Stories by Quinn Myers

Supporters argue a new tax structure proposed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker will even the playing field between the wealthy and everyone else. But opponents say it could drive more residents and businesses out of Illinois.

Fulton Market in Chicago’s West Loop is home to some of the city’s trendiest restaurants – and its highest rents. But the area’s history as an economic powerhouse is anything but new. Geoffrey Baer takes us back.

Details on how a proposed Trump administration order could limit the design of future federal buildings.

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.

Signs for Douglas Park on Chicago’s West Side have received an unofficial update in recent weeks: a second “s.” The change comes after years of activisim in North Lawndale to rename the park.

What does a song about a mythical creature have to do with one of Chicago’s most prolific – and unusual – artists? Geoffrey Baer explains.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers are signaling they could be ready to pass legislation that eventually moves the state to 100% renewable energy. A look at how that might happen.

Love it or hate it, the architectural style known as brutalism has left its mark on cities all over the world. So what’s the story of brutalism in Chicago? Geoffrey Baer weighs in.

For decades, the Ramova Theatre has languished in neglect. But after years of neighborhood activism and a new redevelopment proposal, the old movie house could soon be transformed into an updated version of its former self. 

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.  

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.

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?

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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? 

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.

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.” 

Geoffrey Baer shares the story behind a unique Chicago-made typewriter and the ornate 1907 building that served as its headquarters. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.