Stories by Quinn Myers
Ask Geoffrey: Landmarking in Chicago
| Quinn Myers
Geoffrey Baer traces the half-century story that cost at least one preservationist his life, in this week’s Ask Geoffrey.
Trump Still Contagious? Experts Say It’s Impossible to Know
| Associated Press
“At this point, there’s no diagnostic test that tells you whether a person that’s infected remains infectious,” said Dr. Benjamin Pinsky, who leads Stanford University’s virology labs.
New City Initiative Aims at Giving Young Learners the Chance to Thrive
| Paul Caine
“As a city, we must ensure every child, regardless of their ZIP code, receives a high-quality early education, providing them the tools and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Mayor Lightfoot in a statement.
Lightfoot on Alleged Plot to Kidnap Michigan Governor: ‘All Roads Lead Back to Donald Trump’
| Heather Cherone
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Thursday that President Donald Trump bears at least a measure of responsibility for inspiring anti-government groups to plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Arrests Made in Just 10%-20% of Chicago’s Sex Crimes Over Past Decade: Report
| Matt Masterson
The Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation found that between 2010 and 2019, 80-90% of sexual harm reports made to the police department did not result in an arrest.
‘So Frustrating’: Doctors and Nurses Battle Virus Skeptics
| Associated Press
Many doctors and nurses find themselves in a world where the politics of the crisis are complicating treatment efforts, with some people even resisting getting tested.
Netflix Series ‘Emily in Paris’ Insults Lou Malnati’s, Lou Claps Back
| Patty Wetli
The kerfuffle involving a fictional character insulting Lou Malnati’s, by name, has earned national attention.
City, Chicago Community Trust Launch New $25M COVID-19 Relief Fund
| Heather Cherone
The fund will be used to help Black and Latino neighborhoods, which continue to see disproportionately higher rates of infections and deaths as compared with citywide rates and those in primarily white and affluent communities.
Chicago Woman Facing Several Charges After Alleged Attempt to Run Police Officers Down
| Matt Masterson
Prosecutors say Dawn Moore set out to commit “as much mayhem and damage as she could” when she allegedly used a Jeep to chase down multiple Chicago police officers and squad vehicles during an unrelated traffic stop Wednesday.
Trump Vows Not to Participate in Virtual Debate With Biden
| Associated Press
President Donald Trump vowed Thursday to skip next week's debate with Democratic nominee Joe Biden after organizers said it would be held virtually because of the president's COVID-19 diagnosis.
US Layoffs Remain Elevated as 840,000 Seek Jobless Aid
| Associated Press
The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell slightly last week to a still-high 840,000, evidence that job cuts remain elevated seven months into the pandemic recession.
Winter Dining Challenge Winners Announced. $5K Grants To Help Restaurants Winterize
| Patty Wetli
Cozy "cabins," modular blocks and heated tables that borrow a concept from Japan are the winners in the city's competition for outdoor dining designs. Now the race will be on for restaurants to implement these before cold weather hits.
Chicago’s Once-Dominant Oak Trees Are in Trouble. Here’s How to Help
OAKtober Campaign Aims to Raise Awareness, Spur Action
| Patty Wetli
Oak was once the predominant tree in the Chicago area. Now most of them are gone. Ecologists have a plan to make sure they don’t disappear from the region entirely, and they need our help.
Meet the Democrat Making a Run Against Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan
| Amanda Vinicky
Michael Madigan has had a virtual lock on his position as the leader of the Illinois House, serving as speaker for all but two years since 1983. Could his job now be in jeopardy?
Spotlight Politics: Chicago Faces Major Belt-Tightening
| Alexandra Silets
Mayor Lori Lightfoot this week painted a grim picture ahead of her Oct. 21 budget address as the city tries to close a massive budget gap. Our politics team tackles those stories and more in this week’s roundtable.
Uncle: Jacob Blake Being Treated at Illinois Rehab Center
| Associated Press
Jacob Blake, the 29-year-old Black man left paralyzed after he was shot in the back by a Kenosha police officer in August, was discharged from a Milwaukee hospital and is now undergoing treatment at an Illinois rehabilitation clinic.
The Chicago Reporter Alumni Question Publication’s Hiatus. Owners Call It ‘Manufactured Hysteria’
| Evan Garcia
For 48 years, the Chicago Reporter has investigated issues of race and poverty. But last month, the publication was abruptly put on hiatus by the faith-based nonprofit that owns it. Now, dozens of former staffers are demanding answers.
New Funding to Bring Mental Health Care to Homeless Shelters, Encampments
| Nick Blumberg
Chicago officials on Tuesday announced $8 million in grants for expanded mental health care services across the city, including for some of Chicago’s most vulnerable residents: those experiencing homelessness.
Stuttering Bears Face Quarterback Legend Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
| Paul Caine
Quarterback Nick Foles fails to get the job done against the Colts. Can the Bears find an offense Thursday night? Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams gives us his take.
Aldermen OK Effort to Revoke Tax Incentives After Botched Smokestack Demolition
| Heather Cherone
Chicago officials now have the power to strip multimillion-dollar tax incentives from companies that “betray the public’s trust” — but lawyers for the city have determined the new rules cannot be used to punish the firm that botched a demolition in April.
Pence-Harris Debate To Unfold as Trump Recovers From Virus
| Associated Press
Vice President Mike Pence and his Democratic challenger, California Sen. Kamala Harris, are set to face off in a debate that will offer starkly different visions for a country confronting escalating crises.
As Illinois Surpasses 6M COVID-19 Tests, Pritzker Says ‘Progress Has Cooled Off’
| Kristen Thometz
Illinois hit a milestone Wednesday in its battle against the coronavirus, surpassing 6 million tests. But Gov. J.B. Pritzker said regional positivity rates are no longer showing the “promising declines” he touted a week earlier.
Second City Comedy Theater for Sale, 2nd Time in 60 Years
| Associated Press
Chicago’s Second City comedy theater — where performers including Bill Murray, Steve Carell and Jordan Peele honed their skills — has been put up for sale.
Aldermen Seek Equal Pay for City Colleges Adjunct Faculty
| Matt Masterson
“For many of us, financial ruin is simply one bad day away,” said the head of the union representing 1,000-plus City Colleges adjunct faculty members who are seeking a new contract guaranteeing pay equity.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
2026 Chicago Summer Festival Guide
As Chicago Swelters Under Heatwave, ComEd Asks Customers to Immediately Conserve Energy to Avoid Outages
Bill Awaiting Pritzker’s Signature Would Clear Hurdle for People Challenging Sentences on Crimes Committed When Under 21
Minimum Wage to Increase in Chicago, Suburban Cook County Starting July 1
U.S. Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Challenge to Cook County’s Assault Weapons Ban
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter