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Adler Planetarium Opens Vault, Reveals Astronomical Treasures
| Eddie Arruza
From Chicago’s first major telescope, to the most sophisticated scientific instrument of the 12th century, a look at some seen and unseen treasures at the Adler Planetarium.
Mayor Emanuel Touts ‘Second Waterfront’ in Chicago
| Paris Schutz
The mayor outlines major projects to expand recreation along the Chicago River. Why some aldermen say it’s not enough.
New Report Reveals Presence of Lead in Many Chicago Homes
| Siobhan Neela-Stock
Why so many Chicago homes are testing high for lead in their water – and what you can do about it.
Hersey Felder’s Portrait of Tchaikovsky Fueled by Composer’s Music of Suppression, Longing
| Hedy Weiss
For those still unfamiliar with the magic Hershey Felder can create, an introduction to the man, whose enthralling show about Tchaikovsky is now in a limited engagement at Steppenwolf’s Upstairs Theatre, is essential.
A Tombstone Tour of Chicago
| WTTW News
A new book by author and photographer Larry Broutman highlights headstones, monuments and memorials at more than 30 area cemeteries.
Cases For and Against Net Neutrality Set for Debate at Northwestern
| Evan Garcia
Northwestern University hosts an Oxford-style debate on net neutrality this week. What are the pros and cons?
New Report Digs Into Drastically Underfunded Police, Fire Pensions
| Nick Blumberg
After massive layoffs in Harvey because of its underfunded pensions, a look at which other municipalities could be in similar trouble.
US Supreme Court Won’t Hear Blagojevich Appeal
| Matt Masterson
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday announced it will not be taking up former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s appeal of his 14-year prison sentence.
Fracking Transparency Bill Moves Forward in Illinois Senate
| Alex Ruppenthal
A bill that supporters say would make fracking operations in Illinois more transparent cleared its first legislative hurdle last week.
John Malkovich joins CSO and Muti in Copland’s ‘Lincoln Portrait’
| Hedy Weiss
The beautifully thought-out program serves as a subtle but revealing portrait of the deep but varied influences that have taken root in this country.
Michael Ferro Sells Tronc Shares to Heir of Former Tribune Owner
| Paris Schutz
The embattled former owner of Tronc, which owns the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers, sold the shares to McCormick Media LLC, according to an SEC filing that came late Friday afternoon.
UChicago Launches LGBTQ Career Readiness Program
| Kristen Thometz
A new resource is designed to help adolescents and young adults develop job skills, continue their education and overcome barriers to stable employment.
Watchdog: Staff Driving Chicago Park District Vehicles Without Licenses
| Alex Ruppenthal
A Park District landscaper who had previously lost his license after a drunk driving conviction is among those found to have operated vehicles without proper documentation, according to a new report.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Chicago Tribune Guild
| Evan Garcia
Paris Schutz and guests discuss unionization effort by dozens of Chicago Tribune employees and the Chicago Bears’ decision to let Cameron Meredith walk.
The Week in Review: Illinois Politicians Turn the Tables on Zuckerberg
| Evan Garcia
Sen. Dick Durbin grills Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Chicago homicides are in decline. South suburban Harvey goes belly-up. And Cubs bats come to life despite injury to star slugger Anthony Rizzo.
Broadway Revival of ‘Carousel’ Injects New Elements Into Rodgers and Hammerstein Classic
| Hedy Weiss
In many ways this show was ahead of its time when it was created. And now, whatever the flaws might be in this 21st century “rotation,” it is worth the price of a ticket for a ride on the “Carousel.”
City’s Top Cop on Crime and Policing in Chicago
| WTTW News
Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson tells us about a big new cash gift to fight crime, discusses police oversight and more.
Weird, Wonderful Wildlife at Reptile Fest
| Marc Vitali
We meet some rare and remarkable critters that are part of this weekend’s annual Reptile Fest.
Federal Deficit to Top $1 Trillion in 2020, CBO Says
| Nick Blumberg
Congress makes another attempt at passing a balanced budget amendment as a new report shows the federal deficit skyrocketing.
50 Years Since the Fair Housing Act, Segregation Persists
| Brandis Friedman
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 promised equal access to the housing market for African-Americans. But 50 years later, some say the landmark legislation didn’t go far enough.
Ask Geoffrey: Did MLB Stop Cubs-White Sox City Series?
| Erica Gunderson
Geoffrey Baer hits a triple with three questions about Wrigley Field.
Brookfield Zoo Euthanizes Beloved Gorilla Ramar
| Alex Ruppenthal
The 50-year-old gorilla was the zoo’s oldest animal. “Knowing it’s the right decision doesn’t make it hurt any less,” said Amy Roberts, curator of mammals for the Chicago Zoological Society.
Chicago Aviation Officers Sue City, Claim Job Histories Were ‘Erased’
Class action suit comes a year after incident on board United flight
| Matt Masterson
Nearly 300 Chicago aviation officers are suing to reclaim their status as law enforcement officers, a title they lost following a highly publicized incident on board a United plane last year.
Study: Night Owls Have Risk of Dying Sooner than Early Risers
| Kristen Thometz
The adage, “early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise,” takes on new meaning thanks to research by scientists in Chicago and England.
African Penguin Chick Hatched at Lincoln Park Zoo
| Alex Ruppenthal
On Feb. 10, Lincoln Park Zoo welcomed a new baby bird, the first African penguin chick hatched and reared at the zoo's new penguin habitat.
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