Stories by WTTW News
Urban Farming Program Marks 10,000 Customers Served
| Alex Ruppenthal
An urban farming program that started barely two years ago with 7 acres of land near a former steel mill celebrated a milestone Wednesday.
Michael Cohen Plea, Paul Manafort Verdict: Examining the Fallout
| Alexandra Silets
Assessing the impact of a guilty verdict and plea deal on the presidency of Donald Trump: a discussion with former federal prosecutor Patrick Cotter.
Cool May and Wet June Create Gardening Challenges
| Paul Caine
“Each garden, we’re finding, is its own microcosm this year,” said organic gardener Jeanne Nolan. “Some are bountiful and others are delayed. That weather stressed out the plants some, and we’re seeing the results of it.”
Mother’s Book Reminds Readers: Kids with Special Needs Are Still Kids
| Kristen Thometz
In honor of her late son, Elizabeth Gerlach wrote a children’s book featuring a protagonist who uses a wheelchair. “I would like to be able to reduce the stigma of kids with disabilities,” she said.
CPS Limiting Phone, Social Media Contact Between Students and Teachers
| Matt Masterson
District leaders are updating policies on how students and staff can digitally communicate as it works to root out sexual misconduct inside its schools.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Aug. 23-26
| Kristen Thometz
Witty women, global fare, sweet treats and art fairs usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Stony Island Arts Bank Remembers Historic Johnson Publishing Company
| Marc Vitali
An exhibition conveys the role of the publishers of Ebony and Jet magazines in spreading the word on black culture from their onetime offices at 820 S. Michigan Ave.
Bombshell Report Rocks Catholic Church
| Alexandra Silets
Local reaction to a stunning two-year grand jury investigation that details alleged sexual abuse of more than 1,000 individuals by 300 “predator priests” – and a cover-up by church officials.
Chicago Mayor’s Race: Candidate Pool Grows to 11, Poll Shows Emanuel in Lead
| Paris Schutz
The candidate pool in the race for mayor grows once again – and a new poll has some surprising results.
New Law Aims to Increase Use of Compost in Illinois
| Alex Ruppenthal
A bill signed into law this week seeks to incorporate composted soil into state-funded landscaping projects.
CPS to Update Volunteer Policies in Wake of Sex Abuse Scandal
| Matt Masterson
The names of prospective district volunteers must now be run through sex offender registries and the statewide list of violent offenders before they can be hired.
Anti-War Activists to Honor 1968 Chicago Protests with March, Rally
| Kristen Thometz
A march planned for Saturday commemorating the 1968 anti-war protests held during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago will not just be a “nostalgia event,” says organizer Andy Thayer.
Rauner Vetoes Bill to Create Urban Agriculture Zones in Illinois
| Alex Ruppenthal
Gov. Bruce Rauner on Monday vetoed a bill that advocates say would have boosted urban agriculture efforts in Chicago and other cities across the state.
2018 Governor’s Race: Fundraising Nears $250 Million
| Amanda Vinicky
Total fundraising in the Illinois governor’s race approaches a quarter-billion dollars. What that means for both parties.
Viewer Feedback: ‘Finally a Law I Can Fully Support’
| WTTW News
Readers react to a new Illinois law that toughens up penalties for texting while driving.
Organic Gardens in Chicago Provide Fresh Produce, Opportunities
| Evan Garcia
Two certified organic gardens on opposite sides of the city provide benefits to the environment and nearby communities.
Day 3 of Jury Deliberations in Trial of Paul Manafort
| Alexandra Silets
The jury asked no major questions of the judge Monday – and delivered no verdict. Renato Mariotti joins us to discuss jury deliberations and more.
Dancing the Night Away at Dance for Life
| Hedy Weiss
As always, the annual benefit concert served up a rich smorgasbord of styles Saturday. It also offered a subtle suggestion of Chicago’s dance history.
Rapid Blood Test Can Detect Parasitic Infection in Pregnant Women
| Kristen Thometz
An inexpensive finger-prick test can quickly and accurately detect the presence of a life-damaging parasite in pregnant women, according to a recent study conducted in Chicago and Morocco.
Emanuel, AG Madigan Rip EPA Proposal to ‘Censor’ Scientific Research
| Alex Ruppenthal
Former EPA chief Scott Pruitt said his proposal would increase transparency, but opponents say it will keep certain scientific studies out of the hands of EPA decision-makers and addresses “a ‘problem’ that does not exist.”
New Illinois Law Broadens Synthetic Marijuana Ban, Closes Loophole
| Kristen Thometz
“Many synthetic cannabinoids are already illegal, but by broadening the criteria, we ensure that they can’t be made legal by small and potentially deadly changes to their chemical formulas,” said state Sen. Jacqueline Collins.
The Music and Mayhem of Midsummer Nights in Grant Park
| Hedy Weiss
As difficult as it may be to believe, the summer of 2018 is winding down. One significant marker: the Grant Park Music Festival will give the final performances of its 84th season on Saturday.
Coordinated Effort to End Homelessness Takes Luck Out of the Process
| Kristen Thometz
Organizations in Chicago have spent decades helping the city’s homeless find housing. But until recently, there was no overarching system in place to help track those efforts – or the people in need.
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