Stories by Marc Vitali
New Museum Showcases Massive Collection of Stained Glass, Rare Clocks
| Marc Vitali
Historic clocks from around the world and brilliant stained glass windows fill a new museum in Evanston. We go for a look.
Chicago Takes the Reins of Bitcoin Futures Trading
| Evan Garcia
On Sunday, the Chicago Board Options Exchange became the first major U.S. exchange to start trading bitcoin futures, allowing traders to place bet on the commodity’s future value.
Outgoing Fed Chair Janet Yellen Hikes Interest Rates One Last Time
| Paul Caine
While Fed Chair Janet Yellen ends her tenure on an upbeat note, are there storm clouds ahead for the economy?
Veteran Journalist Robert Jordan on ‘Murder in the News’
| Nick Blumberg
The longtime Chicago journalist talks about his new book “Murder in the News: An Inside Look at How Television Covers Crime.”
‘A Christmas Carol’ at Goodman Theatre Celebrates 40th Anniversary
| Dan Andries
The Goodman Theatre marks its 40th year of presenting the holiday classic with some new actors, some new interpretations and new ways to bring in audiences.
Health Care Providers, Students Call on Congress to Fund CHIP
| Kristen Thometz
Federal funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program expired in September. On Thursday, dozens of protesters called on Congress to reauthorize funding for the program. “Babies can’t wait,” said Ireta Gasner of the Ounce of Prevention Fund.
FCC Repeals Net Neutrality Regulations Despite Protests
| Matt Masterson
The Federal Communications Commission votes to repeal Obama-era protections for internet neutrality, citing the elimination of unnecessary regulations. But critics fear internet service providers may start using fees and censorship to limit access to some sites.
Duck Hunting in Chicago? Yep, at City’s Only State Park
| Evan Garcia
For 70 years, hunters have been shooting waterfowl at Wolf Lake on the city’s Far South Side. It is the only state park within city limits, and one of the only places to hunt in Chicago. We go for a visit.
100 Nativity Scenes Highlight Variety of Interpretations
| Marc Vitali
From ostrich eggs to walnut shells: We explore a collection of unusual and traditional Nativity sets from around the world.
Roy Moore Proves Too Much for Alabama Voters
| Paul Caine
Does Doug Jones’ upset signal a building blue tsunami that could help Democrats retake the House – and maybe even the Senate – in 2018?
Tenor Stefano La Colla Makes American Debut in Lyric’s ‘Turandot’
| Eddie Arruza
The up-and-coming Italian tenor is already being compared to the legendary Luciano Pavarotti. Stefano La Colla joins us in conversation and performance.
Does This Amish Family Have an Internal ‘Fountain of Youth’?
| WTTW News
A gene found in an Amish family in Indiana may hold the secret to living longer and healthier. We speak with the lead author of a new study.
Fracking Harms Health of Infants Born Nearby, UChicago Study Finds
| Alex Ruppenthal
Babies born within 2 miles of a fracking site are more likely to suffer negative health effects, according to a new study co-authored by a professor at the University of Chicago.
Reporter in Laquan McDonald Case Won’t be Forced to Testify
| Matt Masterson
Jamie Kalven, the Chicago journalist who broke the story of Laquan McDonald’s shooting death, will not be compelled to turn over his sources or testify in open court, a judge has ruled. “To have it resolved, and definitive resolved, was a big relief,” Kalven said.
Ask Geoffrey: What Happened to Andy Frain Ushers?
| Erica Gunderson
For many years, sports fans in Chicago were welcomed to games by clean-cut and friendly Andy Frain ushers. Geoffrey Baer has the story of the man behind the house of ushers.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Dec. 14-17
| Rebecca Palmore
Vintage gifts, irreverent reindeer, hot mulled wine, Japanese drummers and Mavis Staples usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Janice Jackson: What Does CPS’ Newest Leader Bring to the Table?
| Matt Masterson
A former educator and principal, the Chicago native will attempt to bring stability to Chicago Public Schools’ tumultuous CEO position.
List of Top 200 Pension Earners Shows Potential for Big Payouts
| Paris Schutz
A taxpayer watchdog group releases a list of the top 200 pension earners in Chicago, and all of them make more than six figures annually. But are high benefits the only reason Chicago taxpayers are drowning in red ink?
How Men Misunderstand Sexual Consent
| Nick Blumberg
A new study looks at how young men view sexual interactions – and finds that some have difficulty understanding whether a woman is giving consent to have sex.
UChicago, Surfrider Foundation Team Up Against U.S. Steel
| Evan Garcia
Surfer environmentalists and the University of Chicago intend to sue U.S. Steel over toxic Lake Michigan spills after it twice released more than the allowable quantity of a cancer-causing chemical into the waters this year.
Chicago Gets Dressed Up For the Holidays
| Erica Gunderson
Around Chicago, windows decorated for the holidays are a sure sign that Christmas is on its way. Meet a local artist whose festive fancies could be swirling across a storefront in your neighborhood.
Canada Geese Give Local Hunters the Slip
| Paul Caine
It’s open season for hunters of Canada geese, but the migrating birds have found a novel way to stay out of the firing line: wintering in the city. Rabiah Mayas joins us with that story and more from the world of science.
Shedd’s Rescued Animals: How Are They Doing?
| Alex Ruppenthal
Over the past year, staff from Shedd Aquarium’s Animal Response Team have come to the aid of animals across the globe. Here’s an update on how some of them are doing.
Inside the Mind, and Notebooks, of Leonardo da Vinci
| Nick Blumberg
Author Walter Isaacson talks about his comprehensive new biography “Leonardo da Vinci,” which delves into the staggeringly inquisitive and creative giant of the Renaissance.
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