Stories by WTTW News
The Week in Review: Rauner Enlists Governors to ‘Thank’ Madigan in Ads
| WTTW News
Gov. Bruce Rauner launches his re-election bid. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle demands 10-percent cuts. And in Springfield, a “bump stock” bill is defeated and sexual harassment allegations emerge.
How CPS is Hoping to Bridge Another Achievement Gap
| Brandis Friedman
High school students who take advanced classes are more likely to enroll in college. But Chicago Public Schools says that not enough minority students are getting access to this more challenging coursework.
Tips for Conserving Water to Prevent Flooding in Chicago
| Alex Ruppenthal
There are more soggy days ahead. Find out how you can help ease the burden on the Chicago River and reduce the risk of flooding.
Scathing Criticism of Trump Fails to Undermine Base Support
| Paul Caine
Blistering attacks against President Donald Trump coming from members of his own party. Local Republicans give us their take on the turmoil dividing Washington.
New Chicago Community Trust CEO ‘Excited About Making Huge Impact’
| Andrea Guthmann
Meet Dr. Helene Gayle, the new CEO of the Chicago Community Trust, and find out what the future holds for this 102-year-old philanthropic organization.
Suburban High School Football in Downward Spiral, Analysis Shows
| Andrea Guthmann
Youth football seems to be taking a hit. We speak with a Daily Herald investigative reporter about steep declines in high school football participation.
Adler Event Explores the Question, ‘Are We Alone in the Universe?’
| Alex Ruppenthal
Viewers on four continents will watch a virtual presentation hosted by Adler Planetarium in early November to learn about the possibility of life on other planets.
‘Bump Stock’ Ban Fails in Illinois House
| Amanda Vinicky
While some gun rights advocates oppose any prohibition on “bump stocks,” others say they’re open to a ban, but that this particular proposal went too far, and was riddled with technical flaws.
UChicago Scientists Develop Tool to Predict Severity of Flu Season
| Kristen Thometz
A new tool developed by University of Chicago scientists could boost public health officials’ ability to predict how severe an upcoming flu season will be.
After Springfield Sexual Harassment Exposed, Legislation on Fast Track
| Amanda Vinicky
The public exposure of a capitol culture rife with groping, lewd jokes and other forms of sexual harassment has legislation intended to help eliminate the behavior on the fast track.
CPD Adds New Predictive Crime Center on West Side
| Matt Masterson
Shootings are down over last year, a trend the Chicago Police Department hopes to continue by expanding its predictive technology.
Caitlin Doughty Wants You to Have a ‘Good Death’
| Nick Blumberg
Mortician, author and death acceptance activist Caitlin Doughty thinks American attitudes toward death are, by and large, “toxic.”
Can William Shatner Help Chicago Land Amazon’s HQ2?
| Eddie Arruza
Chicago’s bid to land Amazon’s much-coveted HQ2 has taken on a sci-fi element.
Breaking the Silence on Sexual Harassment in Springfield and Beyond
| Evan Garcia
Are we seeing a societal sea change when it comes to sexual harassment?
Rauner Rebuked on Vetoes, But Scores a Major Win
| Amanda Vinicky
Illinois legislators on Wednesday dealt Governor Bruce Rauner a series of blows, but the House failed by a single vote to override his veto of a measure that would ban municipalities from creating right-to-work zones.
Trump Declaring Opioid National Emergency Could be ‘Game Changer’
| Matt Masterson
As opioid overdose deaths continue to rise, President Donald Trump on Thursday is expected to declare the ongoing epidemic as a “national emergency.”
Tom Dart, Kim Foxx Warn County Against Steep Budget Cuts
| Paris Schutz
With the repeal of the soda tax, Cook County officials are now searching for ways to erase a $200 million shortfall in next year’s county budget.
Baby Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat Debuts at Brookfield Zoo
| Alex Ruppenthal
One of Brookfield Zoo’s newest tenants recently emerged from her mom’s pouch and can now be seen at the zoo’s Australia House.
Study: Tiny Mammal Survives Winter by Shrinking Skull, Brain
| Paul Caine
University of Chicago paleontologist Neil Shubin returns for another review of stories making headlines in the world of science.
Ask Geoffrey: What Are Those Faces on Michigan Avenue?
| Erica Gunderson
Geoffrey Baer gets eye-to-eye with some sky-high building ornament and gets beneath the surface of a towering metal figure in this week’s edition of Ask Geoffrey.
Author John Feinstein on Golf’s ‘First Major’
| Nick Blumberg
The inside story of American golf greats looking for vindication in one of the game’s top tournaments.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Oct. 26-31
| Rebecca Palmore
Halloween fun, sugar skulls and chocolate treats, vintage treasures and cutting-edge technology usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Lawmakers Could Undergo Sexual Harassment Training
| Amanda Vinicky
An open letter details sexual harassment in state political circles as lawmakers return to Springfield for the fall veto session.
New Guidebook Highlights 111 Unique Chicago Attractions
| Andrea Guthmann
Meet Amy Bizzarri, the author of a new guidebook highlighting the unusual, unknown and often hidden side of Chicago.
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