Experts: Rauner reform panel should include formerly incarcerated
By Dean DeChiaro Academics and policy wonks said this week they were encouraged by the creation of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform, but called on the governor to bolster its credibility and efficiency by including formerly incarcerated people among its appointees. The commission, which Rauner created by executive order last […]
Momentum growing to legalize sports gambling
By Kulwant Saluja The notion that American sports fans could legally gamble on sporting events would have been deemed absurd even a year ago. But once a taboo subject, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s shocking pro-gambling comments in a Nov. 13 op-ed piece in the New York Times, has stimulated discussion on the subject, prompting other […]
Potbelly Corp. stock rises after profitable quarter
By Alysha Khan Potbelly Corp. stock jumped 12.85 percent to $16 – the highest since June – after the company swung to a profit for the fourth quarter, beating analyst expectations. Sharon Zackfia, equity research analyst at William Blair, maintained an outperform rating for the stock, stating in a research note that the company “still […]
Electronic health records help the healing
By Mary Lee Ocean-themed décor splashes the walls of La Rabida Children’s Hospital in a room filled with bright, plush chairs contoured like the candy Dots. But perky colors can’t erase the worry on Maria Gallegos’ face as she sits in the room waiting for her 6-year-old daughter to finish her appointment. She’s lost count of the routine check-ups after […]
Archbishop Cupich celebrates first Ash Wednesday in the Loop
By Ellen Kobe Archbishop Blase Cupich presided over Mass Wednesday, giving ashes to guests at St. Peter’s in the Loop. Cupich was installed as the leader of the Archdiocese of Chicago in November, and this service marked the start of his first Lenten season in the city. Beginning at 6 a.m., hundreds of people filed […]
VIDEO: Nazi bomber lands at Museum of Science and Industry
By Beth Lawrence This month the Museum of Science and Industry is offering a rare and up-close look at a piece of history that’s usually out of reach. The German Stuka, one of only two remaining in the world, normally hangs in the rafters. For now, the museum has landed the bomber on its main floor to […]
VIDEO: Donation assists the older adult programs at the Greater Chicago Food Depository
By J’nelle Agee The Greater Chicago Food Depository just received a one million dollar donation that will directly assist its older adult programs. The funds will help the depository produce one million meals this year.
VIDEO: Social media creates new outlet for cyber bullying
By Mariel Turner With the popularity of social media apps like Instagram and Twitter, cyber bullying has become a growing concern for many Chicagoans. Some have already experienced the painful attacks firsthand. But victims of cyber bullying are fighting back and new legislation passed last December may further curb online harassment.
Chicagoans waste 55 million pounds of food each month
By Sarah Kramer Picture your fridge – the leftovers from last night’s dinner, the half-finished meal from the corner deli, the bag of avocados trucked in from California, the loaf of multigrain bread slowly getting stale. How much of the food in your fridge and the rest of your kitchen at this moment will you […]
Extension denied: Pet coke piles must be covered by June 2016
By Sarah Kramer The Chicago Department of Public Health denied a request on Monday to extend the deadline for covering the piles of petroleum coke stored at terminals along the Calumet River on Chicago’s Far South Side. Koch Industries subsidiary KCBX Terminals asked the city in December to allow an 18-month extension – with a new deadline of December […]