What does race mean to you? A new exhibit at the Chicago History Museum asks visitors to consider how much all of us focus on race every day, whether we realize it or not.
Stories by Eddie Arruza
Lin-Manuel Miranda Visits Chicago, Pleads for Help for Puerto Rico
A Broadway superstar returns to Chicago to plea for help for his Puerto Rican homeland, and addresses a controversial tweet about the president.
Springfield Lobbyist Accuses State Senator of Sexual Harassment
Lobbyist Denise Rotheimer, who is also running as a Republican for state representative, testified that she was the victim of “mind games” and untoward comments made by state Sen. Ira Silverstein, D-Chicago.
Chicago Pastry Chef Awarded France’s Highest Civilian Honor
Words of culinary wisdom from master pastry chef Jacquy Pfeiffer, co-founder of The French Pastry School.
On 500th Anniversary, Local Exhibitions Reveal Impact of Reformation
On the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s dramatic challenge to the Catholic Church, two local exhibitions reveal the astonishing impact of the Reformation.
Can William Shatner Help Chicago Land Amazon’s HQ2?
Chicago’s bid to land Amazon’s much-coveted HQ2 has taken on a sci-fi element.
Durbin, Sessions Spar Over Chicago Gun Violence
A testy confrontation on Capitol Hill: Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin and U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions sparred over gun violence in Chicago and the Justice Department’s threat to withhold federal grants to cities that protect undocumented immigrants.
How Plastic Cutlery is Bringing Hope, Jobs to a South Side Community
A training program and manufacturing plant are not only providing high-demand plastic products, but giving community residents hands-on experience in specialized jobs that are the future of manufacturing.
Controversial Photo Prompts Demand for Water Department Hearings
A Chicago alderman demands hearings into the city’s Water Department after a photo surfaced of a noose hanging in a department truck.
Hundreds Flee Devastation in Puerto Rico to Join Family in Chicago
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Monday the city is not only offering emergency responders to help Puerto Rico, but has already accepted 1,600 evacuees.
Lyric Opera and Joffrey Ballet to Join Forces Under One Roof
What brought about the new business arrangement of two of Chicago’s most prominent cultural institutions? We speak with two of the driving forces behind each company.
After Years of Development, GM Takes Hands-Free Technology on the Road
The race to create self-driving cars is heating up. One automaker has taken a significant step towards a hands-free future with a model that will soon be available in the Chicago area.
Trump Touts ‘Good Job’ in Puerto Rico as Chicago Residents Take Action
The Trump administration fights back against widespread criticism of its slow response to Hurricane Maria, while Chicago’s Puerto Rican community mobilizes to try to send supplies and water to the island.
In Pilsen, Monarch Butterflies a Source of Joy and Education
How a Chicago community organization cultivates the scientific and cultural aspects of monarch butterflies.
State Sen. Kwame Raoul Announces Bid for Attorney General
Lisa Madigan’s bombshell announcement that she won’t run for a fifth term has ignited the race to replace her.
Chicago Reporter Analysis Shows Slow Progress on Police Reform
A scathing federal report on the Chicago Police Department outlined 99 recommendations for reform. But an analysis by an online investigative site says only six of those recommendations have been fully implemented so far.
Ballet and Opera Join Forces in Famed Choreographer’s Homecoming
Choreographer John Neumeier is in the sixth decade of a career that’s still going strong, and his latest project marks an unprecedented Chicago collaboration.
Chicago in Hot Pursuit of Amazon Corporate Headquarters
It’s being called the Olympics of corporate relocations, and Chicago is very much chomping at the bit.
Daniel Biss and Carlos Ramirez-Rosa Part Ways
It was only last week that gubernatorial candidate and Democratic state Sen. Daniel Biss named Chicago’s 35th Ward Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa as his running mate. On Wednesday, the two went their separate ways.
McCook Reservoir to ‘Significantly Reduce’ Flooding, Says MWRD
A grand canyon that will become a deep lake: We get a tour of the final reservoir in the Deep Tunnel plan.
Former Dancer Awarded $148M in Personal Injury Suit Against City
Tierney Darden was left paralyzed from the waist down after a bus shelter at O’Hare International Airport collapsed on her during a storm in 2015.
Thousands Catch Eclipse Fever at Adler Planetarium
The last time a total solar eclipse spanned the continental United States from coast to coast was 99 years ago. Thousands joined in the Adler Planetarium’s celestial celebration to mark the occasion.
Question Over Controversial Public Monuments Comes to Chicago
As the debate over Confederate monuments heats up following the Charlottesville tragedy, some Chicago aldermen want to get rid of a name with a fascist history.
Emanuel: Neo-Nazis ‘Think They Have a Friend in the Oval Office’
The violent confrontation between white supremacists groups and protesters has sparked nationwide outrage and condemnation. How some local politicians are responding.
More Fallout From the Cook County Sweetened Beverage Tax
Several Cook County commissioners, including one who may be after Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s job, are blasting her handling of the new sweetened beverage tax.
