The tech giant says its computer took a problem that a normal supercomputer would take 10,000 years to solve and figured it out in just over three minutes. What might this the brave new world of quantum technology deliver?
Stories by Paul Caine
Chicago Principals Concerned About Possibility of Long Strike
Two Chicago Public Schools principals talk about the strike from their perspective – and what it will take to pick up the pieces when it eventually ends.
Pressure Mounts on Facebook to Vet Political Content
Should social media companies be responsible for fact-checking content? The debate over free speech on Facebook.
‘Information Wars’ Author Says US Losing Battle Against Disinformation
A former Time editor and State Department official on fighting for truth in the age of disinformation. Richard Stengel tells us about his new book “Information Wars.”
Chicago’s Old Post Office Gets Multimillion-Dollar Makeover
The hulking Old Post Office building that lay empty for the best part of two decades – and that many feared might never be redeveloped – will soon reopen. Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin weighs in on the landmark.
Time For Winter Prep in The WTTW Garden
With winter right around the corner, home gardeners should harvest whatever fruit and vegetables that remain in their garden as soon as possible. Organic gardener Jeanne Nolan shares tips to get your garden ready for the cold season.
Chicago Zoological Society Honors Wildlife Conservation Leaders
Colleen and Keith Begg founded an organization that helps maintain the wildlife in the Niassa National Reserve in Mozambique, one of the last remaining strongholds for lions in Africa.
Scientists Reconstruct Face of Human Ancestor Using Fossilized Bone
How did researchers reconstruct the face of an ancient human ancestor using a fossilized bone? This story and more from the world of science with Neil Shubin.
Trump’s Syria Withdrawal Draws Fire From All Sides
President Donald Trump’s decision to immediately withdraw all U.S. troops from northern Syria has prompted criticism from politicians, military leaders and others.
Local Scientists Help Create First Long-Range Tornado Forecasts
Earlier this year, for the first time ever a small team of scientists was able to forecast a severe tornado outbreak almost one month in advance. We speak with Victor Gensini, a key member of that team.
State Sen. Toi Hutchinson Takes on New Role as Illinois’ ‘Cannabis Czar’
She was a driving force behind Illinois’ new marijuana law. Meet the state’s new cannabis regulation oversight officer.
Elon Musk Unveils Prototype for Mars Rocket
The SpaceX founder aims to create a fleet of reusable rockets that will make space travel dramatically cheaper and more accessible. But can he turn what has long been science fiction into science fact?
Allies Watch Closely as Trump Impeachment Probe Intensifies
The public has new insight on how President Trump interacts with world leaders behind closed doors. But do his actions amount to an impeachable offense? And how do allies and adversaries overseas view his dealings with Ukraine?
Democrats, Republicans React to Launch of Impeachment Inquiry
How is a formal impeachment inquiry likely to play to voters? We ask Tom Bowen of New Chicago Consulting and Jennifer Nevins, a self-described pro-Trump conservative activist.
Banned Books: Librarians Push Back Against Censorship
It’s Banned Books Week, an annual event organized by the Chicago-based American Library Association to highlight the threat of censorship. Find out which books were challenged most in 2018.
Former Clinton Aide Blumenthal Tackles Lincoln’s Life in 5 Volumes
Sidney Blumenthal, the Chicago native who formerly served as the senior adviser to President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, discusses his political history of Abraham Lincoln, “All the Powers of Earth.”
FCC Proposes New 3-Digit Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK. But the FCC wants to make that number a whole lot easier to remember – and dial.
Congestion Charge a Tough Sell for ‘Overtaxed’ Chicagoans
Talk of a possible city congestion tax is heating up. On Monday, the CEO of Uber said he supported the idea to help ease Chicago traffic and raise revenue. But how would it work, and could it drive away business?
Rare, Super-Deep Diamonds Reveal Secrets of Early Earth
Scientists in Spain have been analyzing so-called super-deep diamonds as a means to learn more about the formation of the Earth itself. Rabiah Mayas tells us more about that and other stories making science headlines.
Northwestern Engineering Team Pioneers New Medical Technologies
The future of medical monitoring is taking shape in a laboratory just north of Chicago. We learn about a new generation of flexible electronics.
Make Salsa and Pico de Gallo with Fresh, Homegrown Ingredients
Organic gardener Jeanne Nolan and chef Nicole Putzel show us what’s possible (and delicious) for local gardeners – even if you don’t have much space.
Illinois Tech Becomes 1st University in Midwest to Offer Degree in Artificial Intelligence
This fall, students at the Illinois Institute of Technology will be among the first in the country to have the option of pursuing an undergraduate degree in AI. Aron Culotta, director of the new program, tells us more.
Aldermen React to Mayor’s ‘Hard Choices’ in ‘State of the City’ Speech
City Council members are still digesting Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s “State of the City” address, in which she revealed an $838 million budget shortfall. We get reaction from Alds. Raymond Lopez and Nicholas Sposato.
Trump’s Dream of Space Force Moves One Step Closer to Reality
As society becomes increasingly dependent on space-based systems, there’s a growing need for protection from potential adversaries. But is the U.S. Space Command – and eventually a Space Force – the answer?
Activist Calls for Racial Equity as Transportation Revolution Looms
Chicago and the world is on the brink of a transportation revolution – and activists for racial equity want to ensure the benefits of that revolution reach communities of color.
