Sixteen years after making a key discovery with two colleagues, University of Chicago paleontologist Neil Shubin and others are deepening their understanding of an extraordinary, ancient fish.
Stories by Paul Caine
5G Could Eventually Transform Our World – But for Now, Think Faster Downloads
It’s being rolled out across Chicago with much fanfare, but when will the reality of 5G communication live up to the hype?
House Sends Articles of Impeachment to the Senate
After nearly a month of delay, the House of Representatives voted Wednesday to transmit articles of impeachment for the trial of President Donald Trump to the Senate. We discuss the latest and look ahead.
What’s Behind the Largest Ever One-Year Drop in Cancer Deaths
The American Cancer Society reported last week the largest ever single-year decline in deaths from cancer. How improved disease screening and breakthrough treatments are giving cancer patients new hope.
Tehran Plane May Have Been Shot Down Mistakenly by Iran
It’s the latest in a string of tragic news involving Chicago-based Boeing: A 737 jet crashed Wednesday, killing all 176 people on board. We discuss that incident and what the future holds for Boeing with Tracy Rucinski, U.S. aviation correspondent for Reuters.
Impeachment Battle Resumes as Bolton Says He’s Willing to Testify
After a two-week recess, the battle over President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial has resumed, but former national security adviser John Bolton’s announcement that he would be willing to testify before a Senate trial may have changed the dynamics of the fight.
Iran Mourns Soleimani and Vows Retaliation Against US
President Donald Trump’s decision to assassinate Iran’s top military leader because of an alleged “imminent threat” to U.S. interests is already having major repercussions across the region. What’s next in the U.S.-Iran showdown?
Falling Battery Price Transforms Economics of Green Energy
Could battery-powered electric vehicles soon cost the same as gasoline-powered cars? A senior scientist at Argonne National Laboratory explains what could be an energy revolution.
Year in Review: The Top Science Stories of 2019
From the first-ever image of a black hole to growing concern over climate change, we review some of the year’s top science stories with three of our regular science contributors.
Preckwinkle Pushes Economic Development Plans for South Suburbs
Toni Preckwinkle has just entered her 10th year as president of the Cook County Board. She joins us to discuss a new plan to spur economic growth in the south suburbs, questions over her security detail and a longtime political ally.
City Council Committee Votes to Delay Recreational Marijuana Sales in Chicago
The proposal is narrowly approved by a City Council committee, with a full council vote expected Wednesday. Will it pass? We speak with 28th Ward Ald. Jason Ervin, chairman of the Aldermanic Black Caucus, which is leading the initiative.
NASA’s Mission to ‘Touch the Sun’ Begins to Unravel Mysteries of Solar Wind
An update on the mission and findings of NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, named after pioneering University of Chicago astrophysicist Eugene Parker, who first proposed the existence of the solar wind in 1958.
Charlie Beck Takes Charge Following Eddie Johnson’s Ouster
Charlie Beck held his first press conference as interim police superintendent Tuesday, a day after Eddie Johnson was abruptly fired as top cop. What can the city expect from Beck? And what’s next for a department already laboring under a consent decree?
Local Cosmologist Explores the Very First Moments of Creation
Dan Hooper spends his time contemplating the biggest mystery of all: how the universe came to be. He joins us to discuss his book, “At the Edge of Time: Exploring the Mysteries of our Universe’s First Seconds.”
‘Silver, Sword and Stone’: Author Writes Sweeping History of Latin America
Peruvian American journalist Marie Arana talks about her new book, “Silver, Sword, and Stone: Three Crucibles in the Latin American Story.”
Slow Start on Reform at the Chicago Police Department
An independent federal monitor tasked with overseeing the reform of the Chicago Police Department says the department is already falling behind on its efforts. Is this a sign of growing pains or the sheer difficulty of changing the police department?
The Story of Chicago’s Rise as a Distinctly Polish American City
Local historian Dominic Pacyga tells us about his new book “American Warsaw: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Polish Chicago.”
‘Sesame Street’ Child Specialist Writes How-To Book for Parents
Rosemarie Truglio, the development specialist behind the curriculum of “Sesame Street” is out with a new book for parents to help their children learn.
World’s Largest Starbucks Set to Open Friday in Chicago
The Reserve Roastery will span five floors and 35,000 square feet on Michigan Avenue, taking up residence in what was for decades Crate & Barrel’s flagship store. We get a preview.
Police Board Prepares Search for Eddie Johnson’s Permanent Replacement
As Chicago’s top cop prepares to retire at the end of the year, Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s pick to replace him on an interim basis is already drawing fire. But what about finding Johnson’s long-term replacement? That task falls to the Chicago Police Board.
Tough Challenges Ahead for Chicago’s Next Top Cop
Mayor Lori Lightfoot says she’ll announce her plan to find an interim successor to police Superintendent Eddie Johnson in the coming days. We discuss Johnson’s legacy and the challenges that await the city’s next top cop.
Lightfoot’s Proposed Real Estate Transfer Tax Hike Gets Pushback
Is the mayor’s plan for a real estate transfer tax hike dead on arrival or could a new so-called win-win compromise supported by some Democratic lawmakers create a path forward?
Driving While Stoned: Police Still Lack Reliable Test
As the legalization of recreational marijuana approaches, police have no reliable test for whether a person is driving under its influence. What science tells us about marijuana use and safe driving.
In the Zooniverse, Everyone Can Be a Scientist
In a world in which scientific literacy is often lacking, the online platform Zooniverse.org is doing what it can to encourage “people-powered research.”
Oriental Institute Unveils Multimillion-Dollar Makeover for Centennial
On the South Side of Chicago is a relatively small but academically renowned museum whose founder James Henry Breasted helped rewrite the history of human civilization. We go for a look.
