Stories by WTTW News
Precious Meddling: The Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on Steel
| Amanda Vinicky
Gone are the days of leaving it to the World Trade Organization to deal with allegations of “dumping” and other disputes – President Trump is using tariffs instead. A local steel company weighs in.
What Would a US Space Force Look Like? Don’t Expect ‘Starship Troopers’
| Evan Garcia
The president proposes a new branch of the military for space defense. Local experts weigh in on Space Force.
Chicago’s Connection to the Paul Manafort Trial
| Alexandra Silets
Defense lawyers for Paul Manafort, President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman, rested their case Tuesday without calling a single witness.
Celebrating Tom Skilling’s 40th Anniversary on WGN
| Nick Blumberg
From the top of the Sears Tower to the top of Alaskan mountains, Tom Skilling looks back on some of the highs from his 40-year career.
New Book Shares Stories of ‘Rad Girls’ to Inspire Youth
| Nicole Cardos
Meet the author and illustrator behind the new “Rad Girls Can” book about young women who are “bold, brave and brilliant.”
Towering Trolls Keep a Watchful Eye on Morton Arboretum
| Nick Blumberg
We take you on a visit to the west suburban forest under the watchful eye of six suspicious – and sizable – trolls.
Revised Law Frees Police in Illinois to Rescue Suffering Cats and Dogs
| Alex Ruppenthal
A recently passed revision to Illinois’ Humane Care for Animals Act clarifies the right of police to take custody of dogs or cats suffering from extreme heat, cold or other life-threatening conditions.
Van Dyke Case: McDonald’s Mother Must Appear in Court or Face Trial Ban
| Matt Masterson
If the mother of Laquan McDonald wants to attend the murder trial of the police officer who shot and killed her son, a judge said Tuesday, she will need to respond to a defense subpoena and show up to court this week.
Northwestern Memorial Named No. 1 Hospital in City, State
| Kristen Thometz
For the seventh consecutive year, Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been named by U.S. News & World Report as the best hospital in both the Chicago metro area and the state.
Gov. Rauner Ratchets Up Anti-Madigan Rhetoric
| Amanda Vinicky
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has long been a political target of Gov. Bruce Rauner, but the governor ratcheted it up a notch Monday.
Local Priest Talks of ‘Life-Altering’ Plane Crash
| Paul Caine
We speak with two Chicagoans who survived the crash of Aeromexico Flight 2431 in Durango. “Life has taken on kind of a different color – I hope it lasts awhile,” said the Rev. Esequiel Sanchez.
More Resignations at Willow Creek Church In #MeToo Scandal
| Alexandra Silets
Willow Creek Community Church, based in South Barrington, is undergoing a seismic shift. Chicago Tribune religion reporter Manya Brachear Pashman joins us with the latest.
Chicago Sailing Camp Sets Sights on Diversifying Sport
| Jay Shefsky
This summer, a local sailing camp has tried to break down economic barriers with a scholarship program for a majority of its campers.
Shootings, Protests and ‘Bait Trucks’ Inflame Police-Community Tensions
| Evan Garcia
There is a strong sense of distrust between Chicago police and some of the communities they serve. How does the city repair this relationship?
Changes to Oscars Draws Criticism, Raises Questions
| Nicole Cardos
The Motion Picture Academy announces a new award category for the Oscars. Why some critics say that’s cause for concern.
State Board Survey: Only 1 in 4 Kindergartners Prepared for School
| Matt Masterson
Only 24 percent of Illinois kindergartners are ready for school, according to a new state survey. But that number drops even lower for minority, low-income and diverse learner students.
State Bill on Dense Breast Notifications Signed into Law
| Kristen Thometz
A new state law will require mammogram providers to notify women whose test results show they have dense breast tissue, a risk factor for breast cancer.
New Law Aims to Improve Medical Care for Sexual Assault Survivors
| Kristen Thometz
Under a new law, hospitals in Illinois must provide specialized emergency room care to survivors of sexual assault and also treat emotional trauma in the aftermath of such crimes.
Lincoln Park Zoo Takes Urban Wildlife Program Global
| Alex Ruppenthal
A groundbreaking program to study urban wildlife using a network of motion-triggered cameras is expanding to Canada and South Africa.
2 Chicago Pharmacy Techs Charged with Stealing More than 56,000 Opioid Pills
| Matt Masterson
Two women allegedly stole tens of thousands of narcotic pills from a Wicker Park pharmacy over a two-year period and sold them off for profit.
A Glimpse of Magic in the Photo-Realist Paintings of Jeong Im Herbert
| Hedy Weiss
The Chicago-based artist has an uncanny ability to capture the texture of surfaces in a way that is as precise as a photograph, yet at the same time, magically abstract.
Railway Apologizes for ‘Bait Truck’ Operation, Vows to Stop Practice
| Amanda Vinicky
Norfolk Southern Railway is backing up from a controversial practice following backlash sparked by viral videos.
Advocates: ‘We Have to Come to Them’ to Address Homelessness
| Kristen Thometz
“So many people experiencing homelessness won’t come to us,” said Chris Robinson, Heartland Alliance Health outreach manager. “We have to come to them.”
The Week in Review: Violence Prompts Anger, Tears, Political Fallout
| Evan Garcia
Chicago’s most violent weekend in two years prompts criticism – and more cops on the streets. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani endorses “Jerry” McCarthy – and then Garry McCarthy – for mayor. And Sinclair Broadcasting will not have a home in Chicago.
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