Much of Illinois’ farmland is too wet to seed. Assessing the fallout from excessive rain – and what Gov. J.B. Pritzker plans to do about it.
Stories by Paul Caine
Illinois’ Gaming Expansion Could Be a Losing Bet for Problem Gamblers
As Illinois prepares to expand gambling to every corner of the state – including slot machines at O’Hare and Midway airports – supporters tout the generation of much-needed revenue to help plug a massive budget deficit. But at what cost?
Remembering Tiananmen Square, 30 Years Later
Early on the morning of June 4, 1989, tanks rolled into Tiananmen Square to forcefully suppress protests by students and ordinary citizens who had occupied Beijing’s central square for six weeks. We look back at the events.
Burke Indictment Highlights City Hall Power Shift
Four Chicago aldermen weigh in on the new power dynamics at City Hall as Mayor Lori Lightfoot takes control – and a longtime alderman is indicted.
How to Plant Your Own Salsa Garden
Organic gardener Jeanne Nolan shares tips and advice for growing warm-weather crops like jalapeno and serrano peppers, green tomatillo and tomatoes.
UChicago Creates Molecular Engineering School with $100M Donation
The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering will become the university’s first new school in three decades, thanks to a $100 million commitment from the Pritzker Foundation.
SAT ‘Adversity Score’ Draws Praise and Criticism
SAT scores may soon come with an “adversity score” to measure the challenges a student faces in just trying to get to college. We weigh the pros and cons.
Northwestern Researchers Reverse Age-Related Memory Loss
Neil Shubin, University of Chicago paleontologist and one of our favorite explainers of all things scientific, joins us to discuss stories making news in the world of science.
Pritzker Makes Push for Legal Sports Betting
Will a sports betting plan cross the finish line in Illinois? Gov. J.B. Pritzker supports it, and plans are being negotiated in Springfield to expand gambling in the state.
State Lawmakers Press Gov. Pritzker to Support South Suburban Airport
A group of elected state and local officials signed a letter earlier this month urging Gov. J.B. Pritzker to back a third northeastern Illinois airport near Monee.
Astronomers May Have Detected Neutron Star Being Consumed by Black Hole
If the discovery is confirmed, it would be the first evidence that black holes and neutron stars can pair up to form binary systems.
Developer Seeking State Funds for Transit Hub in One Central Megaproject
A proposed new development just west of Soldier Field is seeking major state subsidies. Meet the developer and the local alderman – and hear about the plans for One Central.
In ‘Red Meat Republic,’ the Story of How Beef Made Chicago and Changed America
Chicago’s connections to the meat processing industry are well known, but the beef industry didn’t just spur the city’s development. In a new book, historian Joshua Specht says the beef industry helped shape modern America itself.
Illinois Inches Closer to a Graduated Income Tax
Gov. J.B. Pritzker says allowing the state to tax richer people at a higher rate is the only way to return financial stability to Illinois. We speak with supporters and opponents of the governor’s top legislative priority.
Cold-Tolerant Crops a Safe Choice for Spring Planting
Unseasonably cold weather in Chicago has delayed the start of spring – at least in terms of planting, says organic gardener Jeanne Nolan. Here are some tips for your spring crops.
Beloved Rogers Park Restaurant Demolished
The iconic Heartland Cafe, which for more than 40 years sat at the corner of Glenwood and Lunt avenues in Rogers Park, is being torn down. We look back at its history as a community hub.
Lightfoot Takes Aim at Aldermanic Prerogative
Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot says aldermanic prerogative is at the heart of many corruption scandals emanating from City Hall. Two aldermen give us their take on the issue.
Former Illinois Legislative Inspector General Says Office is ‘Broken’
Former Illinois Legislative Inspector General Julie Porter called the office she used to run “broken” and said without changes the legislative inspector general is “a powerless role.”
Developer Wants Obama Presidential Center to Spur South Side Regeneration
Ghian Foreman, a South Side resident and developer, says the Obama Presidential Center can benefit all residents in Jackson Park and beyond.
How to Ready Your Garden for Spring Planting
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Before you dig in and start planting, give your garden some tender, loving care. The team from the Organic Gardener helps us prepare our soil for spring planting.
Johnson Publishing Company Leaves Behind Rich Legacy
After 77 years, the founding company of Ebony and Jet magazines will soon cease to exist. We talk with two former writers and editors about the history and legacy of Johnson Publishing.
Astronomers Take First-Ever Picture of a Black Hole
Ever since Einstein’s theory of relativity first predicted them, black holes have captured the imagination of the public and scientists alike. We speak with two local astrophysicists about this scientific breakthrough.
Neil Shubin Hunts Fossils in Antarctic ‘Graveyard’
Renowned University of Chicago paleontologist Neil Shubin recently returned from an expedition to search for fossils in Antarctica. He tells us about his trip.
Economists Differ on Prospects for City, State Under Progressive Agenda
With Gov. J.B. Pritzker seeking a state graduated income tax and Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot rethinking tax subsidies for controversial city projects, two economists offer their take on the local and national economy.
Melissa Conyears-Ervin Easily Wins City Treasurer Runoff
State Rep. Melissa Conyears-Ervin on Tuesday easily defeated 47th Ward Ald. Ameya Pawar in the runoff election for city treasurer. She joins us to discuss her victory and plans for the office.
