Stories by Reuben Unrau
Report: Chicago’s West Side is ‘Epicenter’ of Heroin Crisis in Illinois
| Reuben Unrau
A study from Roosevelt University titled, “Hidden in Plain Sight,” analyzes the state’s heroin crisis. One of the report’s co-authors pinpoints Chicago’s West Side as the “epicenter” of the state’s crisis.
State Appeals Brendan Dassey’s Overturned Conviction
| Crystin Immel
Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel announced Friday he has filed a notice to appeal a federal judge’s decision to overturn Brendan Dassey’s murder conviction, a case documented in the Netflix series “Making a Murderer.”
Former CPS Buildings Getting New Life As Residential Apartments
| Matt Masterson
Shuttered classrooms and long-closed gymnasiums will soon give way to multi-bedroom suites and rooftop decks overlooking the city skyline as area developers work to resurrect buildings that once served as Chicago Public Schools.
Public Spaces on Chicago’s South, West Sides Get $10 Million Investment
| Evan Garcia
An investment of more than $10 million will help transform unused buildings and vacant lots on Chicago’s South and West Sides into centers for arts and culture that offer free community programs.
New Law Requires Student Drivers to Learn How to Interact With Police
| Reuben Unrau
A new Illinois law mandates that driver’s education instructors teach students how to behave if pulled over by law enforcement.
The Week in Review: Chicago’s Top Cop Asks for Help
| WTTW News
Crime statistics continue to soar. Police arrest 77 in a gun and drug raid. Chicago schools open without a teachers' contract. Cub playoff tickets go on sale, and is there any hope for the Bears? These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.
NFL Players’ Careers Most Impacted by Certain Knee Injuries
| Kristen Thometz
The Chicago Bears open the season Sunday with several players sidelined by injuries. A new study analyzing common orthopedic surgeries NFL players receive could shed some light onto when fans can expect them back.
September 8, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Sept. 8, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
Green Party Presidential Candidate Jill Stein Tours Austin
| Paris Schutz
Dr. Jill Stein came back to Chicago on Thursday to tour the West Side neighborhood of Austin and highlight issues central to her platform: gun control, unemployment, climate change and education reform.
Outgoing Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez Reflects on Office
| Alexandra Silets
With only a few months left in office, does Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez wish she had done anything differently? She joins us in discussion.
Harnessing the Power of Big Data in Fight Against Cancer
| Paul Caine
The Cancer Moonshot initiative being led by Vice President Joe Biden aims to accelerate the pace of cancer research and the development of new treatments. We talk to the University of Chicago professor who is a key player in that effort.
‘Screenwise’ Book Offers Practical Advice for Digital Age of Parenting
| Andrea Guthmann
Technology is creating challenges for today's parents. A local author has advice for how parents can plug into the changing world of social media, apps and the online world.
Cashless Solutions and Service Charges: New Trends in Tipping
| Nick Blumberg
Some restaurants are moving away from traditional tipping. The practice can be more stable for servers but could also mean less income. We discuss trends in tipping with a Loyola University economist.
Group Honors Chicago’s Founder, Calls for DuSable Park Development
| Evan Garcia
A group gathered Wednesday to mark the 198th anniversary of the death of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, Chicago’s first non-native settler, and push for the completion of a long-delayed park in his name.
Weekend Best Bets: World Music Fest, Oktoberfest, Renegade, Bears Bash
| Rebecca Palmore
Salute the season with an authentic Oktoberfest celebration, get crafty in Wicker Park, gear up for the Bears, stay up late for an all-night concert of classical Indian music and more this weekend.
Chicago Teachers Union House of Delegates Plans for 2nd Strike Vote
| Brandis Friedman
The rank-and-file members of the Chicago Teachers Union have already approved a strike, but the union is planning a second vote. Find out why.
Tribune Tower Redevelopment and the Rise of Vista Tower
| Paul Caine
Architecture critic Blair Kamin on the future redevelopment of the Tribune Tower and the rise of a new Jeanne Gang-designed addition to the Chicago skyline.
Water Tax Hike Alone Won’t Fix Pension Fund
| Paris Schutz
Aldermen are set to vote to raise water taxes by 30 percent to fix city pensions. But new analysis shows it won't be nearly enough, and that has some council members saying they were duped by the mayor.
September 7, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Sept. 7, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
What’s Next for Remap Reform in Illinois? Lawmakers Weigh In
| Hunter Clauss
Hear from state lawmakers about where remap reform goes after a recent proposal was shot down by a divided Illinois Supreme Court.
Why Thousands of Cook County Residents Pay Zero in Property Taxes
| Alexandra Silets
Are some wealthy residents of Cook County taking advantage of laws meant for the most vulnerable? We discuss the issue with a Chicago Sun-Times watchdog.
CPS Progress Report Highlights Gains in On-Track, Dropout Rates
| Matt Masterson
Students at Chicago Public Schools have steadily improved their attendance and on-track-to-graduate rates while trimming back their annual dropout rate over the past five years, according to a new district progress report.
Englewood Peace Festival Shines a Light on Neighborhood’s Resiliency
| Reuben Unrau
As homicide rates in Chicago soar, a new street festival looks to highlight the positive side of a South Side community that often makes headlines for crime.
Chemotherapy Has Long-Lasting Effects on Cognition, Study Finds
| Kristen Thometz
Breast cancer patients and survivors often report forgetfulness and difficulty focusing after chemotherapy. A recent study analyzes these symptoms, commonly referred to as “chemo brain.”
Researchers Confirm New Corn Disease in Illinois
| Evan Garcia
A new bacterial disease infecting corn crops has been confirmed in Illinois, but researchers know very little about the disease or what impact it could have on the agricultural industry.
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