The world is closer to global catastrophe today than at any point since World War II, according to a group of international nuclear and climate scientists.
Stories by Quinn Myers
At The WasteShed, One Person’s Trash is Another’s Inspiration
When it comes to recycling, Chicago doesn’t have the best track record. But one nonprofit on the city’s West Side is working to change that – and in the process, offer a wide range of art supplies and materials at an affordable price.
Development Freeze Aims to Slow Displacement Near 606 Trail
Chicago’s popular 606 trail has led to skyrocketing property values in the surrounding area. Several aldermen now say they want to hit pause on some development because it’s leading to displacement of longtime residents. But the plan has its critics.
Illinois Lawmakers Spar over Property Tax Relief
A bipartisan task force was established last spring to tackle the issue of the state’s high property taxes. But that task force is now being attacked by Republicans, who say their ideas and contributions have been ignored. Is that the case?
Ask Geoffrey: Chicago Tribune – The Original Google?
Before search engines and Wikipedia, where could Chicagoans go when they needed to know something fast? Geoffrey Baer serves up the story of a popular information service.
New Collection of ‘Climate Fiction’ Explores the World in 2040
What will the world look like in 20 years if climate change goes unchecked? That’s the premise of “2040 A.D.,” a new collection of short stories that fall under an emerging literary genre known as climate fiction.
Secretary of State Jesse White Talks Tumblers, Real ID and More
This month marks the 60th anniversary of one of Chicago’s most popular performance groups: the Jesse White Tumblers. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White joins in conversation to discuss that group, the Real ID rollout and more.
Hundreds of Thousands Could Lose Food Stamps Under Federal Rule Change
A Trump administration rule change could leave almost 700,000 people without food stamp benefits by mid-2020. How those changes could impact Illinois residents.
Deputy Gov. Dan Hynes on Pension Consolidation, Ongoing Funding Woes
Earlier this month, the Illinois legislature voted to consolidate almost 650 suburban and downstate police and fire pension funds into just two. How exactly will it impact the state’s beleaguered finances?
The Shifting Political Messaging of Impeachment
How has the impeachment testimony of former National Security Council adviser Fiona Hill and other witnesses impacted political messaging on both sides of the aisle? Jason DeSanto, a senior lecturer at Northwestern’s Pritzker School of Law, weighs in.
New Book Critiques the ‘Myth of Journalistic Objectivity’
For decades, the concept of journalistic objectivity has been a central value of the mainstream news media. But does objectivity actually exist? And if so, who and what does its pursuit serve? Author Lewis Raven Wallace joins us to discuss “The View from Somewhere.”
Ask Geoffrey: The Oliver Typewriter Company
Geoffrey Baer shares the story behind a unique Chicago-made typewriter and the ornate 1907 building that served as its headquarters.
Housing Department Launches Affordability Task Force
For the first time in over a decade, Chicago has a stand-alone Department of Housing dedicated to providing affordable options for city residents. How that department plans to increase affordable housing and fight segregation.
How Can Data Inform Violence Prevention Efforts in Chicago?
Northwestern sociology professor Andrew Papachristos has a striking idea when it comes to thinking about shootings in Chicago. He and local advocate Franklin Cosey-Gay tell us about their work with data and research.
Temperatures in Chicago Expected to Hit Record Lows Overnight
While it’s still technically fall for another six weeks, you wouldn’t know it by looking outside. WGN meteorologist Demetrius Ivory tells us what’s ahead.
Ask Geoffrey: The ‘Big Shot’ at the Museum of Science and Industry
Today, taking a picture is as easy as a single click on a phone. But for many years, the process was much more intricate and time-consuming. Geoffrey Baer shines some light on the now largely forgotten event.
Congestion Plan or Regressive Tax? A Debate Over Ride-Hailing Fee Hikes
If you rely on ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft to get around Chicago, your fare could soon be higher. How a fee hike could impact Chicagoans – and the city.
Chicago Aldermen React to Budget Proposal, Teachers Strike
Mayor Lightfoot laid out her plan to resolve the city’s massive deficit, but any final budget will require the support of aldermen. Weighing in on that and more: Alds. Scott Waguespack, Ray Lopez and Jason Ervin.
New Play Brings Lenny Bruce Back to Life … and to Chicago
Lenny Bruce has been called one of the most influential comedians of all time. Joe Montegna and Ronnie Marmo give us a sneak peek into their one-man play about the controversial comedian, which opens this week in Chicago.
High Water Levels in Lake Michigan Could Remain Though Early 2020
With near record high water levels, Lake Michigan swallowed up beaches, piers and sidewalks across Chicago and the region this summer. An Army Corps forecast shows those levels may persist into next year.
CTU President: Lightfoot Spreading ‘Falsehoods’ About Negotiations
As Day One of the teacher strike ended, Chicago Teachers Union leadership strongly criticized claims made by Mayor Lori Lightfoot that the union lacked urgency to end the work stoppage.
‘Southern Exposure’ Expands Chicago’s Architectural Canon
In his new book, architecture critic and photographer Lee Bey highlights visually striking and culturally significant sites on Chicago’s South Side that have gone mostly overlooked, he says.
Ask Geoffrey: Sites to See at Open House Chicago
More than 350 buildings open their doors to the public this weekend. Geoffrey Baer takes us behind the scenes of several unique buildings featured as part of Open House Chicago.
Chicago Marathon Director Carey Pinkowski Reflects on Evolution of Race
On Sunday, the Chicago Marathon will host around 45,000 participants and an estimated 1.7 million spectators across the city. For 30 years, Carey Pinkowski has been at the helm of the massive event.
Teachers Union Leaders Defend Equity Demands in Contract Negotiations
The Chicago Teachers Union has insisted that its next contract with the city include not just raises for teachers, but a host of other commitments. But with a possible strike looming, will those demands hold up?
