Stories by WTTW News
Your Weather Photos: Winter in Chicago
| WTTW News
How are you staying warm? What do you see outside? Share your cold-weather photos with us and we’ll add them to our gallery.
IIT Awards $500K to Researchers Creating Advanced Cancer Screening Tool
| Kristen Thometz
A pair of Illinois Institute of Technology researchers developing technology to detect early stage tumors have won the university’s Nayar Prize, which includes a $500,000 award.
Refugee Photo Exhibit ‘Designed to Engage You Empathetically’
| Jay Shefsky
For his traveling exhibit, “When Home Won’t Let You Stay: Stories of Refugees in America,” photographer James Bowey spent time with all of his subjects in order to learn and share their stories.
Illinois Lawmakers Debate Financial Steps Amid Pritzker Deficit Report
| Alexandra Silets
From tax increases to sports betting to recreational marijuana, Illinois lawmakers weigh changes to address the state’s overwhelming financial problems.
Early Voting – Now in All 50 Wards – Begins in Chicago
| Paris Schutz
With Chicago’s municipal election two weeks away, early voting kicked off Monday in all 50 wards.
White Sox, Cubs Broadcasters Preview Upcoming Season
| Jay Smith
It might be cold and snowy outside, but pitchers and catchers report Wednesday for their first spring training workouts. We ask White Sox broadcaster Jason Benetti and Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper about the upcoming season.
A Brilliantly Subversive Take on ‘The Producers’ at the Paramount
| Hedy Weiss
For all its retrograde tropes, Jim Corti’s envelope-pushing (yet entirely faithful) take on Mel Brooks’ 2001 musical feels more contemporary, necessary and dangerously funny than ever before.
Attorney General, Special Prosecutors Asking for Review of Jason Van Dyke Sentence
| Matt Masterson
Illinois’ top legal officer and the special prosecutor in charge of the Jason Van Dyke murder trial are challenging the legality of the prison sentence handed down to the former Chicago police officer.
Local Museums Embrace Rich History of Design in Chicago
| Marc Vitali
A look at Chicago’s historical influence on an enduring design style. Plus, overlooked graphic art made by African-American designers.
Man Accused in Orland Park Mall Slaying Charged with Murder
| Associated Press
Authorities say Jakharr Williams was indicted last week by a grand jury on murder, attempted murder, battery and other charges stemming from the Jan. 21 fatal shooting at Orland Square Mall.
Judge: R. Kelly Can Spend More Time in Recording Studio
| Associated Press
A judge who last month ruled that R. Kelly could only enter the Chicago warehouse he uses as a recording studio between 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. now says he can stay until 9 p.m.
Loan Repayment Program for Clinicians Also Seeks to Fight Opioid Crisis
| Kristen Thometz
Qualified clinicians can receive up to $75,000 in student loan repayment through a new federal program. In exchange, they must serve three years on the front lines of the opioid crisis in underserved communities.
New App Developed at Brookfield Zoo Helps Optimize Dolphins’ Diets
| Alex Ruppenthal
Unlike the industry serving health-conscious humans, there are no books, infomercials or 12-week programs to help dolphins optimize their diets. But there is an app for that, thanks to new research by animal welfare specialists.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: The Impact of Newspaper Endorsements
| Evan Garcia
Eddie Arruza and guests discuss whether the Chicago Sun-Times recent endorsement of Lori Lightfoot in the race for Chicago mayor will help boost the former federal prosecutor’s campaign.
The Week in Review: Mayoral Candidates Ramp Up Attacks
| Evan Garcia
City Hall scandals grow. Mayoral forums heat up. Ford invests in Chicago while Target shutters two South Side stores. Joe Ricketts’ racist emails draw fire. And Portis and Parker are traded for Porter.
Lawsuit Claims Acero Charter Violated Special Education Law, Retaliated Against Whistleblower
| Matt Masterson
A former reading specialist at a Chicago charter school claims she faced retaliation and termination last year after voicing concerns about special education students she believes were illegally denied proper supports.
At Lyric, an Electrifying ‘Elektra’ With a Rip-Roaring Female Cast
| Hedy Weiss
Lyric Opera’s production of “Elektra,” last seen here in 2012, has found its ideal cast this time around with singers whose spectacular, powerhouse voices are matched by superb acting skills.
Bankruptcy Judge Gives Sears Another Chance, OKs $5.2B Plan
| Associated Press
A bankruptcy judge has blessed a $5.2 billion plan by Sears chairman and biggest shareholder Eddie Lampert to keep the iconic business going. The approval means roughly 425 stores and 45,000 jobs will be preserved.
‘Missing’ Uptown Chandeliers to Make Their Way Back Home
| Eddie Arruza
After decades of neglect and decay, Chicago’s historic Uptown Theater is finally being brought back to life. And some of the original light fixtures – painstakingly restored – will soon make their way back to the 1925 movie palace.
Pritzker Advances Agenda, But Transition Reports Slow to Emerge
| Amanda Vinicky
When will Gov. J.B. Pritzker release the reports he says will serve as his guides? And why is it taking so long?
Illinois Senate Backs $15 Hourly Minimum Wage Within 6 Years
| Associated Press
The Illinois Senate voted Thursday to hike the statewide minimum wage to $15 an hour within six years, quickly advancing a top campaign promise of newly elected Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Bloody Handprint Among Evidence in Chinese Scholar’s Case
| Associated Press
Prosecutors are building a case, partly on a bloody handprint and the responses of a cadaver-sniffing dog, that a former University of Illinois physics student killed a 26-year-old Chinese scholar in 2017 at his off-campus apartment.
Head of Chicago Police Union Sounds Alarm on Consent Decree
| Andrea Guthmann
Are Chicago police officers ready for the reforms ordered by a new consent decree? We hear from Kevin Graham, president of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police.
Chicago’s Big-Time Business Club Calls for State Tax Increase
| Amanda Vinicky
A new report from the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago recommends a 1-percent increase in the state income tax.
Mobile Carriers Tout Upcoming 5G Networks. How Fast is That?
| Alexandra Silets
Blazing speeds are reportedly coming to your devices with 5G. Chicago Tribune technology reporter Ally Marotti tells us what to expect – and when.
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