Stories by Marc Vitali
John Mahoney, Francis Guinan Talk ‘The Rembrandt’ at Steppenwolf
| Marc Vitali
The veteran actors join us to discuss a new show opening Sept. 7 at Steppenwolf Theatre.
Historical Happy Hour: A Toast to Emma Goldman
| Erica Gunderson
Emma Goldman was an anarchist, feminist and freethinker at a time when just talking about birth control was enough to get you imprisoned.
Solar House Built in Chicago Heads to Energy Competition in Denver
| Alex Ruppenthal
Northwestern University students spent more than a year designing and building a fully solar-powered home that will soon be part of an international competition organized by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Rick Telander Pledges Brain to Concussion Research
| Paul Caine
The Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist, a former college football player, joins Carol Marin to discuss football safety, concussions and his recent decision to donate his brain to science.
Obama Library Construction Bids Must Include Minority, Local Enterprises
| Kristen Thometz
Construction management teams bidding for a leading role in the Obama Presidential Center must commit to specific diversity and inclusion goals, the Obama Foundation announced Thursday.
A Fresh Look at the Colossal Photography Archive at Columbia College
| Marc Vitali
Curators and students at Columbia College Chicago have devised a way to get viewers to reimagine the meaning of a photograph.
Feds Sign Off on Illinois’ Education Accountability Plan
| Matt Masterson
Days after state legislators approved a historic education funding reform bill, Illinois has now received a green light to begin implementing another new system to keep school districts accountable.
Jim Durkin on School Funding Reform and Other Battles
| Alexandra Silets
The Illinois House Republican leader speaks with Carol Marin about the school funding compromise and other battles in Springfield.
With Education Funding Reform Comes a Squeeze for Chicago Taxpayers
| Brandis Friedman
Exactly how much more money can Chicago homeowners expect to pay to fund Chicago teacher pensions?
Guitar Artistry from Local Masters Fareed Haque and Goran Ivanovic
| Marc Vitali
Two of Chicago’s most celebrated guitar players join us in conversation and performance.
Chicago Booth Review Explores How to Create Middle-Class Jobs
| Anne Strother
The economy is adding jobs and unemployment is low, yet nearly 15 million Americans are on the hunt for full-time work. We discuss the job market with a Chicago Booth Review editor.
‘Chicago Food Encyclopedia’ Digs into City’s Culinary Quirks
| Evan Garcia
A new book examines the city’s history and culture through a culinary lens, from Chicago originals to products and companies, restaurants, trends and beyond.
The Spectacular Art World of Takashi Murakami
| Marc Vitali
The MCA celebrates its 50th anniversary with an exhibition by a colorful contemporary artist.
Judge: Illinois Should Deny Ameren Bid to Trim Energy Savings Target
| Alex Ruppenthal
The Illinois Commerce Commission has until mid-September to rule on a downstate utility provider’s energy efficiency plan, which consumer advocates say would cost residents nearly 30 percent in savings on utility bills and jeopardize 7,000 jobs.
What Will Tax Credit Scholarships Mean for Illinois?
Inside Illinois’ plan and how other states run the controversial program
| Matt Masterson
What role should the state have in private school education? A look at Illinois’ plan and how other states run the controversial program.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Labor Day Edition
| Rebecca Palmore
Summer festivals, outdoor movies, an African marketplace and jazz musicians usher in the holiday weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Developments in Court Oversight for the Chicago Police Department
| Brandis Friedman
Chicago has taken its first step toward having judicial oversight of its efforts to reform the Police Department, but not with the federal government. It’s doing it with the state of Illinois.
‘Historic’ Education Funding Bill Heads to Gov. Rauner
| Amanda Vinicky
The Illinois Senate has passed a new education funding measure that Gov. Bruce Rauner said he will sign into law.
School Funding Reform: House Members Talk About Dramatic Vote
| Alexandra Silets
It took three roll call votes Monday before an education funding bill passed in the Illinois House. In the end, there was still division on both sides of the aisle. We speak to lawmakers who voted for and against the measure.
BGA: Public Should Pay Attention to Labor Union Contract Negotiations
| Evan Garcia
After 10 years, the city and labor unions are preparing for a new round of contract negotiations. What you should know about the process.
‘Left Boob Gone Rogue’ an Insightful, Humorous Blog About Breast Cancer
| WTTW News
Meet the Chicago physician who writes about her personal experiences dealing with breast cancer.
PETA Activist From Chicago Wears Lettuce Bikini on Streets of Europe
| Alex Ruppenthal
As part of PETA’s eye-catching “Lettuce Ladies” campaign, South Elgin native Mysti Lee travels the globe promoting animal rights.
State Says Asian Carp Plan Too Expensive, Activists Say ‘Don’t Wait’
| Elizabeth Brackett
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers says the best place to stop Asian carp from getting into the Great Lakes is the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet. But the state says the plan is too expensive for Illinois taxpayers and the shipping industry.
New Law Requires Food Allergen Safety Training for Restaurants
| Kristen Thometz
Illinois joins a handful of states that require restaurants to provide some form of food allergen awareness and safety training. Learn about the new rules.
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