the findings and recommendations with task force and community members during this special edition of "Chicago Tonight."
Pilsen, Hyde Park Sites on List of State’s Most Endangered Historic Places
| Erica Gunderson
A Catholic church in the Pilsen neighborhood is among 11 sites on this year's list of most endangered historic places in Illinois.
Ask Geoffrey: What Exactly Does Division Street Divide?
| Erica Gunderson
In this edition of Ask Geoffrey, our local history expert Geoffrey Baer hits the streets to answer road-related questions such as, Why are there so many angled streets running northwest in Chicago? And, What exactly does Division Street divide? And, Where is Beethoven Place?
Local Author Inspires Kids to ‘Slay Their Dragons’
| Kristen Thometz
Pediatric occupational therapist and author Stacey Glorioso wants to teach children how to become dragon slayers. In her book, “Joshua’s Dragon,” the story’s namesake character leads the way and shows how he defeats his dragon—overcoming his fear of loud noises.
Weekend Events: CIMMfest, ‘Peace Officer,’ Greektown Parade
| Meredith Francis
See films and music acts from around the globe at CIMMfest, check out a free screening of the documentary "Peace Officer" and stop by the Greek Independence Day Parade in Greektown.
Task Force Aims to Change Broken Police Department
| Alexandra Silets
“The community's lack of trust in the Chicago police department is justified.” That's a direct quote from the scathing report released Wednesday afternoon by the Police Accountability Task Force.
Fallout Over Panama Papers Raises Questions about Tax Havens
| Hunter Clauss
There is worldwide fallout over the release of millions of documents known as the Panama Papers, which show how the wealthy around the world are hiding assets. And it's raising questions about whether tax havens are appropriate. A look at both sides of the controversy.
New Feminist Film Festival Comes to Chicago
| Chloe Riley
The inaugural two-day festival coming April 21 showcases films that address issues of gender, race, sexuality and other topics related to social injustice and inequality.
WXRT’s Terri Hemmert Explores History of Rock and Soul in New Show
| Nick Blumberg
The veteran DJ and Radio Hall of Famer is back on the air following cancer surgery earlier this year. Learn about her new project blending a history lesson with live music.
‘Sisters in Law’ Profiles Justices Day O’Connor, Bader Ginsburg
| Andrea Guthmann
A new book spotlights the lives and careers of the first two women to serve on the United States Supreme Court—Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Mayor Emanuel, Aldermen React to Police Task Force Report
| Paris Schutz
The Police Accountability Task Force released its report Wednesday on the Chicago Police Department, saying the CPD is broken and has a “history of racial disparity and discrimination.” Will the City Council move to abolish IPRA?
Exhibit Provides Insight into Bedroom, Life of Van Gogh
| Marc Vitali
We take a peek inside the mind – and bedroom – of Vincent Van Gogh in an exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago that runs through May 10.
Documentary on Police-Involved Shootings to Screen at Cultural Center
| Chloe Riley
The 2015 documentary “Peace Officer,” from Scott Christopherson and Brad Barber, airs on the PBS series Independent Lens on May 9, with a free screening on Saturday at the Chicago Cultural Center. We speak with Christopherson about the impact his film has had to date.
Eddie Johnson Fast-Tracked for Permanent CPD Superintendent
| Paris Schutz
A City Council committee on Tuesday gave a thumbs-up to an ordinance that will temporarily suspend the legally required process for selecting a police superintendent, and make the mayor's pick permanent.
Second Defendant in CPS Corruption Case Pleads Guilty
| Nick Blumberg
Thomas Vranas, a former co-owner of SUPES Academy, admitted in federal court Tuesday to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The plea deal comes with an agreement to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney's office.
Complaints of ‘Rigged’ Delegate System Follow Trump Loss in Colorado
| Paul Caine
As Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump blasts the delegate-selection process, we take a look at how it works on both sides of the aisle.
Mayor Creates Rodent Task Force, Adds More Rat Control Crews
| Evan Garcia
Appearing at the site of the soon-to-be-demolished Children’s Memorial Hospital in Lincoln Park, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced initiatives to respond to the city's growing rat problem.
Rauner Proposes Cuts to CPS, Meets with Top Legislative Leaders
| Hunter Clauss
Chicago schools chief Forrest Claypool slams the governor's education plan that sees CPS losing $74 million. We speak with our Springfield correspondent Amanda Vincky.
Irvine Welsh Talks ‘Trainspotting’ Sequel and New Book ‘A Decent Ride’
| Andrea Guthmann
Best known for his 1993 novel "Trainspotting," author Irvine Welsh has been called the best storyteller in Britain. But for about 10 years now, he's lived in Chicago. We hear about his latest book, “A Decent Ride.”
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