Stories by Quinn Myers
‘The Chicago Neighborhood Guidebook’ Offers a Democratic View of the City
| Quinn Myers
When you hear the word “guidebook,” you may think of restaurant reviews and tourist attractions. But a new take on the concept introduces readers to the city through the personal stories and experiences of its residents.
Crème Sheri Brings a Big Personality to All Things Jazz
| Marc Vitali
When there’s a jazz band on stage, there’s often an artist in the crowd. We visit a Chicagoan who obsessively draws the area’s jazz scene.
Humans Have Been Altering the Planet for at Least 3,000 Years, Study Finds
| Alex Ruppenthal
Humans in many areas of the world were farming, burning forests, grazing their animals and causing major changes to the environment some 1,000 years earlier than previously thought.
September 9, 2019 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Sept. 9, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”
Disability Rights Community Mourns Loss of Pioneer Marca Bristo
| Amanda Vinicky
Marca Bristo died from cancer Sunday morning, according to Chicago’s Access Living, the organization she founded in 1980. She was 66 years old.
UChicago Among Top 10 ‘Best Colleges’ in 2020 Rankings from US News
| Matt Masterson
The Hyde Park university maintained its position as one of top institutions in the nation – and the best in Illinois – according to the just-released 2020 rankings from U.S. News and World Report.
Sen. Durbin Calls on FDA Commissioner to Act on Vaping Epidemic or Resign
| Kristen Thometz
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is calling on Food and Drug Administration Acting Commissioner Ned Sharpless to take “decisive action” against the vaping epidemic that has claimed five lives or resign.
Looking to Hire 30,000, Amazon Plans Nationwide Job Fairs
| Associated Press
Amazon said the hiring events will take place Sept. 17 in six locations where it thinks it can find the strongest talent: Arlington, Virginia — where it’s building a second headquarters; Boston; Chicago; Dallas; Nashville, Tennessee; and its hometown of Seattle.
US Health Officials Report New Vaping Deaths, Repeat Warning
| Associated Press
Officials have identified about 450 possible cases, including as many as five deaths, in 33 states. The count includes newly reported deaths in California, Indiana and Minnesota.
Trial to Begin in 9-Year-Old’s Killing That Shocked Chicago
| Associated Press
Jury selection will begin Friday in the murder trial of two of three men charged with carrying out the November 2015 attack on Tyshawn Lee, a smart fourth-grader who prosecutors say was killed by gang members to send a message to his father, a purported member of a rival gang.
The Week in Review: Sterigenics Ruling, Bears Flop
| Alexandra Silets
A judge rules Sterigenics can reopen. The mayor hears "no new property taxes" at her first budget town hall meeting. Elected officials spar over city violence. And the Bears blow the 100th season opener.
Broadband Access Key to Expanding Telehealth in Illinois Communities
| Kristen Thometz
Telehealth, or the virtual delivery of health-related services, is on the rise. State and federal officials gave an update on investments supporting expansion of such services at an annual conference, including a $420 million expansion of broadband services in Illinois.
Head of Suburban Autism Center Charged in $3M Fraud Scheme
| Matt Masterson
Latrice Harrell, executive director of The Champion Center for Autism Inc., faces the possibility of decades in prison after allegedly submitting $3 million in fraudulent insurance claims over the course of three years.
Judge: Drugmakers, Others Can Face Trial Over Opioids Crisis
| Associated Press
A federal judge overseeing litigation related to the nation’s opioid epidemic ruled Tuesday that lawsuits targeting Purdue Pharma and other drug companies can move to trial even as the OxyContin maker tries to reach a settlement.
‘The Band’s Visit’ Captures the Special Magic of an Unexpected Encounter
| Hedy Weiss
Expect no flashy spectacle, lavish dance numbers or any of the other standard ingredients of Broadway musicals. But be assured that “The Band’s Visit” – now making a brief stop at the Cadillac Palace Theatre as part of its national tour – comes with its very own unique magic.
Bears’ Offense Struggles in Opening Loss to Packers
| Associated Press
Mitchell Trubisky and the Chicago Bears were shut down by the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night, losing 10-3 in an ugly NFL opener that showered cold water on any championship dreams in the Windy City.
Study Shows ‘Clear Evidence of Rising Rents’ Near Obama Center Site
| Amanda Vinicky
Former President Barack Obama’s planned presidential center is still years from opening, but a new report suggests it may already be having an effect on the surrounding neighborhoods.
‘The Founders’ Art Project Connects Communities Along CTA Green Line
| Angel Idowu
An interpretation of Chicago’s founders has been floating across the city in an effort to connect communities from Austin to Englewood. We explore the Floating Museum’s Cultural Transit Assembly.
CPS CEO Janice Jackson on a Possible Teachers Strike and the School Year Ahead
| Nick Blumberg
The Chicago Teachers Union on Wednesday set a date for a strike authorization vote. It’s the latest turn in what’s been a contentious round of contract negotiations. CPS CEO Janice Jackson discusses that and more.
Naperville City Council Says ‘No’ to Legal Sale of Marijuana – For Now
| Tonia Hill
Marijuana sales for recreational use will be legal in Illinois come January, but not all cities in the state are on board. Two Naperville City Council members join us to discuss how that city is handling the change.
What Congestion Pricing Could Look Like in Chicago
| Quinn Myers
In her “State of the City” speech last week, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she wants to reduce traffic congestion in the city – and make money in the process. Could congestion pricing come to Chicago?
UChicago Podcast Strives to Bridge the Civil-Military Divide
| Nicole Cardos
How much do service members and civilians interact? Some say not enough. But a new podcast out of the University of Chicago aims to change that.
Restoring Artwork and Treasures at a Chicago Conservation Lab
| Marc Vitali
We visit The Conservation Center, the country’s largest private conservation lab, for a look at how they are rejuvenating an artful piece of Chinese history.
Parents Sound Alarm on Vaping After Daughter’s Near-Death Experience
| Kristen Thometz
“We hope that our daughter’s life-threatening ordeal can serve as a warning to parents and teens alike. Vaping is dangerous and can kill you,” said Ruby Johnson, whose daughter, Piper, was hospitalized for a week after vaping.
Bus Driver Fired, CTA Sued After Cyclist Struck by Bus in River North
| Nick Blumberg
A Chicago Transit Authority bus driver who racked up more than a dozen traffic tickets before working at the agency is out of a job and facing a lawsuit, along with his former employer, following a nonfatal June crash that sent a Chicago cyclist to the hospital.
September 5, 2019 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Sept. 5, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”
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