Stories by Nick Blumberg
With Business Community’s Help, CRED Fights Chicago Violence with Jobs
| Nick Blumberg
Solving the epidemic of gun violence in Chicago is an unrelenting challenge. We learn about CRED, a program that wants Chicago’s business community to see it as a problem it can – and should – help stem.
eta Creative Arts Foundation names new CEO: Kai EL’Zabar
| Angel Idowu
The Chicago theater company has announced Kai EL’Zabar as its third CEO and executive director. The 48-year-old media maven says while working in theater is new for her, she has been grounded in the arts all of her life.
Patient Sues Rush Oak Park Hospital After Contracting Legionnaires’
| Kristen Thometz
A woman who contracted Legionnaires’ disease in July is suing the hospital where she contracted the illness, alleging it didn’t take proper precautions following a previous outbreak of legionella bacteria, according to the lawsuit.
2 Cases of Legionnaires’ Disease Linked to Schaumburg Hotel
| Kristen Thometz
The individuals who became ill reported using water in their guest rooms in addition to the hotel’s hot tub and pool during their recent stays at the AmericInn by Wyndham Hotel in Schaumburg, according to health officials.
Artificial Light is Changing Animal Behavior in Chicago, Study Finds
| Alex Ruppenthal
Using satellite images and data on wildlife activity, scientists determined that artificial light levels found in more than a third of the city are altering the circadian rhythm and behaviors of animals throughout the city.
Joe Walsh Apologizes for Past and Attacks Trump
| Alexandra Silets
The former tea party Republican congressman wrote an op-ed in the New York Times calling for a primary challenger to take on President Donald Trump in 2020. Joe Walsh on his change of heart.
Slain Chinese Scholar’s Family to Give $20K for Help in Case
| Associated Press
The parents of a University of Illinois scholar from China who was abducted and killed are giving at least $20,000 to people who provided authorities with crucial information that led to the arrest and conviction of their daughter’s killer.
Doctors Say New Rule Will Mean Sicker Immigrants
| Associated Press
Doctors and public health experts warn of poor health and rising costs they say will come from sweeping Trump administration changes that would deny green cards to many immigrants who use Medicaid, as well as food stamps and other forms of public assistance.
74% of Economists in Survey See US Recession by End of 2021
| Associated Press
The economists surveyed by the National Association for Business Economics, in a report released Monday, mostly didn’t share President Trump's optimistic outlook for the economy.
Trade War’s Losers Could Include Microchips, Energy, Banks
| Associated Press
Stocks of companies that do lots of business with China, such as chipmakers and other technology companies, are obvious candidates for investors to sell when trade worries rise. But investors are also looking beyond these first-order effects as they pick out which stocks look susceptible to the trade war.
Steel Mill Sorry for Spill That Killed Fish, Closed Beaches
| Associated Press
A steel company apologized for a spill of cyanide and ammonia that led to a fish kill and prompted the closure of beaches along Lake Michigan, saying it “accepts responsibility for the incident.”
The Week in Review: Chicago Casino Future in Doubt
| Alexandra Silets
It’s back to the drawing board for a Chicago casino. Two longtime Chicago politicians decide to hang it up. President Trump is still considering clemency for former Gov. Blagojevich. And the Cubs nose-dive on the road.
Guilty Verdict for Homeless Man Charged With Killing Off-Duty Chicago Officer
| Matt Masterson
A Cook County jury has found Jovan Battle, 32, guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated battery and aggravated discharge of a firearm for the March 23 killing of Chicago Officer John Rivera.
Rescued Sea Otter Pups Make Behind-the-Scenes Debut at Shedd Aquarium
| Alex Ruppenthal
No makeup was necessary for a pair of fuzzy sea otter pups the aquarium showed off to the media this week. “They get cuter every day,” said Tracy Deakins, a senior trainer of otters and penguins.
4 in 10 Parents Have Limited Access to Grocery Stores, Survey Finds
| Kristen Thometz
According to the latest findings from a citywide survey, Chicago parents who live in a community with limited access to grocery stores were more likely to report challenges in providing healthy meals to their children.
Cook County Democrats Make Picks for 2020: Foxx, Neville, Cabonargi
| Amanda Vinicky
Cook County Circuit Court Clerk candidate Michael Cabonargi, Illinois Supreme Court candidate P. Scott Neville and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx will have the coveted endorsement of the Cook County Democratic Party in next year’s elections.
Scientists Confirm July Set New Global Heat Record
| Associated Press
July was the hottest month measured on Earth since records began in 1880, the latest in a long line of peaks that scientists say backs up predictions for man-made climate change.
Government Wants a New 911-Like Number Just for Suicide Hotline
| Associated Press
With suicides on the rise, the U.S. government wants to make the national crisis hotline easier to reach. Once implemented, people will just need to dial 988 to seek help.
AP Sources: Trump Has Talked About Buying Greenland for US
| Associated Press
Aiming to put his mark on the world map, President Donald Trump has talked to aides and allies about buying Greenland for the U.S.
Flooding, A Trade War and Deere Cuts Outlook Again
| Associated Press
Deere & Co. cut its profit expectations for the second time this year as beleaguered farmers and an escalating trade war with China cut into sales.
Democratic Slating for the State’s High Court
| Amanda Vinicky
Leading Cook County Democrats on Friday will choose which candidates they’ll give a boost to in next year’s election. The focus Thursday: a rare election for a spot on the Illinois Supreme Court.
How Keanon Kyles’ Voice, Determination Led Him to Carnegie Hall
| Angel Idowu
A local opera singer shares his journey through music, starting with the Chicago Children’s Choir.
Lone Star Tick Brings Heartland Virus to Illinois
| WTTW News
Ticks are so good at transmitting potentially dangerous illnesses like Lyme disease that we’re wise to give them our attention now and then. And in Illinois, ticks are now carrying a relatively new disease called Heartland Virus.
Consultant’s Report Questions Economics of Chicago Casino Plan
| Paul Caine
After a Las Vegas consultant says proposed sites for a Chicago casino aren’t financially viable, will state lawmakers change their bets?
Doctors Suspect Vaping Behind Dozens of Lung Illnesses in US
| Associated Press
As many as 50 people in at least six states have come down with breathing illnesses that may be linked to e-cigarettes or other vaping products.
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