Geoffrey Baer on a mysterious lakefront structure in this week's Ask Geoffrey.
Stories by Quinn Myers
Gage Park Latinx Council Opens Cultural Center on Southwest Side
How some Gage Park residents are giving back to their community during the pandemic.
Ask Geoffrey: The Fritz Reuter Monument
Two famous Germans take up permanent residence in Chicago, only to witness the evolution of a West Side neighborhood. Geoffrey Baer goes long on two enduring Humboldt Park statues.
Renée Fleming on Virtual Lyric Concert, Performing During COVID-19
The coronavirus has shuttered concert venues around the world, but that hasn’t stopped artists and musicians from finding new ways to share their work. Soprano Renee Fleming tells us about Lyric’s upcoming concert.
How Illinois Universities Are Handling COVID-19 on Campus
Some college campuses are seeing alarming spikes in the number of COVID-19 cases. Many schools have launched widespread testing efforts, but reports of student parties and gatherings have led to increased restrictions.
Ask Geoffrey: An Identity Crisis For Prudential Plaza?
An iconic Chicago building could soon be facing an identity crisis. Geoffrey Baer has the backstory of a prominent – and sometimes underrated – member of Chicago’s skyline.
Unrest in Kenosha: A Live ‘Chicago Tonight’ Report
Protesters have returned to the streets of Kenosha every day since a police officer shot 29-year-old Jacob Blake seven times. We visit the city to speak with residents and officials about the shooting and unrest that’s followed.
Jeanne Ives Weighs In on Republican Convention, Illinois GOP
As part of our special coverage of the Republican National Convention, we speak with Jeanne Ives, Republican candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 6th District.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: West Ridge
For a time, the ZIP code that comprises much of West Ridge had the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases – but not anymore. The community’s positivity rate is now below the city average.
1,467 New COVID-19 Cases in Illinois, 14 Additional Deaths
The Illinois Department of Public Health on Sunday reported 1,467 new cases of COVID-19 — the 12th day in a row the state reported more than 1,000 new cases in a 24-hour period. In total, the state has seen 181,943 confirmed cases of the virus.
Amid Surge in Homicides and Shootings, CPD Points to Overall Crime Reduction
According to data released by the Chicago Police Department, the city saw 105 homicides in July — an increase of 138% compared to July 2019. Despite that increase, police say overall crime numbers are trending down.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Austin
Bordering the western suburb of Oak Park, community leaders say Austin often grapples with violence and disinvestment – as of late it’s struggled with COVID-19 and an uptick opioid overdoses.
Chicago Tribune Moves Columnists to Reinforce Line Between Opinion and News
How should local newspapers and the media industry at large differentiate between news and opinion? What the Chicago Tribune is doing to clarify its content.
‘Love March’ Showcases ‘Black Joy’ on Chicago’s West Side
Several hundred people participated in a march against gun violence as neighborhoods across Chicago deal with a recent spike in violence — and as the city prepares for an influx of federal agents at the behest of President Trump.
Open Letter Demands Lightfoot, Dart Not Cooperate with Federal Agents Coming to Chicago
A coalition of Chicago-area politicians and community groups issued an open letter Saturday demanding that local officials not cooperate with federal agents being sent to the city by the Trump administration.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Gage Park
Chicago’s Gage Park neighborhood sits in two ZIP codes that have seen some of the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the city.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Hermosa
Much of the neighborhood sits in the 60639 ZIP code, which has seen the most COVID-19 cases in the entire state. How businesses are faring and reopening.
Illinois Democratic Party Endorses Sen. Duckworth for Vice President
A one-on-one discussion with Illinois U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth on the possibility of being Joe Biden’s running mate, the federal response to COVID-19, whether schools should reopen in the fall and more.
The Debate Over Police in Chicago Public Schools
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Public Schools leadership say the decision to remove police officers from schools should lie with individual local school councils. Now, some schools are taking action.
How a Spike in Poor Air Quality is Impacting Chicago’s Most Polluted Neighborhoods
July in Chicago brings scorching summer heat to the city, and often with it, poor air quality.
Former Neo-Nazi Christian Picciolini on Combating the Rise of Extremism
Since 2017, the number of white nationalist hate groups has increased by 55%, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. What’s behind the resurgence? We ask a former skinhead.
Almost a Century Later, a Classic Chicago Beer Makes Its Triumphant Return
When it comes to Midwest brewing, Chicago tends to get overshadowed by neighboring cities. The revival of a popular early Chicago beer aims to prove the sudsy beverage has always been a vital part of the city’s economic and social life.
How Chicago Hotels Are Grappling With a Limited Reopening
Patrons might be flocking back to Chicago’s bars and restaurants in phase four of the state’s reopening plan, but there’s one major industry still waging an uphill battle: hotels.
Illinois Comptroller on COVID-19 Spending, State Budget Deficit
Illinois has spent close to $600 million so far on COVID-19 relief, much of it going to personal protective equipment.
Ald. Brendan Reilly: Chicago Will Still Partially Reopen Wednesday
The city plans to allow outdoor dining, barbershops and limited retail to resume operations Wednesday, more than two months after they were shuttered by COVID-19 and after widespread looting devastated the city.
