Stories by Marc Vitali
Restoration of Unity Temple Revives Glory of Wright’s ‘Little Jewel Box’
| Marc Vitali
One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest public buildings is ready for the public again. We take a look inside the restoration of Unity Temple.
Report: Illinois Has Room to Improve Education Accountability Plan
| Matt Masterson
The Illinois State Board of Education is still waiting to hear back from Washington on its proposed education accountability plan, but an independent review found the state likely has room for improvement.
Study: Antibiotic Use by Mothers Tied to Higher Risk of Disease in Newborns
| Kristen Thometz
Up to 40 percent of women take antibiotics late in their pregnancies or while nursing. A new study rethinks the common practice of prescribing such drugs when they aren’t warranted.
Adler Planetarium Offering Free Admission for Aug. 21 Solar Eclipse
| Alex Ruppenthal
Are you ready to party like it’s 1925? That’s the last year Chicago experienced a solar eclipse like it will next month. To celebrate, the Adler Planetarium is hosting a daylong block party, and you’re invited.
Chicago Astronomer to Create Plan for Human Exploration of Mars
| Alex Ruppenthal
Adler Planetarium astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz will spend the next year figuring out how humans can get along while exploring one of the more curious planets in our solar system: Mars.
Preckwinkle: Cook County Layoffs Coming After Soda Tax Stalled
| Paris Schutz
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced that thousands of layoffs will start next week as an appeals court Monday dealt a blow to the new tax.
Blair Kamin Deconstructs Potential Chicago Pedway Upgrades
| Alexandra Silets
Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin analyzes a new report that envisions new uses and upgrades for Chicago’s Pedway.
Gov. Bruce Rauner Shakes Up Staff
| Nick Blumberg
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s staff shake-up is still going on after legislators voted last week to override the governor's veto of a tax hike and budget.
Investigation Questions Whether District Meets Needs of Bilingual Students
| Brandis Friedman
Chicago Public Schools students who are still learning the English language are overwhelmingly not getting the support they need, according to an investigation by the Chicago Reporter.
WBEZ Examines the Cost of Reducing Violence Through Jobs
| Anne Strother
How to reduce shootings in Chicago? One possible answer: jobs. But how much would that cost? WBEZ reporter Chip Mitchell crunched the numbers.
A Common Language: Chicago Charter Sharing its Bilingual Program
| Matt Masterson
An Archer Heights charter school is partnering with a traditional Little Village elementary school to share its unique bilingual and dual-language classes.
‘Chicago Monumental’ Shines Light on City’s Public Art
| WTTW News
You’ve heard Chicago described as the City of Big Shoulders and the City of Neighborhoods. Writer and photographer Larry Broutman offers yet another nickname: the City of Monuments. Learn why.
In Illinois, Marijuana Laws Struggle to Keep Up With Times
| DePaul’s Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence
As legislators in Springfield debate the future of marijuana, some believe there is a major disconnect between Illinois’ laws and shifting public opinion.
Illinois Rep. Steven Andersson Deposed as House GOP Floor Leader
| Evan Garcia
He broke from Republican ranks in Springfield last week. Now, state Rep. Steven Andersson has been asked to step down as GOP floor leader. He joins us in discussion.
Parents, Community Seek Unity in New South Loop High School Proposal
| Matt Masterson
Hundreds of parents and Near South Side residents weighed in Monday night on a controversial proposal that would transition the National Teachers Academy into a new South Loop high school.
State Budget Passes. Now What?
| Paris Schutz
The new state budget includes significant cuts and a higher income tax. So now what? We address some lingering questions about the fiscal health of the state—and the city.
‘Englewood Rising’ Campaign a ‘Reflection of What Already Exists’
| Eddie Arruza
A new rebranding campaign aims to change the perception of one of Chicago’s most beleaguered communities.
3 Cops Plead Not Guilty to Cover-Up Charges in Laquan McDonald Case
| Brandis Friedman
Two former Chicago Police officers and one current officer pleaded not guilty to charges they conspired to cover for former cop Jason Van Dyke in the shooting of 16-year old Laquan McDonald.
The Battle Over School Funding Bill
| Alexandra Silets
After 736 days, Illinois finally has a budget. But it’s not all good news: At the moment, funding is locked up for all of the state’s public schools. Will schools open on time?
Putting It Off: DePaul Professor Talks Procrastination
| Evan Garcia
For most of us, procrastination means periodically putting off tasks, but some people make delaying responsibilities a way of life. Meet a researcher who has studied procrastination for two decades.
Prosecutor in ‘Crime of the Century’ Case Dies at 80
| Paul Caine
The man who led the prosecution of Richard Speck for the brutal murder of eight Chicago nurses died Friday. We revisit last year’s interview with William Martin.
Rare Duck Species Arrives at Lincoln Park Zoo
| Alex Ruppenthal
Four webbed-feet members of a rare and endangered duck species have a new home in Chicago.
Preserving Artifacts, Memories of Holocaust Survivors
| Nick Blumberg
We meet one of the curators of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program Begins with Chicago Showcase
| Maya Miller
Thirty businesswomen from 27 African countries are traveling to Chicago this week to hone their entrepreneurial skills and make connections with their American counterparts.
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