Amid workplace raids, what responsibilities do employers have to verify immigration status? And what rights do workers have?
Stories by Nick Blumberg
Lawsuit Over Facebook Facial Recognition Survives Legal Challenge
Why some Illinois Facebook users are suing the company over its facial recognition software for photos.
Sportswriter Chronicles Her Groundbreaking High School Basketball Team
How Title IX changed a future Chicago sportswriter’s life, and paved the way for a championship basketball team from Niles West. We speak with Melissa Isaacson, author of “State: A Team, a Triumph, a Transformation.”
The Week in Review: Trump Teases Blagojevich Pardon, Again
President Trump once again dangles a commutation for Rod Blagojevich. Mayor Lightfoot spars with judges on gun violence. And optimism surrounds the Bears at their first preseason game.
Deep Frydays: Hot Tips
Since the rib tip is not only a Chicago institution but also a finger food, we decided it was the best candidate this week for a beer-batter-and-hot-oil dunk.
Record-High Lake Swallowing Up Chicago Shoreline
Joel Brammeier, president and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, talks about the area’s shrinking and disappearing beaches this year, and why it matters.
A Conversation About Domestic Terrorism, Mental Health and Racist Rhetoric
President Donald Trump condemns hate, but says hateful rhetoric and mental illness are to blame for mass shootings in Dayton and El Paso – not guns.
The Remarkable Life of the ‘Legendary Harry Caray’
The longtime White Sox and Cubs broadcaster is the subject of a new book. Author Dan Zminda joins us to discuss “The Legendary Harry Caray: Baseball’s Greatest Salesman.”
Rep. Krishnamoorthi on Mueller, Trump and Impeachment
Last week, former special counsel Robert Mueller testified before Congress. U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi was there to question Mueller, and now he joins us in conversation.
The Week in Review: Lightfoot Notches Wins, Needles FOP
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s hot mic controversy. An ethics reforms package targets Ald. Ed Burke. Federal agents edge closer to House Speaker Michael Madigan. And the Bears report to training camp.
Deep Frydays: Saganaki Saga
Midwesterners could be forgiven for thinking that Wisconsin has a lock on all things cheese. But in Chicago, we’ve managed to one-up our neighbors to the north: we set it on fire.
The ‘Adaptable House’ Aimed at Easing Chicago’s Affordable Housing Crunch
A recently completed design competition is now working with a developer to take its winning entry from concept to construction in two vacant, city-owned lots.
How Illinois Employers Might Handle Recreational Marijuana
Recreational marijuana becomes legal in Illinois on Jan. 1, but there are a lot of unanswered questions about how employers will react – and adapt – to the law.
From Oil and Gas to CBD, Northbrook-Based UL Combats Explosion Hazards
A facility at safety certification company UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is working to keep potentially explosive environments safe. But you might be surprised how prevalent those environments can be – and the common things that might trigger a safety hazard.
Tracing American Fashion from ‘Silver Screen to Mainstream’
The 1930s were a defining decade for the U.S. At the Chicago History Museum, a new exhibit explores part of that era’s history you might not think of: fashion.
Deep Frydays: Frango Frolics
Many Chicagoans have sweet memories of the confection we’re about to dunk in hot oil: the Frango mint. But they might be surprised to learn that the signature candy of Marshall Field’s was not created in Chicago.
Shedd Kayak Trips Encourage Paddlers to Explore and Restore Chicago River
Restoring the Chicago River has been a project many decades in the making. One of many organizations taking part in that effort offers a water-level view of the work underway. We go for a look.
Pilsen Parishioners Fight to Save Historic St. Adalbert Church
On Sunday, the final mass at St. Adalbert church in Pilsen is set to take place, but supporters of the church vow to appeal the closure.
City Can’t Keep Impounded Cars After Drivers File for Bankruptcy: Court
A federal appeals court says Chicago can no longer continue to hold impounded vehicles of drivers in debt to the city after the vehicle owner files for bankruptcy. Melissa Sanchez of ProPublica Illinois explains.
‘Speaking for the Dying’: 2 Years of Observations on ICU Decision-Making
In her new book, author Susan Shapiro tells us how to prepare for the life-and-death decisions that come with a trip to the intensive care unit.
City Council Caucus Chairs on Chicago’s Future
The different caucuses of aldermen that make up the council play a big role in shaping its direction. Their leaders join us for a conversation about their priorities and vision for Chicago.
Gery Chico’s New Challenge: Uplifting Underserved Neighborhoods
The former mayoral candidate and onetime Chicago school board president is taking on a new job as board chair of Local Initiatives Support Corporation Chicago. He tells us about his new role.
Deep Frydays: Totally Tubular Tamales
For our new summer series, we take some of Chicago’s favorite foods and, like the name says, we deep-fry them and deal with the big questions. Today’s sacrifice to the gods of hot oil: Chicago-style tamales.
Democratic Debates: How 1st Group Fared – and What to Watch for on Night 2
How the first round of Democrats tried to set themselves apart on a packed stage, and how the second group of candidates might fare. A conversation with Jason DeSanto.
Tour the Southeast Side Facility Producing New CTA Rail Cars
Rail car manufacturing is back in Chicago after some 50 years. We go inside the Hegewisch facility where production is underway on the CTA’s new 7000 series.
