Stories by WTTW News
More Allegations of Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Against R. Kelly
| Alexandra Silets
Two women bring new accusations against R&B superstar R. Kelly. Veteran music journalist Jim DeRogatis joins us with the latest.
Trump Withdraws US from Iran Deal as North Korea Nuclear Talks Loom
| Evan Garcia
President Donald Trump called it “a horrible one-sided deal.” How pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal could impact talks with North Korea.
The Fight to Save Evanston’s Harley Clarke Mansion
| Geoffrey Baer
Will an historic lakefront mansion be restored? Or will it fall to the wrecking ball?
How to Stay Healthy Amid Spike in Mosquito- and Tick-Borne Illnesses
| Nick Blumberg
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds cases of disease from mosquito, tick and flea bites tripled between 2004 and 2016 – and Illinois was among the states most affected.
No Criminal Charges for Retired Evanston Teacher Accused of Sexual Abuse
| Matt Masterson
Authorities say they investigated abuse allegations made by 35 former ETHS students against longtime theater teacher Bruce Siewerth. “The lack of prosecution is not due to lack of evidence,” Evanston Police Cmdr. Ryan Glew said.
EPA to Test Soil for Manganese on Southeast Side
| Alex Ruppenthal
A week ago, test results from soil samples collected at two dozen Southeast Side homes revealed high levels of manganese. Now, the EPA will conduct further testing in the area.
Chicago Has State’s Top 6 Public High Schools: US News Rankings
| Matt Masterson
Chicago Public Schools once again claims the top spots on an annual list of the state’s best public high schools. Which schools made the cut.
Will This Be the Year Illinois Passes a Budget on Time?
| Amanda Vinicky
Illinois’ top lawmakers and Gov. Bruce Rauner met privately in Springfield on Tuesday in an attempt to do something they’ve been unable to accomplish since Rauner took office – brokering a full year’s budget deal.
The Real ‘Magic’ In This ‘Macbeth’ Is its Suggestion That Shakespeare Pre-Empted Albee
| Hedy Weiss
This immensely compelling production adapted and directed by playwright Aaron Posner and the magician Teller is filled with a full array of sensory treats.
Key Questions Remain Ahead of Obama Center Vote
| Paris Schutz
Next week, the city is poised to take the first of several votes on the Obama Presidential Center. Why some community groups want to slow down the process.
ERA Battle Moves to House, Supporters on Brink of Victory
| Paul Caine
After a decadeslong battle, Illinois may be on the brink of ratifying the federal Equal Rights Amendment. The pros and cons of passage.
Blair Kamin on the Northerly Island Engineering Fiasco
| Alexandra Silets
Why parts of Northerly Island are still blocked off years after erosion damaged the walking and biking path.
Not-So-Secret Menu Item Lands Uptown Restaurant on James Beard Stage
| Brandis Friedman
How a “secret” menu item at Sun Wah BBQ landed the Chicago restaurant a prestigious James Beard America’s Classics award.
Understanding the Red Flags of Domestic Violence
| Nick Blumberg
New York’s attorney general resigns after claims of violent behavior. A look at domestic abuse by men who publicly champion women’s causes.
Harvard Scientist: Climate Change May Be Worse Than We Think
| Eddie Arruza
“While climate change may not yet have had its huge impact on biodiversity, just wait,” says Harvard professor Daniel Schrag. “What’s coming is really extraordinary.”
Shedd Vet in Madagascar to Treat 10,000 Confiscated Tortoises
| Alex Ruppenthal
A Chicago-based animal care expert is playing a key role in an unprecedented effort to save thousands of critically endangered tortoises that were found in squalid conditions in an abandoned home off the southeast coast of Africa.
Illinois Cleared for New Mental Health, Addiction Pilot Programs
| Amanda Vinicky
Illinois has won long sought-after permission from the federal government to take a more flexible approach to treating opioid disorders, drug abuse and other behavioral health issues.
For Giant Globes Founder, Business is a Global Endeavor
| Jay Shefsky
Matt Binns is equal parts artist, inventor and businessman. We visit his workshop to see how his company’s custom-made globes are constructed.
Tom Skilling on Chicago’s Wild Weather Swings
| Nick Blumberg
Why the fourth-coldest April on record also brought us summer-like temperatures – and what we can expect from the coming weeks.
Reports: Promised Cops Not Hitting Chicago Streets
| Alexandra Silets
The number of beat cops in Chicago is down despite a promised hiring surge, according to two new reports. We speak with two local journalists and the head of the police union.
Breaking Down Racial Barriers in the US
| Nick Blumberg
Beverly Daniel Tatum, the author of a groundbreaking book on segregation in America’s schools and neighborhoods, on why it’s so crucial – and difficult – to talk about race.
Chicago Zoo, Brewery Partner on Beer to Help Parrots Hurt by Hurricane
| Alex Ruppenthal
One of the world’s most endangered birds finds itself in even greater peril after a hurricane ripped through its habitat last year. But you can help – by drinking beer.
Teller Brings Dark Magic to ‘Macbeth’
| Marc Vitali
Witches, sorcery and ghosts: Shakespeare’s spookiest and shortest play gets adapted into a horror thriller with modern day magic.
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