We speak with the prize-winning journalist who began her career in the Chicago area and now risks her life reporting on Al Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Stories by andrea guthmann
Making College Work: A Conversation with New NEIU President Gloria Gibson
Northeastern Illinois University has a new president, its first African-American woman. Gloria Gibson shares her plans for the Northwest Side campus.
New Book Dishes on Chicago’s Best Pizza
Local food reporter Steve Dolinksy serves up a slice from his new book, “Pizza City, USA.”
‘Schoolhouse Gate’ Highlights Supreme Court’s Power Over Schools
As the makeup of the Supreme Court shifts, a timely new book examines how the court has influenced America’s public schools.
Illinois Taking Steps to Secure Upcoming Elections
In 2016, Illinois was targeted by Russian hackers who obtained private information from some 76,000 voters. How local election boards hope to ensure every vote is safe this November.
Pediatricians Group Releases New Guidelines for Treating Transgender Youth
Research shows transgender children benefit from early intervention, but just how young is too young?
Third Coast Festival, a ‘Sundance of Radio,’ Returns for 17th Year
Podcasters and radio producers descend on Chicago for the annual Third Coast International Audio Festival. We get a preview with founder and executive director Johanna Zorn.
Critics of O’Hare Express Train Say Emanuel on Wrong Track
Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants everyone to get on board with an ambitious plan for an express train between downtown and O’Hare, but would taxpayers be the ones taken for a ride?
Retiring Hedge Funds: Pension Plan Investing Strategies
Illinois’ state employee pension plan, one of the largest in the nation, has retired from hedge funds. Find out why.
Could Climate Change Lead to a Global Water Crisis?
Cape Town, South Africa, could soon be the first major city to run out of water. What lessons can Chicago share – and learn?
‘White Like Her’ Memoir Details Hidden Heritage
Local mystery writer Gail Lukasik unveils her own startling family mystery in her new memoir.
The Amazon Race: What HQ2 Win Would Mean for Chicago
Chicago may be on Amazon’s top 20 list, but what will it take to win it all – and at what cost?
Words and Wisdom About ‘Aging Thoughtfully’ in New Book
In a culture obsessed with youth and beauty, aging can be an ugly topic. The co-authors of a new book discuss retirement, romance, wrinkles and more.
New Chicago Community Trust CEO ‘Excited About Making Huge Impact’
Meet Dr. Helene Gayle, the new CEO of the Chicago Community Trust, and find out what the future holds for this 102-year-old philanthropic organization.
Suburban High School Football in Downward Spiral, Analysis Shows
Youth football seems to be taking a hit. We speak with a Daily Herald investigative reporter about steep declines in high school football participation.
New Guidebook Highlights 111 Unique Chicago Attractions
Meet Amy Bizzarri, the author of a new guidebook highlighting the unusual, unknown and often hidden side of Chicago.
Trading Places: Former Export-Import Bank Chair Discusses Trade
Fred Hochberg, the former head of the nation's Export-Import Bank, shares his thoughts on free trade under an administration that puts America first.
Where Does Chicago’s Yard Waste Go?
Many Illinois residents are unaware of a 1990 state law making it illegal to mix lawn waste with household garbage. WBEZ reporter Monica Eng has the dirt on Chicago’s yard waste disposal program.
Making Headlines: ProPublica Illinois Nonprofit Newsroom Launches
ProPublica Illinois, the first regional newsroom for the nonprofit website ProPublica, officially launched this week. We speak with Editor-in-Chief Louise Kiernan.
Marketing Justice: ‘Law-Mart’ Examines For-Profit Law Schools
A new book questions whether for-profit law schools benefit students, or just investors. A discussion with author Riaz Tejani.
Chicago Journalist’s ‘Algren: A Life’ Reveals New Details About Writer
He was a literary giant who chronicled the seedy side of the city. We talk with the author of a new biography about Chicago writer Nelson Algren.
Neil Steinberg Shares Advice, Sobering Quotes on Addiction in New Book
The Chicago Sun-Times columnist muses on weathering the holidays without alcohol and his anthology on addiction, “Out of the Wreck I Rise: A Literary Companion to Recovery.”
Taking Stock of the Economy: 2017 Outlook
Unemployment is down, the stock market is up and the Federal Reserve raises interest rates. Just how strong is the American economy? Two Chicago economists take stock of what’s in store for 2017.
Major Concerns at Columbia? College Addresses Declining Enrollment
The president of Columbia College Chicago on why there’s been a big drop in enrollment at the school and challenges to its identity in the world of creativity.
Fact vs. Fiction: The Increasingly Real Problem of Fake News
The pope endorses Donald Trump. Michelle Obama unfollows Hillary Clinton on Twitter. These days fake news is making real news. Could you be spreading lies on your Facebook feed?
Tips for Getting Along with Family, Friends Post-Election
Worried that politics might spoil your Thanksgiving meal? Two local psychologists serve up recipes for a peaceful post-election family gathering.
