Stories by WTTW News
Illinois Holocaust Museum Opens Exhibit on American Slave Trade
| Marc Vitali
Rare objects from a New Orleans historical group are now on display at the Illinois Holocaust Museum. We get an early look at the exhibition “Purchased Lives.”
FDA Assessing Risks of Vaginal Mesh Amid Thousands of Lawsuits
| Alexandra Silets
More than 100,000 women are suing manufacturers over painful complications from surgical mesh, which is implanted in the vaginal wall to treat urinary incontinence and other health issues.
Of Mice and Men in Space: Chicago Researchers Helping NASA Prepare for Mars
| Paul Caine
An ongoing NASA study aided by Northwestern researchers sent mice into orbit with the goal of learning more about the physiological effects of living in space.
Amid Blackface Scandals, 2 Black Comedians Share Their Perspectives
| Evan Garcia
As the fallout over Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s yearbook scandal continues, a look at recent examples of blackface in comedy again raises the question of whether the practice is ever permissible.
A Window Into Pritzker’s Plans for Illinois
| Amanda Vinicky
A series of transition reports unveiled last week provides a look at what new Gov. J.B. Pritzker has in store for Illinois, from potential new taxes to the creation of a statewide infrastructure czar.
Pritzker Admin Lays Out Financial Woes Ahead of Budget Address
| Nick Blumberg
As Illinoisans wait for new Gov. J.B. Pritzker to unveil his budget plan, Pritzker’s administration is delving into the perilous state of Illinois’ finances with a series of reports.
Cracked Lake Shore Drive Bridge Reopens
| Paris Schutz
A portion of northbound Lake Shore Drive reopened Tuesday after having been shut down for more than 24 hours, raising questions about the condition of Chicago’s other bridges.
Smollett Says He Redacted Phone Files to Protect Privacy
| Associated Press
Actor Jussie Smollett says he redacted some information from his phone before giving it to Chicago police investigating a reported attack on the “Empire” actor in order to protect the privacy of contacts and people who are not relevant to the attack.
Analysis: $15 Minimum Wage No Windfall for Illinois Workers
| Associated Press
Illinois is poised to join Washington, D.C., and at least four other states with a $15-an-hour minimum by 2025, an 82-percent spike in current base pay. But it may not be the momentous impact on low-wage workers that some supporters expected.
Chicago Sues 27 Online Retailers Over E-Cigarette Sales
| Kristen Thometz
A new report details a rise in the use of e-cigarettes by young people across the country as the city of Chicago files a lawsuit against online sellers it claims illegally sold tobacco products to minors.
Your Weather Photos: Winter in Chicago
| WTTW News
How are you staying warm? What do you see outside? Share your cold-weather photos with us and we’ll add them to our gallery.
IIT Awards $500K to Researchers Creating Advanced Cancer Screening Tool
| Kristen Thometz
A pair of Illinois Institute of Technology researchers developing technology to detect early stage tumors have won the university’s Nayar Prize, which includes a $500,000 award.
Refugee Photo Exhibit ‘Designed to Engage You Empathetically’
| Jay Shefsky
For his traveling exhibit, “When Home Won’t Let You Stay: Stories of Refugees in America,” photographer James Bowey spent time with all of his subjects in order to learn and share their stories.
Illinois Lawmakers Debate Financial Steps Amid Pritzker Deficit Report
| Alexandra Silets
From tax increases to sports betting to recreational marijuana, Illinois lawmakers weigh changes to address the state’s overwhelming financial problems.
Early Voting – Now in All 50 Wards – Begins in Chicago
| Paris Schutz
With Chicago’s municipal election two weeks away, early voting kicked off Monday in all 50 wards.
White Sox, Cubs Broadcasters Preview Upcoming Season
| Jay Smith
It might be cold and snowy outside, but pitchers and catchers report Wednesday for their first spring training workouts. We ask White Sox broadcaster Jason Benetti and Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper about the upcoming season.
A Brilliantly Subversive Take on ‘The Producers’ at the Paramount
| Hedy Weiss
For all its retrograde tropes, Jim Corti’s envelope-pushing (yet entirely faithful) take on Mel Brooks’ 2001 musical feels more contemporary, necessary and dangerously funny than ever before.
Attorney General, Special Prosecutors Asking for Review of Jason Van Dyke Sentence
| Matt Masterson
Illinois’ top legal officer and the special prosecutor in charge of the Jason Van Dyke murder trial are challenging the legality of the prison sentence handed down to the former Chicago police officer.
Local Museums Embrace Rich History of Design in Chicago
| Marc Vitali
A look at Chicago’s historical influence on an enduring design style. Plus, overlooked graphic art made by African-American designers.
Man Accused in Orland Park Mall Slaying Charged with Murder
| Associated Press
Authorities say Jakharr Williams was indicted last week by a grand jury on murder, attempted murder, battery and other charges stemming from the Jan. 21 fatal shooting at Orland Square Mall.
Judge: R. Kelly Can Spend More Time in Recording Studio
| Associated Press
A judge who last month ruled that R. Kelly could only enter the Chicago warehouse he uses as a recording studio between 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. now says he can stay until 9 p.m.
Loan Repayment Program for Clinicians Also Seeks to Fight Opioid Crisis
| Kristen Thometz
Qualified clinicians can receive up to $75,000 in student loan repayment through a new federal program. In exchange, they must serve three years on the front lines of the opioid crisis in underserved communities.
New App Developed at Brookfield Zoo Helps Optimize Dolphins’ Diets
| Alex Ruppenthal
Unlike the industry serving health-conscious humans, there are no books, infomercials or 12-week programs to help dolphins optimize their diets. But there is an app for that, thanks to new research by animal welfare specialists.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: The Impact of Newspaper Endorsements
| Evan Garcia
Eddie Arruza and guests discuss whether the Chicago Sun-Times recent endorsement of Lori Lightfoot in the race for Chicago mayor will help boost the former federal prosecutor’s campaign.
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