Stories by Paul Caine

Trump’s Business Entanglements Create Ethics Concerns

How President-elect Donald Trump’s global business empire could create potential conflicts of interest.

Controversial Energy Bill Gaining Support

The so-called Future Energy Jobs Bill would bail out two struggling nuclear plants. Critics say it would amount to the largest rate hike in U.S. history.

Newt Minow Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

The last surviving member of the Kennedy administration and former chairman of WTTW received the nation’s highest civilian honor from President Barack Obama on Tuesday.

Lion-Size Toothache: Behind the Scenes at Brookfield Zoo’s Animal Hospital

What happens when a lion gets a toothache? Meet the large and dedicated team that cares for more than 3,000 animals at Brookfield Zoo. 

Exelon Pushes for Rate Hike to Aid Ailing Nuclear Plants

A new bill in Springfield could see Illinois consumers paying higher electricity rates. But with the state already producing more energy than it needs, why are consumers being asked to pay more?

Authors Debate Charles Darwin’s Theories, Work in New Book

More than 150 years after Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species," the man and his theories continue to generate controversy and debate. That academic battle plays out in a new book titled "Debating Darwin."

Winners Schneider, Krishnamoorthi to Bridge Bitter Divide in Washington

Two Illinois Democrats on their way to Washington tell us how they plan to work with a Trump administration.

Donald Trump Elected President of the United States

“To all Republicans and Democrats across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people,” president-elect Donald Trump said a little before 2 a.m. from his campaign headquarters in New York.

Madigan vs. Rauner in Battle for Control of Springfield

Races for the Illinois General Assembly and the battle for state comptroller are seen as part of the larger power struggle between House Speaker Michael Madigan and Gov. Bruce Rauner. 

Cubs Historic Win Unlikely to Boost Broader City Economy

The Cubs victory boosts revenue for the franchise and the bars of Wrigleyville, but beyond the feel-good factor, is there a broader economic benefit for the city?

Forum: 10th Congressional District Candidates

Democrat Brad Schneider and incumbent Republican Bob Dold face off in our candidate forum.

Forum: 8th Congressional District Candidates

The two candidates looking to replace Democrat Tammy Duckworth make their case for why they should be elected to represent the 8th Congressional District.

From Elite Soldier to Anti-Poaching Crusader

Meet a former elite soldier from Australia who is now using his special set of skills to combat poaching in Africa.

Forum: Cook County State’s Attorney Candidates

The two candidates aiming to replace Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez make their case in our latest candidate forum.

Final Debate a Contentious, Ill-Tempered Affair

Donald Trump refuses to say he whether he will accept the results of the election. PBS “NewsHour” correspondent Lisa Desjardins joins us with the latest news from a contentious campaign.

Civil Rights Icon on America’s Racial Divide, Then and Now

Ruby Bridges became a civil rights icon at the age of 6, when she became the first African-American child to attend a previously all-white elementary school in New Orleans. She joins us in discussion.

Last of Summer Crops Come Out, Winter Planting Begins

It's time to harvest the last of the summer crops in the WTTW garden before the first frost.

Times Are Changing: Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize in Literature

Iconic singer-songerwriter Bob Dylan wins the Nobel Prize in literature. We get reaction to the surprise choice.

‘America’s Test Kitchen’ Launches New Cooking Venture

The folks from “America’s Test Kitchen” are branching out and focusing their attention on the science behind good food. We hear from two of the key people behind the project.

Corporate Space Race to Colonize Mars: Feasible or Fantasy?

Tech billionaire Elon Musk wants to create a colony on Mars. Assessing the challenges–and his chances of success.

Court Fees Preventing Some Low-Level Offenders From Moving Ahead

How an array of fines and fees are preventing many poor, low-level offenders in Illinois courts from moving beyond a life of crime.

Christopher Kimball Dishes on New Milk Street Kitchen Project

The founder and former host of “America’s Test Kitchen” is back with a new project and a broader vision.

Business Leaders on Get In Chicago’s Efforts to Stem Violence

We hear from three business leaders on their efforts to help Chicago reduce violent crime.

Emily Graslie Launches ‘Natural News’ Series

The Field Museum's Chief Curiosity Correspondent has a new show and she's here to tell us all about it.

Debating the Ruling on Election Day Registration

A federal judge blocks Election Day voter registration in Illinois, but Attorney General Lisa Madigan says she will appeal the ruling. We hear arguments on both sides of the case.

Chicago’s At-Risk Youth: Are Mentoring Programs the Answer?

The mayor makes mentoring programs a centerpiece of his anti-violence strategy. How much impact could they have?
 

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