Stories by Kristen Thometz
Physician: ‘We Can All Do Something’ to Address Gun Violence
| Kristen Thometz
All health care providers can play a role in addressing the epidemic, says Dr. Dan Evans. “I’m an average primary care doctor. I’m here to say it doesn’t matter what you are or what you’re going to do, we can all do something.”
Could Another Daley Become Mayor of Chicago?
| Alexandra Silets
It’s official: Bill Daley is running for Chicago mayor. The former U.S. Commerce Secretary and White House chief of staff made his candidacy official at 12:01 a.m. Monday. He joins us in discussion.
Shedd Aquarium Welcomes 24 Endangered Blanding’s Turtle Hatchlings
| Alex Ruppenthal
As part of a new partnership aimed at preserving the endangered Great Lakes species, the turtles will remain at Shedd until they are big enough to be released back into the wild at a protected site in DuPage County.
Van Dyke Opts for Jury Trial as Venue Decision Looms
| Matt Masterson
A 12-person jury will decide Jason Van Dyke’s fate. That decision comes only days before opening arguments are expected to begin in the high-profile murder trial.
Web Extra, The Week in Review: Serena Williams Controversy
| Alexandra Silets
Eddie Arruza and guests talk about how Chicago tennis legend Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova differ on the Serena Williams controversy.
The Week in Review: The Rapidly Changing Mayoral Race
| Alexandra Silets
More candidates mull a run for Chicago mayor while others remove themselves from the race. An agreement on a federal consent decree is reached. And Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke opts to have a jury trial.
Illinois National Guard Deployed to Assist Hurricane Florence Response
| Alex Ruppenthal
Ten soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard have been deployed to North Carolina to support relief efforts during and after Hurricane Florence.
‘Strange Worlds’ First Solo Show for Late Chicago Artist Todros Geller
| Marc Vitali
Industry in Chicago and old world traditions in a rare show by a 20th century Chicago artist at Spertus Institute. We go for a look.
Third Coast Festival, a ‘Sundance of Radio,’ Returns for 17th Year
| Andrea Guthmann
Podcasters and radio producers descend on Chicago for the annual Third Coast International Audio Festival. We get a preview with founder and executive director Johanna Zorn.
Recent Police Suicides Prompt Advocates’ Call for Increased Resources
| Nicole Cardos
A look at mental health resources available to Chicago police officers following the department’s third suicide in the last two months.
New Home and Vision for Chicago Architecture Foundation
| Marc Vitali
After more than 25 years on Michigan Avenue, the cultural organization has moved into a spectacular new space on East Wacker Drive, expanding its mission and its footprint on the city.
Aretha Franklin’s Chicago-Based Music Director Remembers the Queen of Soul
| WTTW News
Meet Fred Nelson III, the Chicago man who performed with Aretha Franklin more than 200 times in the last years of her life.
Sweeping Changes for Chicago Police Department Nearly Finalized
| Amanda Vinicky
A document promised to result in “real and lasting reform” for Chicago police is in the hands of a federal judge. The latest on the consent decree.
Despite Setbacks, Hope Remains for Alzheimer’s Drug Treatments
| Kristen Thometz
In the last two decades, only four drugs have been approved to treat Alzheimer’s symptoms, according to a new report. “I’m very optimistic that within 10 years we’ll have a breakthrough,” said Dr. Doug Williamson of biopharmaceutical company Lundebeck.
Van Dyke Defense to Decide Friday if They’ll Face Judge or Jury
| Matt Masterson
Twelve jurors have been selected. Eleven have been sworn in. Suspended Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke and his attorneys have one more day to decide if they want a jury trial or a bench trial, with opening arguments expected as soon as Monday.
City Animal Shelter Seeking Help With Influx of Rescued Cats
| Alex Ruppenthal
The number of rescued cats at Chicago’s Animal Care and Control shelter reached a high of 300 earlier this week, prompting the agency to sound the alarm on social media.
Chicago Mayor’s Race: Gutierrez Out, Garcia ‘Taking a Closer Look’
| Amanda Vinicky
There may soon be tidal waves in the race for Chicago mayor, should Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle run, or should County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia take a second shot at the city’s top job.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Sept. 13-16
| Kristen Thometz
Punk rock bands, tons of tacos, cultural celebrations, butterflies and yoga usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
‘Peacebook’ Festival 2018 Gets Assist from the Wu Tang Clan
| Marc Vitali
Tap, rap, and a whole lot more when Collaboraction’s performance festival visits the West Side.
The New Techniques (and Big Money) Behind Political Ads
| Nick Blumberg
Campaigns are buying TV ads, web banners, and producing a wealth of videos for social media, and they’re using technology to target voting blocs with ever-increasing precision.
Apple Unveils New Phones and Watches
| WTTW News
Longtime Apple watcher and former Chicago Sun-Times columnist Andy Ihnatko weighs in on the tech giant’s newest offerings.
Nearly 20 Years Later, ‘Cha-Cha Slide’ Still Gets People Moving
| Erica Gunderson
Meet the South Side native whose line dance became a worldwide phenomenon.
Van Dyke Case: Jury Selection Continues as Defense Weighs Trial Options
| Matt Masterson
The lead attorney for Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke says it’s too early to decide whether he will opt for a jury or bench trial. Meanwhile, day two of jury selection brought the total number to 10.
Ask Geoffrey: The Independent Order of Odd Fellows
| Erica Gunderson
A viewer spots a Blue Island building with an image of three chain links on its facade. Geoffrey Baer has the scoop on the odd fellows behind that insignia in this encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.
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