Stories by
A Look Inside Sue the T. Rex’s New ‘Private Suite’ at The Field Museum
| Alex Ruppenthal
Sue’s new digs present the dinosaur in a more authentic light using technology that has come a long way since the T. Rex skeleton arrived in Chicago more than 20 years ago.
Surfers on Lake Michigan Battle High Waves, Heavy Winds
| Evan Garcia
Cold and snow sends many of us indoors this time of year, but some adventurous souls welcome nasty weather so they can hit the waves.
Funerals Set for 2 Officers Struck, Killed by Commuter Train
| Associated Press
The Chicago Police Department says services for Officer Conrad Gary will be held Thursday and Friday, while services for Officer Eduardo Marmolejo will be held Friday and Saturday.
Verdict in Laquan McDonald Conspiracy Trial to Come Jan. 15, 2019
Court will issue finding only days before Van Dyke sentencing
| Matt Masterson
A verdict was expected Wednesday in the bench trial of three Chicago police officers charged with conspiring to cover up details of the fatal 2014 shooting of Laquan McDonald. The defendants will instead learn their fate in January, just days before Jason Van Dyke is scheduled to be sentenced.
Elon Musk Unveils Underground Tunnel, Offers Rides to VIPs
| Associated Press
Elon Musk unveiled his underground transportation tunnel on Tuesday. Musk said he thinks the Chicago project that would take travelers from downtown to O’Hare Airport has the most potential to open the soonest.
Lincoln Papers Project Gets Grant for Tracking Software
| Associated Press
The grant will pay for software for the Papers of Abraham Lincoln to track hundreds of thousands of documents related to the 16th president.
New Legislative Inspector Was Prosecutor, Appellate Judge
| Associated Press
The Illinois Legislative Ethics Commission has chosen a permanent inspector general to investigate complaints against lawmakers. Former prosecutor and circuit judge Carol Pope was recommended Tuesday.
It’s the Season of Giving. How to Choose Charities Wisely
| Andrea Guthmann
The Trump Foundation announces it’s shutting down. A Northwestern University economist shares his strategies for smart charitable giving.
New Democratic Legislator Pushes Against the Machine
| Alexandra Silets
Meet Anne Stava-Murray, an incoming Democratic state representative who says she is rejecting Michael Madigan’s bid for an 18th term as speaker of the House.
Mayor’s Race: Lesser-Known Candidates Face Steep Climb
| Paris Schutz
Major players in the race for Chicago mayor have emerged. But what about some of the lesser-known names among the 21 who have filed to run? Do they stand a chance to make the ballot?
After Texas Ruling, What’s Next for Obamacare?
| Nicole Cardos
A federal judge’s ruling puts the future of Obamacare on the line. Is the sweeping health care initiative again in peril?
EPA Issues Violation Against Southeast Side Manganese Polluter
| Alex Ruppenthal
After finding high levels of brain-damaging manganese near Watco Transloading’s facility on the Southeast Side of Chicago, the EPA has accused the company of violating the Clean Air Act.
New Book ‘Art of Logic’ a Guide to Having Better Arguments
| Erica Gunderson
Do you want to avoid illogical arguments over the holidays? In her new book, “The Art of Logic in an Illogical World,” Eugenia Cheng explains how to apply the art of logic to debates.
American Auto History Shines at Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage
| Erica Gunderson
Travel through American automotive history with a glimpse at an extraordinary private collection of vintage cars.
Chicago Shakespeare’s Flashy ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Tries Too Hard to Be Hip
| Hedy Weiss
Despite a number of fine performances and a gorgeous “flower power” set, the whole thing ends up feeling more clunky and exhausting than beguiling. Subtle it is not, and often the poetry and emotion get lost.
Major Candidates for Mayor Haven’t Released Their Tax Returns. Why Not?
| Amanda Vinicky
Tax returns can show a candidate’s wealth, charitable giving and whether their financial interests could present a conflict of interest. At least five of the major candidates for Chicago mayor have not yet made their returns public.
Fundraisers Created to Support Families of Chicago Officers Struck by Train
| Matt Masterson
Community organizers have helped raise thousands of dollars for the families of two Chicago police officers who were struck and killed by a Metra train in an accident Monday night on the Far South Side.
Chicago Officers Likely Didn’t See Train That Killed Them
| Associated Press
Two Chicago police officers may not have seen or heard the commuter train that fatally struck them because they were focused on another train coming from the opposite direction, a department spokesman said Tuesday.
Chicago Police: 2 Officers Die After Being Struck by Train
| Associated Press
Two Chicago police officers were fatally struck by a train as they investigated a report of gunshots on the city's far South Side.
Viewer Feedback: ‘We Must Reform Pensions!’
| Jay Smith
Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently laid out his prescription for shoring up the city’s underfunded public employee pensions. Viewers weigh in.
FAFSA Verification an ‘Unfair Burden’ for Low-Income Students
| Brandis Friedman
Though finals are over for most college students, many still have something looming over their heads: financial aid. Why the process is taking longer for thousands of college students seeking federal aid.
New Chicago Ordinance Aimed at Encouraging, Regulating Pop-Ups
| Eddie Arruza
The concept of pop-up businesses is not new, but a city initiative to regulate them is. We visit several Chicago pop-ups that are open for business in this new era of retail.
5 Ways to Protect Yourself Against Data Breaches
| Nicole Cardos
The recent Marriott hotel data breach affected half a billion people. Who’s behind the attack, and what can we learn from it? We speak with Blase Ur, assistant professor of computer science at the University of Chicago.
Vallas Drops Petition Challenge; Lightfoot Calls on Preckwinkle to Do Same
| Paris Schutz
Election officials and campaigns are in a frenzy to sort out who will be on the mayoral ballot in February, and things likely won’t let up until well into the new year.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
Pritzker Signs Order to Get Around US Limits on COVID-19 Vaccine
ICE Agent Fatally Shoots Man During Immigration Operation in Suburban Franklin Park
Rifle Recovered in Search for Charlie Kirk’s Killer; FBI Releases Person of Interest Photos
Will Chicago Cops Be Allowed to Turn Off Body-Worn Cameras While Being Questioned After Shootings? Judge to Decide
Conservative Ted Dabrowski Officially Launches Bid to Become Next Illinois Governor
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter