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Bruce Rauner Hires Leslie Munger as Deputy Governor
| Amanda Vinicky
Former Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger will return to state government at her former, $135,000 salary. Friday afternoon Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office announced that Munger has been brought on as a deputy governor.
Chicago-Based Climate Change Skeptics Eager for Trump to Reset ‘Fake Science’
| Alex Ruppenthal
With an expected audience of officials appointed by President Donald Trump, the Heartland Institute hopes to reset U.S. climate policy, which is also the theme for its upcoming International Conference on Climate Change.
The Week in Review: Trump Calls Chicago 'Totally Out of Control'
| Nick Blumberg
President Trump calls Chicago "totally out of control." Mayor Rahm Emanuel says enough talk, send in federal resources. Gov. Rauner calls for a budget with cuts, revenues and reforms as the state’s credit rating takes another hit. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.
CTU Members Take Protest to City Hall on First Furlough Day
| Matt Masterson
More than 200 union members filled the fifth floor at City Hall, taking seats on the floor to grade papers, plan class assignments and hear “lessons” on school revenue, clinician services and the protection of immigrant students.
Former Johnson Publishing Building Considered for Landmark Status
| Kristen Thometz
The landmark designation process started Thursday for the 110,000-square-foot S. Michigan Avenue building designed by black architect John Warren Moutoussamy.
Doomsday Clock Moves 30 Seconds Closer to Midnight
| Erica Gunderson
Is rhetoric edging us closer to doomsday? Last week, the Doomsday Clock edged 30 seconds closer to midnight, putting the world two and a half symbolic minutes away from global annihilation.
City’s Goals for O’Hare Expansion Include More Gates, Competition
| Paul Caine
Negotiations are underway between the city and United and American Airlines over a new gate lease agreement that could determine O’Hare’s future development for a generation.
‘Chicago Voices’ Concert Showcases Diverse Local Talent
| Eddie Arruza
A major, Chicago-centric concert this weekend showcases the city’s many voices.
Rabbi Herman Schaalman, Interfaith Leader, Dies at 100
| Alexandra Silets
We remember Rabbi Herman Schaalman, a Holocaust survivor and legendary interfaith leader who late in life gave up his belief in God.
Jonathan Biss, Acclaimed Pianist, on His ‘Obsessive’ Approach to Music
| Marc Vitali
A studio performance by classical pianist Jonathan Biss.
Chicago Barber’s 1957 Creation Becomes 3-Generation Success Story
| Jay Shefsky
When Chicago barber Fred Luster created a new product for his customers in 1957, he couldn’t have known what lay ahead. A look at the history of Luster Products.
Viewer Feedback: ‘The Ban Is Unacceptable’
| Erica Gunderson
Viewers weigh in on President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration and refugees.
Buy Toys for Animals from Lincoln Park Zoo’s Enrichment ‘Wish List’
| Alex Ruppenthal
Siku the polar bear wants a floating stone. Bella the baby guerilla wants carrots. The holiday season has passed, but Chicago zoo animals are still hoping for gifts.
George Takei on Trump, Turmoil and Why ‘Trek’ Endures
| Nick Blumberg
The actor and activist hosts a screening and discussion of the film “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” this weekend. We caught up with him to talk “Trek,” Trump and more.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. 2-5
| Maya Miller
An after-hours museum party, ice cream for breakfast and Super Bowl parties usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
CTU Delegates Call on CPS Head Claypool to Step Down
| Matt Masterson
Chicago Teachers Union officials issued a vote of no confidence Wednesday night on Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool after claiming he has worked to “dismantle and sabotage” CPS.
School Funding Reform Commission Delivers Report, Legislation TBD
| Brandis Friedman
Another commission, another report on school funding reform. Will lawmakers’ recommendations create a new formula?
Ask Geoffrey: What Happened to Chicago Burger Chain Wimpy’s?
| Erica Gunderson
A viewer wonders what became of a Chicago burger chain that borrowed its name from a cartoon moocher. Geoffrey Baer serves up some hamburger history.
Honoring Chicago Poet Gwendolyn Brooks, Who Broke the Color Barrier
| Evan Garcia
The late Chicago poet Gwendolyn Brooks made history in 1950 as the first African-American author to receive a Pulitzer Prize.
Senate Negotiations on ‘Grand Bargain’ Budget Continue
| Nick Blumberg
What progress have state senators made on negotiating a budget deal, and how will Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan react if it passes?
Report: Outdoor Cats Are Killing Billions of Birds
| Alexandra Silets
A Smithsonian ornithologist says outdoor cats are devastating bird populations.
Northwestern Study Links School Violence to Unemployment Rate
| Matt Masterson
Researchers have discovered a “significant correlation” between decreases in economic opportunities and the number of school shootings reported across the country.
Ta-Nehisi Coates: ‘Chicago is the Capital of Black America’
| Maya Miller
The journalist and author spoke Tuesday night to a crowd of more than 1,000 Northwestern University faculty, staff and students on topics of race, journalism, politics and identity.
Remembering a Forgotten Photographer of Chicago History
| Marc Vitali
One hundred years ago he took unforgettable photos of Chicago in turbulent times. Exploring the life of Jun Fujita, a Japanese immigrant who captured city history.
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