Southside Recycling has long planned a move to the Southwest Side. But last week, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency asked Mayor Lori Lightfoot to conduct an environmental justice assessment in the community before allowing the company to operate.
Stories by quinn myers
Ask Geoffrey: Remembering Helmut Jahn
German architect Helmut Jahn died Saturday after being struck by a car while riding a bicycle in the western suburbs. Geoffrey Baer takes a look at Jahn’s work and his legacy in a special edition of Ask Geoffrey.
What’s Driving the Chicago Area’s Red-Hot Housing Market?
The number of local home sales has skyrocketed, driving prices in the Chicago metro area to all-time highs. That’s translated into lightning-fast turnover as people put their homes up for sale — as well as a decline in inventory.
Ask Geoffrey: Logan Square’s Norske Club
What can an apartment building that once hosted royalty tell us about Chicago’s Norwegian American community? Geoffrey Baer has the story of this former social club designed by a pair of famous Chicago architects.
The Secret Behind Some of Illinois’ Most Celebrated Honey
Illinois is known for growing corn and soybeans, but there’s another local crop some say is ready for its close up: honey. We visit a bee farm just north of Chicago that has become one of the most celebrated in the entire state.
History Museum Picks Chicago Native Donald Lassere as Next President
After helming the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville for many years, the South Side native has returned to the city to lead the Chicago History Museum. Donald Lassere joins us to talk about expanding the museum’s mission to all of Chicago.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Navy Pier
Chicago is loosening its pandemic restrictions. As part of our community reporting series, we spend the day reporting in and around Navy Pier as it begins a phased reopening.
City Releases Video of Police Shooting, But Questions Remain
There are still many unknowns about the fatal police shooting of Anthony Alvarez on March 31, including why he was stopped by law enforcement in the first place.
Dr. Allison Arwady on Chicago’s Declining Virus Cases, Vaccination Rates
Vaccine rollout resumes at Loretto Hospital on West Side
Chicago’s top doctor talks about the resumption of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the latest updates on the Loretto Hospital scandal, declining infection rates in Chicago and more.
After Chauvin Verdict, Chicago Activists Renew Push for Police Accountability
In Chicago, some are calling for new limits to the police department’s foot pursuit policy after an officer shot and killed 13-year-old Adam Toledo last month. And a coalition of groups are pushing an ordinance that would establish broad civilian oversight of Chicago police.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Bridgeport
For the first time since 2019, fans are back at Guaranteed Rate Field to watch the White Sox in person. As part of our community reporting series, we visit the area to see how fans are settling in — and how the area is faring one year into the pandemic.
As Vaccine Eligibility Expands In Illinois, Equity Hurdles Remain
In recent months, the percentage of Black and Latino Chicagoans who have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine has increased significantly, in part through the city’s priority zip code program. But hurdles remain in getting shots to every community, especially as COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise.
New COVID-19 Wave Could Threaten Tourism Comeback
The CDC says fully vaccinated people can now travel safely, but what does a new COVID-19 surge mean for the summer vacation season?
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Wrigleyville
The Cubs may have lost their 2021 home opener, but fans consider it a win. For the first time since 2019, some 10,000 people were able to watch the game inside of Wrigley Field. We have this look at all things opening day as part of our community reporting series.
Box Boom: Record 2020 Leads to Lingering Fallout for Corrugated Packaging Industry
The pandemic has led to a surge in demand for all kinds of shipping materials — especially corrugated boxes, commonly used for e-commerce items and many other goods. We explore how the “box boom” is being felt across the region.
How Chicago’s Faith Communities Are Preparing for Passover and Easter During the Pandemic – Again
For the second year in a row, Chicago’s Jewish and Christian communities are preparing to celebrate Passover and Easter amid the COVID-19 pandemic. For some, that means coming together with friends and loved ones over Zoom. For others, it will be a mix of online worship and in-person celebration.
Ask Geoffrey: GAR Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center
A piece of Civil War history is being restored in one of Chicago’s most well-known public buildings. But what was it doing there in the first place? Geoffrey Baer has the answer.
Dr. Allison Arwady on Updated Vaccine Timelines in Chicago and Illinois
Chicago’s top doctor explains what the state’s latest vaccine announcement means for Chicago residents.
Cook County’s Dr. Rachel Rubin on the Vaccine Rollout in Chicago’s Suburbs
Chicago is pushing ahead with plans to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines and President Joe Biden has asked states to make all adults vaccine-eligible by May 1. But local governments say further expansion is entirely dependent on vaccine supply.
Comptroller Susana Mendoza on What the COVID-19 Stimulus Means for Illinois
Echoing statements made by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the state’s comptroller says stimulus funds will first go toward paying back the billions Illinois borrowed from the Federal Reserve early in the pandemic last year.
Ask Geoffrey: Chicago’s Old Passenger Rail Stations
Chicago’s old passenger railroad stations for decades acted as the city’s front door, where people from all over the country arrived seeking out a better life – or just the thrills of the big city. Geoffrey Baer takes us back to the golden age of rail travel.
After a Record 2020, Chicago Bike Shops and Cycling Groups Gear Up for Another Busy Season
Chicago bike shops say they’ve never experienced anything quite like 2020. Sales skyrocketed as the pandemic forced more and more people to exercise and commute outdoors. But the surge in demand, on top of supply chain issues, led to lingering shortages still being felt in Chicago’s cycling community.
Ask Geoffrey: The Hawthorn Mellody Dairy Farm
What does a 20th century electricity baron have to do with a spitting llama at a suburban petting zoo? Geoffrey Baer is here with the story of the Hawthorn Mellody dairy farm in this week’s Ask Geoffrey.
Dr. Arwady: Chicago May See J&J Vaccine ‘As Soon as Next Week’
Chicago could start receiving Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in early March, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said Wednesday.
Biden, Democrats Push to Raise Federal Minimum Wage to $15
The latest COVID-19 relief bill could come up for a vote in Congress as early as next week, but a key Democratic priority might be on the chopping block. We explore the potential impact of raising the minimum wage.
Ask Geoffrey: Snow, Snow, Snow
A collective groan may or may not have been heard around Chicago when the city awoke to find it was snowing — again. Geoffrey Baer explains how this recent blast of snowy weather stacks up against Chicago’s most infamous winter storms.
