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.
Stories by Quinn Myers
Bud Billiken Parade Celebrates 90 Years on the South Side
Every second weekend in August, a stretch of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Bronzeville is taken over by one of the largest parades in the country. We talk legacy and tradition with parade organizer Myiti Sengstacke-Rice.
Tax Credit Extension Aims to Cement Film Industry’s Local Foothold
Chicago has become a major player in attracting TV and film productions of all shapes and sizes. The heads of the Illinois and Chicago film offices discuss the role a tax credit extension plays in getting productions made locally.
Puerto Rican Community Leaders Discuss Island’s Political Future
After weeks of protests and demonstrations calling for his resignation, Puerto Rican Gov. Ricardo Rosselló is expected to step down Friday. How local Puerto Rican communities are responding to the political uncertainty.
Ask Geoffrey: What’s the ‘Polish Cathedral’ Architectural Style?
When driving along the Kennedy Expressway, you may have noticed massive churches that seem to almost line up with the curves and bends of the highway. Geoffrey Baer explains.
Eve L. Ewing Explores Race Riots in New Poetry Collection ‘1919’
A new book by local poet and sociologist Eve L. Ewing investigates the legacy of the 1919 Chicago race riots through poetry, blending verse with historical text and archival photos.
Planned Parenthood on Abortion Access, Reproductive Health Care
Jennifer Welch, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Illinois, discusses the impact of new federal restrictions on reproductive health care.
New Documentary Revisits Chicago’s ‘Deadliest Day’
The 1915 tragedy that left more than 800 people dead in downtown Chicago is the subject of a new documentary. Meet the producers of “Eastland: Chicago’s Deadliest Day.”
Illinois Faces Challenges in Reaching Renewable Energy Goals
By 2025, at least 25% of the Illinois’ energy must come from renewable sources, like wind or solar. But projections by the Illinois Power Agency find that without changes to current policy, the state could fall short.
New PBS Kids Show Breaks Ground With Help from a Chicago Writer
“Molly of Denali” is making headlines as the first national children’s series to feature a Native American lead character. We speak with Chicago-based writer and actor June Thiele, who’s contributing to the show.
Chicago Public Transit Leaders Talk Influx of State Funding
The CTA, Metra and Pace might be running a little more efficiently going forward. After a 10-year drought, Chicago’s public transit system is set to receive billions in state capital funding.
First Black Female AMA President Talks Policy, Health Equity
Meet Dr. Patrice Harris, the new leader of the Chicago-based American Medical Association, the country’s largest association of doctors and medical students.
Chicago Corruption Walking Tour Begins Final Season
A Chicago walking tour enters its final season of investigating the city’s corrupt past – and present. Local journalist Paul Dailing, who started the tour in 2016, join us in discussion.
Geoffrey Baer Reflects on Frank Lloyd Wright World Heritage Designation
Eight buildings by famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Geoffrey Baer walks us through the designation and the Wright sites.
County Commission Hopes to Increase 2020 Census Participation
A look at what Cook County is doing to help ensure a full and accurate census count in 2020 – with our without a citizenship question.
US Women’s World Cup Title Prompts Celebrations, Questions About Pay
The U.S. women’s national soccer team wins its fourth World Cup, defeating the Netherlands 2-0 on Sunday. The victory is sparking conversations about gender discrimination and the wide pay disparity between female and male athletes.
Ask Geoffrey: Did a Crosstown Baseball Series in 1901 Actually Happen?
Geoffrey Baer investigates an early attempt at a Chicago baseball crosstown classic – that may or may not have actually happened.
Electric Scooters Are Popular in Chicago, but Safety Concerns Linger
For the past two weeks, electric scooters have been zipping around Chicago’s West Side. An update on how the pilot program is going.
Digital Outlet The Triibe Launches Print Guide to Black Chicago
In 2017, digital news publication The Triibe launched with the goal of reshaping the media narrative of black Chicago. Now, the outlet is venturing into print media with the release of the 2019 Triibe Guide.
Chosen Few House Music Festival Returns to Jackson Park
Alan King and Tony Hatchett talk about their annual house music festival on the city’s South Side – and its power to bring people together.
Chicago Remains in Limbo as Trump Stalls Immigration Raids
Could Chicago see an uptick in immigration raids as President Donald Trump spars with Congress over border funding?
Blackhawks Executives Plot a Return to Glory
Blackhawks top draft pick Kirby Dock wants to help bring the Stanley Cup back to Chicago. Hawks executives John McDonough and Stan Bowman tell us how they plan to make that happen.
Endangered Baby Rhino Makes First Public Appearance
“Our new rhino calf is thriving. He is exceeding all of our expectations,” said Mike Murray of Lincoln Park Zoo. “He’s a pretty incredible little guy that, just behaviorally, is doing everything a rhino calf should.”
Ready or Not, Electric Scooters Arrive on Chicago’s West Side
Dockless electric scooters – 2,500 of them – arrive in Chicago as the city launches its pilot program, but will riders stay safe?
‘Chicago Tonight’ Host Brandis Friedman Goes on Maternity Leave
Brandis Friedman will be off the air for the next few weeks as she welcomes a new addition to her family. The “Chicago Tonight” host and correspondent has been with WTTW since 2013.
