Stories by Andrea Guthmann

UChicago Terrorism Expert on Iran and Growing Concerns About Political Violence Within the US

On Day 1 of a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel that has already been violated, President Donald Trump vented his frustration with both countries. Trump commented, “We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f--- they’re doing.”

US Rep. Robin Kelly Lays Out Her Pitch to Voters as Senate Campaign Begins

The race to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin is heating up. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the changes coming to Illinois politics and her candidacy for the U.S. Senate.

Chicago May Day Rally Planned as Trump Ramps Up Attacks on Immigrants, Sanctuary Cities

More than 1,100 protest events are scheduled in nearly 1,000 cities across the country for May Day.

Supreme Court to Hear Arguments on Trump’s Plan to End Birthright Citizenship

President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship for the children of people who are in the U.S. illegally has been halted nationwide by three district courts around the country. Appeals courts have declined to disturb those rulings.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias on Real IDs, the Future of Digital Driver’s Licenses

After being extended multiple times, the deadline for needing a Real ID to travel domestically is finally approaching. But not everyone needs a Real ID. Who does and how can you make the process as quick and painless as possible?

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez on His Firing, Ongoing CTU Negotiations

Just days before Christmas, Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez was terminated in a unanimous vote by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s handpicked Board of Education.

Man Who Served 42 Years for Wrongful Conviction Files Lawsuit Against Chicago, Cook County

“Are those who are accountable really going to be held to that responsibility of putting me into prison?” asked Jimmy Soto, who is believed to have served the longest wrongful conviction sentence in Illinois history. “I don’t know. But I hope people understand this is just one step towards trying to get justice for me.”

Chicago Teens Talk Safety, Making a Positive Impact Through Community Involvement

According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the average age for Chicagoans to witness a shooting is 14. Research also shows that exposure to violence can lead to long-lasting mental health issues.

As Homicides Drop Nationwide, Chicago Lags Behind Other Major Cities. Why?

Crime overall is falling nationwide. But when it comes to homicides, Chicago’s numbers are not declining as quickly as the two largest cities in the nation — New York and Los Angeles.

State Lawmakers Debate Top Takeaways From Pritzker’s Proposed Budget

More money for migrants, increased access to preschool, a break on grocery bills and a prescription for how the state could wipe out medical debt — those are some of the spending plans in Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s nearly $53 billion state budget.

Are Publicly Funded Stadiums a Good Investment? State Lawmakers Weigh in on Chicago Teams’ Plans

You’ve probably been hearing about the Chicago Bears and White Sox stadium goals. They’re not the only ones making a pitch for publicly financed stadiums.

Community Advocates on School Safety After CPS Moves Away From Resource Officers

 In a unanimous vote last Thursday, they decided to eliminate uniformed police officers from the 39 public high schools that still have them.

City Council Members Weigh in on ShotSpotter Contract Extension, CPD Discipline System

Mayor Brandon Johnson continues to push forward with the progressive policing strategies he promised during his campaign to prioritize. He announced the city will be phasing out its contract with ShotSpotter, the controversial gunshot detection technology.

With Ballot Decision Looming, Chicago Homeless Advocates Push for Support and Funding

The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless estimates more than 68,000 people in Chicago are experiencing homelessness. That higher number includes people who are doubled up, or temporarily living in someone else’s home.

Rep. Delia Ramirez on Immigration Policy, Congressional Conflict Over Bipartisan Border Deal

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago), herself the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, weighs in on the situation in Washington and efforts to address immigration.

Bally’s Casino Brings in Less Than a Quarter of Projected Revenue for Chicago in 2023

The temporary Bally’s casino in River North’s Medinah Temple brought in just over $3 million in tax revenue last year. That’s almost $10 million short of what former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration projected.

Red Cross Declares Nationwide Emergency Blood Shortage

The number of people donating blood has dropped by 40% over the last two decades, according to the American Red Cross.

Illinois Joins States Considering Challenges to Donald Trump’s Candidacy on Insurrection Grounds

A legal challenge from five voters has made Illinois the 18th state forced to grapple with whether former President Donald Trump should be disqualified from the 2024 ballot.

Chicago’s Natural Gas Pipeline Project Halted Amid Push for Cleaner Energy Investments

There is a battle over a multi-billion dollar, decades-long project to upgrade Chicago’s aging natural gas pipelines.

Meet the 17-Year-Old Chicagoan Who Just Earned Her Doctorate Degree

Most 17-year-olds are excited about finishing high school and possibly thinking about college. But Bronzeville teen Dorothy Jean Tillman is in a class all by herself. A typical teen in some ways, she also happens to have just earned her doctorate degree.

Geoffrey Baer Celebrates More of the City in ‘The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago 2’

Since no one program could contain every beautiful place in town, its high time for the sequel. “The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago 2” debuted Monday on WTTW.

Retailers Cheer Increased Holiday Spending This Year as Legos, Hot Wheels and Barbies Likely Big Toy Winners

Much of the country was back at work Monday after the long holiday weekend. But along with whatever else they were doing at their job, there’s a good chance they were doing something else ... shopping.

Cook County on Pace to Surpass Fatal Opioid Overdose Record as Fentanyl Use Spreads

The rise in opioid deaths is largely due to the increase in synthetic opioids like fentanyl, says law enforcement officials. 

From Dwindling Audiences to Increased Costs, Report Spotlights a Crisis for Chicago’s Theater Community

Live theatre attendance in Chicago has dropped by 60% in the last four years, according to a recent report commissioned by Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events contains alarming data.

Former Congressman Joe Walsh on Republican Efforts to Oust House Speaker, Trump’s Hold on the Party

Former Illinois Rep. Joe Walsh, a Republican, says the battle over House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is an example of where the national Republican Party is right now.    

As Delta-8 Cannabis Products Gain Popularity, Chicago and Illinois Officials Debate How to Best Regulate the Substance

Products made from delta-8 promise to deliver a milder marijuana-like high. But unlike marijuana, which is strictly regulated and can only be sold in licensed dispensaries, delta-8 can be sold in convenience stores and cafes, and there are no age minimums for purchase.
 

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