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.
Stories by Quinn Myers
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?
Ask Geoffrey: How Did North Lawndale Get Its Name?
As real estate development booms in pockets of the city, it feels like a new neighborhood is introduced every few months. This may seem like a relatively recent phenomenon, but in Chicago, the practice goes back decades. Geoffrey Baer explains.
Chicago Fashion Week Hopes to Put City’s Design Scene on the Map
When you think of the hotbeds of high fashion, New York, Milan and Paris probably all come to mind. That’s something Chicago Fashion Week is hoping to change.
Two Longtime Chicagoans Among 2019 ‘Genius Grant’ Recipients
An urban designer from Chicago and one of the city’s longtime illustrators are among the 2019 MacArthur fellows and recipients of the prestigious “genius grant.”
Naomi Klein on the ‘Burning Case’ for a Green New Deal
Over the past year, a term new to many Americans has entered the political lexicon: the Green New Deal. One early advocate was author Naomi Klein, who joins us to discuss her new book, “On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal.”
Ask Geoffrey: The History of the Art Institute Lions
From the Picasso to the Bean to countless city murals, public art is a vibrant part of Chicago culture. But for over a century, Chicagoans have taken special pride in a pair of sculptures watching over Michigan Avenue. Geoffrey Baer explains.
Deported Army Veteran from Chicago Returns to United States
Miguel Perez came to the U.S. from Mexico as a child, and served in Afghanistan in the early 2000s. After being deported last year, he was pardoned by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and is now back in Chicago. He joins us in discussion.
