Stories by Marc Vitali
Taking Flight with 30 Years of the Illinois Butterfly Network
We peek behind the scenes at an exotic butterfly sanctuary in Chicago, and learn how volunteers help scientists track butterfly populations.
Radio Host Delilah Returns to Chicago Airwaves
After a recent break from radio, the self-described “Queen of Sappy Love Songs” is back. Delilah joins us in discussion.
CPS Promises Change to ‘Unacceptable’ School Cleanliness Levels
Chicago Public Schools officials say they’re focused on getting their school buildings cleaned after a recent round of inspections revealed “troubling and concerning” issues.
CPS Hopes to Repair Community Trust After Special Education Issues
Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson is asking for community support as the district attempts to fix “systemic problems” with its special education programming.
At Nearly 7 Feet, Corpse Flower Spike Sets Botanic Garden Record
Remember Spike the corpse flower? The plant made famous in 2015 for being the first of its kind to (nearly) bloom in Chicago is on the comeback trail – and climbing to new heights.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: April 26-29
A unique shopping fair, craft cocktails, irreverent improv and films about furry friends usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Ask Geoffrey: What Happened to ‘Chicago’s Most Famous Restaurant’?
What became of the Loop restaurant where Mayor Richard J. Daley had his power breakfasts? Geoffrey Baer has the story.
Northwestern Project to Study What Local News Readers Want
With local news facing staff cuts and shrinking content, can a new project at Northwestern University be the lifeline it needs?
Illinois’ Budget Impasse Leads to ‘Out of Control’ Interest Payments
Illinois may have a budget (for another few months anyway), but the two-year stalemate continues to put a drag on the state’s finances.
Ja’Mal Green: 22-Year-Old Activist Sets Sights on City Hall
The community organizer and entrepreneur is making history as the youngest candidate to run for mayor. A conversation with Ja’Mal Green.
State Sen. Sam McCann Challenging Primary Winners in Governor’s Race
There’s a new candidate in the race for governor. A conversation with state Sen. Sam McCann.
‘The Fox Hunt’ a Story of 4 Strangers, 3 Faiths and 1 Remarkable Escape
A refugee’s harrowing escape from war-torn Yemen is also a remarkable story of interfaith cooperation.
Brookfield Zoo Performs CT Scan on 2,300-Pound Black Rhinoceros
Hoping to identify the source of an infection, veterinarians performed what is thought to be the first ever CT scan on a rhinoceros.
Illinois Woman’s Death Linked to Synthetic Marijuana Use
Synthetic cannabinoid use has now been linked to four deaths in Illinois since late March, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Chicago-Style Magic Reappears in Andersonville
Chicago has a style of magic? It does. We check out a North Side lounge that aims to recreate the spirit of Chicago-style close-up magic.
Michael Madigan Wins 6th Term as Head of Illinois’ Democratic Party
He first became head of the Democratic Party of Illinois in 1998. Despite his longevity, House Speaker Michael Madigan isn’t a beloved figure.
Downtown to O’Hare in 32 Minutes: On Board a Little-Used Metra Line
While talk of building a new express train to O’Hare heats up, we explore a little-known line that already goes there.
Chicago Cellist Ifetayo Ali-Landing, 15, Makes Symphony Center Debut
The young musician joins us in conversation and performance ahead of her Chicago professional debut with the Chicago Sinfonietta next month.
Russians Hacking Routers in the US and UK, Officials Warn
Government officials from the U.S. and the United Kingdom warn that Russian hackers are targeting consumer and business routers. How to protect your devices.
Dorothy Brown Announces 2nd Bid for Chicago Mayor
The Cook County circuit court clerk talks about her surprise run for mayor of Chicago.
Study: Gene Therapy for Blood Disorder Ends Need for Transfusions
A rare blood disorder called thalassemia requires regular blood transfusions, but gene therapy may change that, according to a new study.
‘Don’t Panic’: Chicago Officials Hope to Save Lives With Safe Haven Law
April is “Save Abandoned Babies Month” in Illinois. Chicago police and fire officials hope to raise awareness of the state’s safe haven law in the hopes of saving infant lives.
Illinois Gets Huge Donation for Synthetic Cannabinoids Treatment
How a donation of nearly 800,000 tablets of vitamin K can help treat severe bleeding related to the use of synthetic cannabinoids.
Adler to Honor NASA Volcanologist With Women in Space Science Award
A conversation with NASA research scientist Rosaly Lopes, who will be recognized this week at an event celebrating women in space science.
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