Stories by Virginia Barreda
Loyola University Men’s Basketball ‘Focused’ Heading into Arch Madness
| Virginia Barreda
Head Coach Porter Moser says the No. 1-ranked team needs to keep its eye on the ball ahead of Friday’s game in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. “We’ve got our work cut out for us and we’ve got to focus in on that.”
Community Leaders Ask CPS Watchdog to Investigate Englewood Plan
| Matt Masterson
As Chicago Public Schools moves to finalize the planned closures of four Englewood high schools, community members are claiming the district “manufactured consent” for the controversial plan.
2018 Primary: Democrats Pin Hopes on 6th District Voters
| Amanda Vinicky
As Democrats aim to retake control of the U.S. House, they’re pinning hope on voters who live in Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. But first, primary voters need to decide who will be the nominee.
Flipping Out in Chicago on National Pancake Day
| Eddie Arruza
Chicago eateries are ready to sate your sweet tooth on National Pancake Day – and any other day of the year. Learn how some of the city’s artisan cakes are made, and get recipes for your own DIY batch.
Illinois Case Could Deal Major Blow to Public Sector Unions
| Nick Blumberg
Janus v AFSCME, a case out of Illinois that’s backed by Gov. Bruce Rauner and conservative donors and activists, aims to do away with fair share fees. We hear from both sides of the issue.
Advancements in Artificial Intelligence Prompt Curiosity, Concern
| Evan Garcia
Artificial intelligence research has been around for more than half a century, but we’ve only recently seen developments in AI technology that might bring sci-fi film plotlines to life. Should we be afraid?
Lawmakers Push for Transparency in Illinois Fracking Law
| Alex Ruppenthal
Recently introduced legislation would update Illinois’ fracking law to increase protections for land owners and require more information from oil and gas companies applying for fracking permits.
Education Funding Report Shows Dismal Past for Illinois, Hope for Future
| Matt Masterson
Illinois maintains the most regressive education funding formula in the nation, according to a new report. But with a new formula adopted last year, there’s finally hope the state can make its way out of the basement.
Virtual Reality and the Future of Journalism
| Alexandra Silets
Virtual reality is taking journalism and storytelling to a new level. We explore the technology with filmmaker Barbara Allen – and discuss whether audiences are ready for these immersive experiences.
In ‘That’s What She Said,’ Author Aims to Get Men on Board
| Erica Gunderson
How hiring and promoting women can help businesses succeed, and how men can make that happen. We speak with author Joanne Lipman about her new book.
Laurie Dann Shooting Victim Heads Anti-Violence Program by Archdiocese
| Evan Garcia
Nearly 30 years after a school shooting in Winnetka, survivor Phil Andrew is heading an anti-violence effort for the Archdiocese of Chicago.
3rd Congressional District Forum: Dan Lipinski and Marie Newman
| Nick Blumberg
U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski is facing a tough re-election fight in Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District. Lipinski and challenger Marie Newman join us for a candidate forum.
From Virtual Reality to Physical Barriers: Building a Safer School
| Paris Schutz
What can school districts do to prevent a mass shooting? While the gun debate rages on, schools have to come up with other ways to make sure students are safe.
Michio Kaku Explores Colonization of Mars, Travel to the Stars
| Paul Caine
Could a new space race led by private entrepreneurs take humans to Mars and beyond? Futurist and best-selling author Michio Kaku talks about humanity’s destiny to colonize the solar system and reach for the stars.
Black Ensemble Pays Rollicking Homage to Rock ‘N’ Roll Pioneer Chuck Berry
| Hedy Weiss
Long before Chuck Berry died in March 2017 at the ripe old age of 90, he was revered as the granddaddy of rock ‘n’ roll. Black Ensemble Theater tells the story in “Hail, Hail Chuck: A Tribute to Chuck Berry.”
PBS Special ‘American Creed’ on Ideals That Unite Us
| WTTW News
A new PBS program features stories of people coming together across ideological divides. We speak with “American Creed” director Sam Ball.
Illinois EPA Ditches Plan to Hold Public Meetings on VW Settlement
| Alex Ruppenthal
Despite a commitment from the state’s top environmental official, Illinois EPA will not hold public meetings to gather input on the state’s plan for spending $107.8 million in Volkswagen settlement money.
What Causes the Flu Vaccine to be Less Effective?
UChicago Study Finds Immune History Influences Effectiveness
| Kristen Thometz
This year’s flu vaccine is only 36 percent effective, according to the CDC. But a new study suggests that a person’s past flu experiences could influence how effective the flu vaccine is for them.
American Ballet Theatre in a Mostly Modern Mode at Harris Theatre
| Hedy Weiss
American Ballet Theatre has traveled light for this engagement, homing in on modern works that mostly thrive on a variety of lighting effects, with several pas de deux lifted from larger ballets and performed on a bare stage that puts the movement in stark relief.
Advocates: Early Childhood Budget Proposal Maintains ‘Status Quo’
| Matt Masterson
Early childhood care advocates say Gov. Bruce Rauner’s proposed budget will hamper their ability to expand high-quality services to low-income families.
Shedd’s New Exhibit to Showcase ‘Underwater Beauty’ With 100 Species
| Alex Ruppenthal
Get a glimpse of life beneath the waves and see the “vibrant beauty of marine life” found in waters across the globe at the Shedd Aquarium this spring.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Blackhawks Ban Fans for Racial Taunts
| WTTW News
Eddie Arruza discusses racist behavior at sporting events after the Blackhawks eject and ban fans who taunted a black player.
Jan Kowalski McDonald: Candidate for Cook County Clerk
| Nick Blumberg
Note: Candidate has been removed from the ballot, but her name will still appear because of printing deadlines. A vote for her will not be counted.
The Week in Review: Chicago Area Students Join in Gun Control Protests
| Nick Blumberg
Local students join in nationwide protests over access to gun control. House Speaker Michael Madigan grapples with the #MeToo movement. And a new milestone in the race for governor.
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