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Police: January Crime Stats Show Fewest Number of Murders Since 2010
| Matt Masterson
The Chicago Police Department points to an increase in officers and an expansion in technology in helping draw down crime and violence totals in the first 31 days of 2019.
MWRD Warns of Potential Flooding as Chicago Thaws from Deep Freeze
| Alex Ruppenthal
Melting snow and potential rain are likely to cause flooding as we head into a weekend warm-up following a record-setting Arctic blast.
Midwest Awaits Spring-Like Thaw Just Days After Bitter Cold
| Associated Press
Forecasts say temperatures will climb as much as 80 degrees. Experts say the rapid thaw is unprecedented, and it could create problems of its own — bursting pipes, flooding rivers and crumbling roads.
Viewer Feedback: ‘I Think You Meant Thurston Howell’
| WTTW News
Our reporting on the bitter cold prompts reactions to Paris Schutz’s wardrobe. What viewers had to say about a certain blue turtleneck.
In Chicago, No Time to Chill Out About the Weather
| Amanda Vinicky
The bone-chilling temperatures may have subsided – a little – but that doesn’t mean Chicago is out of the woods, Mayor Rahm Emanuel warned Thursday.
Clowning Around as a Kid Leads to Lifelong Dance Career
| Jay Shefsky
The unlikely story of how a beloved local TV show inspired the career of a beloved dancer, choreographer and teacher.
Researchers Find Microplastics in Illinois Groundwater
| Erica Gunderson
We discuss the latest science headlines with Rabiah Mayas, associate director of the Science in Society program at Northwestern University.
How it Works: Illinois’ New Opioid Alternative Pilot Program
| Marc Vitali
In Illinois, medical marijuana can now be used as a painkiller to replace opioids. We hear from a co-sponsor of the new law.
These Scientists Study the Arctic. What’s Their Take on ‘Chiberia’?
| Nicole Cardos
Subzero temperatures in Chicago are not unlike Arctic parts of the globe. Local scientists Scott Collis and Yarrow Axford share their experiences working on the edges of the world.
Chicago Announces Record Release Rate at City Animal Shelter
| Alex Ruppenthal
More than 90 percent of the 16,000-plus animals sheltered by Chicago Animal Care and Control last year were either adopted, transferred to a rescue group or returned to their owner, according to city data.
Police Release Photos of ‘Persons of Interest’ in Attack on ‘Empire’ Star
| Matt Masterson
Chicago police are asking for help identifying two persons of interest captured in surveillance images in the area of the Tuesday morning attack of “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett.
Federal Judge Approves Historic Chicago Police Consent Decree
| Matt Masterson
U.S. District Judge Robert Dow called the historic decree “an important first step toward needed reforms of the Chicago Police Department and its policies.”
Dorothy Brown Endorses Amara Enyia for Mayor
| Kristen Thometz
In announcing her endorsement of Amara Enyia, Cook County Clerk Dorothy Brown called Enyia “a breath of fresh air” that will give Chicagoans hope.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Jan. 31-Feb. 3
| Kristen Thometz
As the polar vortex moves out, groundhogs, cocoa-inspired treats, craft brews and experimental theater usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Ask Geoffrey: What’s ‘Heinemann Studio’ Building in Back of the Yards?
| Erica Gunderson
When walking through Chicago’s older neighborhoods, you can often find hints about the history of their buildings just by looking up. Geoffrey Baer looks back – and up – at some architectural gems.
Spotlight Politics: Bombshell Solis Revelations Roil City Politics
| Paris Schutz
Shocking news from City Hall as the scandal touches the statehouse. Political reporters Carol Marin, Paris Schutz and Amanda Vinicky dive into the story in this week’s roundtable.
CPS Unveils Progress Reports to Advance ‘Learn. Plan. Succeed’ Program
| Brandis Friedman
While Chicago Public Schools students make plans for their futures, we speak with schools chief Janice Jackson about the present.
The Dangerous Beauty of ‘Chiberia’
| Eddie Arruza
Chicago is seldom brought to its knees by brutal weather conditions, but Wednesday was a rare exception. And while subzero temperatures made the outdoors dangerous, they also created extreme beauty.
Chicago Copes with Record-Setting Cold
| Paris Schutz
Just how historic is Wednesday’s polar punch, and how are city agencies helping residents cope?
Inspector General Decries ‘Keep Your Mouth Shut’ Culture at City Hall
| Paul Caine
Amid a stunning corruption scandal that includes government raids, undercover moles, Viagra and massage parlors, Joe Ferguson has called for reform of the City Council’s culture.
Shiver, Fluff and Cuddle: How Birds Keep Warm in the Winter
| Alex Ruppenthal
Unlike humans, birds do not have the luxury of high-powered heating systems to keep warm in the winter, but they do have a variety of unique adaptations to help them survive.
Frostbite Can Hit in Just 5 Minutes. Here’s What You Can Do To Prevent It
| Matt Masterson
With temperatures nearing record lows across the Midwest, frostbite can occur in a matter of minutes. We ask a local surgeon about frostbite symptoms, treatment and prevention.
Boeing Soars and Lifts Markets with It
| Associated Press
Boeing reported annual revenue of more than $100 billion for the first time and shares soared after the company easily beat Wall Street’s profit and sales expectations for the fourth quarter.
McDonald’s Logs Strong Growth Globally
| Associated Press
The world’s biggest hamburger chain said sales rose 4.4 percent at established locations in the fourth quarter and 4.5 percent for the year.
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