Stories by Crystin Immel
Bears Look to Jump-Start Offense Against Chargers
| Crystin Immel
Is there a spark of life yet in the Bears? Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams previews the team’s matchup with the Chargers on Sunday.
Former Tattoo Artist Leaves Indelible Marks on Canvas
| Marc Vitali
George Klauba is back on the scene, but he no longer inks people. These days, he’s an acclaimed painter sought after by collectors locally and abroad. And his new series of paintings features tattoo art.
2nd Illinois Resident Dies from Vaping-Related Illness
| Kristen Thometz
Two Illinois residents are among 34 individuals across the country who have died after experiencing serious vaping-related illnesses since March, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Illinois Appeals Federal Decision Denying Flood Assistance for Residents, Businesses
| Alex Ruppenthal
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is asking the federal government to reconsider its decision to deny monetary aid to residents and businesses affected by near-record levels of flooding that hit Illinois this spring.
NIH Awards DePaul University $6.6M for Violence Prevention Research
| Kristen Thometz
Ninth-grade students in select Chicago Public Schools will learn how to recognize and cope with stress as part of a DePaul University-led violence prevention research project funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.
‘Andares’ a Powerfully Imagined Homage to Mexico’s Indigenous Cultures
| Hedy Weiss
The show’s three exceptionally graceful, expressive actors – each of them powerful solo players – form a seamless bond that is beautiful to behold. They are at once passionate artists and fierce cultural warriors.
Chicago Cubs Hire David Ross to Replace Maddon as Manager
| Associated Press
The Cubs on Thursday announced a three-year deal with former catcher David Ross, who becomes the 55th manager in club history.
CPS on Teachers Strike: ‘This Cannot Go Into Next Week’
| Matt Masterson
The ongoing Chicago teachers strike has already cost students six days of classes. But with upcoming deadlines for students prepping for college, Chicago Public Schools leaders are expressing a sense of urgency in getting students back into school.
Chaotic Scene as Republicans Disrupt Impeachment Deposition
| Associated Press
Republicans briefly brought the Democrat-led impeachment investigation to a halt when around two dozen GOP House members stormed into a closed-door deposition with a Defense Department official.
Spotlight Politics: Federal Probe Circling Closer to Speaker Madigan
| Amanda Vinicky
The powerful Illinois House speaker is named in a federal subpoena. Our politics team tackles that story and Mayor Lightfoot’s budget proposal in our weekly roundtable.
Striking CPS Teachers, Staff Take Message to City Hall
| Brandis Friedman
Tens of thousands of protesters rallied and marched on city streets outside City Hall on Wednesday morning as Mayor Lori Lightfoot delivered her first budget address.
Professional Mediator Offers Tips for Better Negotiations
| WTTW News
As the city and the Chicago Teachers Union try to hammer out a contract agreement, we explore common strategies and pitfalls in any negotiation with professional mediator Teresa Frisbie.
Chicago Aldermen React to Budget Proposal, Teachers Strike
| Quinn Myers
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.
Congress Grills Zuckerberg on Facebook’s Digital Currency Plans
| Evan Garcia
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg faced tough questions Wednesday from members of Congress about his social media platform’s digital currency project. We discuss the billionaire tech entrepreneur’s plans for Libra.
Crain’s Headlines: Bill Daley Leaves Bank of New York Mellon
| WTTW News
Bill Daley has left Bank of New York Mellon after less than six months as vice chairman. He started there following his loss in Chicago’s mayoral election earlier this year.
Police Union Leaders Issue Vote of No Confidence in Eddie Johnson
| Matt Masterson
Leaders from Chicago’s Fraternal Order of Police are criticizing Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, the subject of an ongoing investigation into a driving incident who said this week he plans to skip President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Chicago.
How Scientists Are Turning Plastic Trash into High-Quality Liquids
| Alex Ruppenthal
A team led by several Chicago-area researchers has developed a new method to “upcycle” single-use plastics into a number of commonly used products, such as motor oils, detergents and cosmetics.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Oct. 24-27
| Kristen Thometz
Scaly creatures, a Dia de Los Muertos celebration, graveyard performances and a beer-centric conference usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Lightfoot: No Property Tax Hike If Springfield Chips In
| Paris Schutz
Mayor Lori Lightfoot delivered her first budget address Wednesday at City Hall amid a swirl of protests from striking Chicago Public Schools teachers and support staff outside. How she plans to close the budget gap.
Charges Filed in Northwest Side Carjacking of Vehicle with 2 Kids in Backseat
| Matt Masterson
Two teens and a juvenile are facing multiple felony charges after they allegedly carjacked a woman’s vehicle last week with two children inside it. Police say the children, ages 5 and 2, were found unharmed just blocks away.
US Diplomat: Trump Linked Ukraine Aid to Demand for Probe
| Associated Press
A top U.S. diplomat testified Tuesday that President Donald Trump was holding back military aid for Ukraine unless the country agreed to investigate Democrats and a company linked to Joe Biden’s family.
Police Chief Skipping Trump’s 1st Chicago Visit as President
| Associated Press
President Donald Trump’s appearance next week at a police chiefs conference will be his first visit as president to Chicago, a city he has ridiculed for years. The city’s top cop plans to skip the speech, even though he’s hosting the event.
How CPS Strike is Impacting High School Seniors Applying for College
| Brandis Friedman
There is still no deal between the city and the Chicago Teachers Union, and the strike is raising specific concerns for some high school seniors. Meanwhile, a former teacher-turned-presidential hopeful rallied with the CTU on Tuesday morning.
‘Information Wars’ Author Says US Losing Battle Against Disinformation
| Paul Caine
A former Time editor and State Department official on fighting for truth in the age of disinformation. Richard Stengel tells us about his new book “Information Wars.”
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