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.
Stories by Paul Caine
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.
Google Claims to Have Achieved ‘Quantum Supremacy’
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?
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.
