Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the statewide mask mandate for most indoor public spaces will be lifted at the end of February. Despite the ongoing court challenge to the school mask mandate, it will remain in place for now.
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Mr. Bocanegra Goes to Washington: Chicago Anti-Violence Pioneer Joins DOJ
Feb 12, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
Eddie Bocanegra began his work in Chicago as an outreach worker at CeaseFire. He later started the Urban Warriors program with the YMCA, connecting youth with military veteran mentors and began the READI program offering intensive resources for people at high risk for violence.
La Última Palabra on Latinos and Tech Startups
Feb 12, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
As part of our La Última Palabra series, Lou Sandoval, CEO of Supply Hive, says it’s time for Latinos to look to the tech industry for entrepreneurial inspiration.
Biden Warns Putin of ‘Severe Costs’ of Ukraine Invasion
Feb 12, 2022 | Associated Press
The two presidents spoke a day after Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, warned that U.S. intelligence shows that a Russian invasion could begin within days and before the Winter Olympics in Beijing end Feb. 20.
Biden Weighs Appeal of 3 Top Candidates for High Court
Feb 12, 2022 | Associated Press
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday Biden could begin meeting with top contenders as early as next week, noting that such interviews typically happen at the end of the vetting process. She said the president remains on track for an announcement by the end of the month.
The Week in Review: State’s Mask Mandate Lifting
Feb 11, 2022 | Alexandra Silets
Gov. Pritzker announces an eventual end to the indoor mask mandate. Chao and confusion abound at schools after the latest court ruling on masks in schools. The defense rests in an alderman’s criminal trial. And is there a ray of hope for the Bears and Soldier Field?
A Rachmaninov Piano Concerto (and More) Rocks Orchestra Hall as Marin Alsop Conducts the CSO
Feb 11, 2022 | Hedy Weiss
Rachmaninov’s “Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor,” is a nerve-shatteringly difficult work. Backed by the full orchestra, which was in its usual sublime form, Lukas Vondracek rendered the extraordinary work with a superb mix of both titanic power and surprising lyricism.
In Reversal, FDA Puts Brakes on COVID Shots for Kids Under 5
Feb 11, 2022 | Associated Press
Friday, the FDA reversed course and said it had become clear the agency needed to wait for data on how well a third shot works for the youngest age group. Pfizer said in a statement that it expected the data by early April.
US Ramps Up Ukraine Warning, Says Russia May Invade in Days
Feb 11, 2022 | Associated Press
The Biden administration on Friday escalated its dire warnings about a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying it could take place within days, even as diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis continued.
Marriott’s Dance-Fueled ‘West Side Story’ Remains True to a Classic
Feb 11, 2022 | Hedy Weiss
The Marriott Theatre’s “West Side Story” opened Wednesday night in a production especially notable for its rip-roaring Latin and jazz-infused dance sequences choreographed by Alex Sanchez.
Study: COVID Booster Effectiveness Wanes, Remains Strong
Feb 11, 2022 | Associated Press
An early look at the performance of COVID-19 booster shots during the recent omicron wave in the U.S. showed a decline in effectiveness against severe cases, though the shots still offered strong protection.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Niles
Feb 10, 2022 | Acacia Hernandez
Niles, a northwest Chicago suburb. It’s well known for its landmark replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but it’s also a community thinking about how to revamp one of its anchor businesses for the future. There are efforts to redevelop Golf Mill mall, a nearby park, and plans to improve infrastructure and pedestrian safety.
February 10, 2022 - Full Show
Feb 10, 2022 | WTTW News
Chicago police change their foot pursuit policy. College athletes blocked from playing in championships. Efforts to renew the Violence Against Women Act. And ancient artwork in a new setting.
Blues Drummer Sam Lay Dies at 86; Played With Dylan, Waters
Feb 10, 2022 | Associated Press
Alligator Records said Lay was known for his “trademark, hard-to-copy ‘double-shuffle’" drumming, based on double-time hand-clapping in his childhood church.
Chicago Police Revise Foot Pursuit Policy After Criticism
Feb 10, 2022 | Heather Cherone
Police reform advocates criticized the original policy as too “vague” and said it gave officers too much discretion to chase someone they suspect of a crime.
Why the Real Estate Industry Has Seen an Increase in New Agents
Feb 10, 2022 | Marissa Nelson
The housing market has been hot throughout the pandemic and so is the industry itself, with more people getting into the business. Membership at the Illinois Realtors Association is up 15% in the past five years and the past two years have seen the most significant growth.
Treasures of Ancient Egypt Return to Spotlight at Art Institute
Feb 10, 2022 | Marc Vitali
Back in 1890, the Art Institute of Chicago began collecting Egyptian art. Much of it has been out of view for years, but the museum spruced up the collection and is about to unveil it in a new gallery. We have a preview of ancient art and artifacts from the Nile Valley in North Africa.
Senators Strike Bipartisan Deal on Domestic Violence Bill
Feb 10, 2022 | Associated Press
Sen. Dick Durbin announced a bill to renew the Violence Against Women Act alongside his Democratic and Republican colleagues who were also joined by domestic violence survivors and actor and advocate Angelina Jolie.
UIC Athletes Barred from Playing in Championships
Feb 10, 2022 | Blair Paddock
The decision comes from their conference, the Horizon League, after UIC announced it’ll be leaving the league and joining the Missouri Valley Conference next year.
Charges Filed in West Side Shootout That Sparked Feud Between Lori Lightfoot, Kim Foxx
Feb 10, 2022 | Matt Masterson
Thomas Dean was charged Thursday with three counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon stemming from the Oct. 1, 2021, shootout in the 1200 block of North Mason Avenue.
Carvana Made a Lot of Promises To Appease Opponents of Its 14-Story Glass Tower, What’s To Hold the Company to Them?
Feb 10, 2022 | Patty Wetli
The concessions are being written into an ordinance, which will come up for a second reading and final approval at a subsequent board meeting, possibly as early as Feb. 22. Failure to comply could lead to fines or even the suspension of Carvana’s business license.
Jerry Harris, of Netflix’s ‘Cheer’ Fame, Pleads Guilty in Federal Child Sex Abuse Case
Feb 10, 2022 | Matt Masterson
Jerry Harris, 22, entered a guilty plea on charges of knowingly receiving child pornography and engaging in illicit sexual conduct during a remote hearing before a Chicago judge Thursday afternoon.
Statewide Mask Mandates Are Disappearing, But Should You Continue to Wear One Anyway?
Feb 10, 2022 | CNN
At this point in the coronavirus pandemic, local mask mandates are disappearing quickly while at the national level, the guidance to wear masks is staying put, at least for now. So, should you mask up or not? Infectious disease experts have some advice for wherever you live.
Teen Charged With Posting ‘Violent’ Online Threat to Lincoln Park High School
Feb 10, 2022 | Matt Masterson
A 15-year-old boy is facing a felony charge after he allegedly made a “violent threat” online about Lincoln Park High School.
Republican Rift Exposes Choice: With Trump or Against Him
Feb 10, 2022 | Associated Press
The Republican rift over a symbolic RNC vote to censure Trump’s two GOP House critics has exposed in stark contrast the competing forces fighting to control the party.
Most Vulnerable Still in Jeopardy as COVID Precautions Ease
Feb 10, 2022 | Associated Press
Up to 7 million immune-compromised Americans have been left behind in the nation’s wobbly efforts to get back to normal. Not only do these fragile patients remain at high risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, they can harbor lengthy infections that can help spark still more variants.