Chicago police superintendent David Brown is approaching nearly two years in command. And it's been a rough ride. His tenure has been racked with a soaring homicide rate and weeks of civil unrest in the wake of George Floyd's murder — all while attempting to reform a police department during a global pandemic.
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Laquan McDonald’s Family Responds to Release of Jason Van Dyke
We spent the day in North Lawndale — the neighborhood Laquan McDonald grew up in — and spoke with family members and the community about Jason Van Dyke’s release as part of our community reporting series.
Jason Van Dyke Released From Prison Thursday
Ex-officer was convicted of killing Black teen Laquan McDonald
“I understand why this continues to feel like a miscarriage of justice, especially when many Black and brown men get sentenced to so much more prison time for having committed far lesser crimes,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said.
Less Than Half of Chicago Public Schools Students Attended Class Wednesday During Snowstorm
According to Chicago Public Schools data, 49.9% of Pre-K through12th grade students in district-operated schools were accounted for on Wednesday.
Scientists Race to Gather Winter Data on Warming Great Lakes
Lake scientists have long considered winter a season when aquatic activity slows. But researchers now think more is going on in the bitter depths than previously believed — including activity influenced by climate change.
Summer Fests, Air and Water Show to Return to Chicago After Pandemic Hiatus, Lightfoot Announces
A “bite-sized version” of Taste of Chicago will return to Grant Park in July, with pop-ups returning to Chicago’s neighborhoods, officials said.
Blackhawks Owner Rocky Wirtz Apologizes for Response to Kyle Beach Talk
It was the first time the franchise’s top leaders had faced questions in public since the team published a report by an outside law firm that found the organization badly mishandled Kyle Beach’s allegations that he was assaulted by then-video coach Brad Aldrich during the team’s run to the 2010 Stanley Cup title.
After a Wild Wednesday, the Snow Show Is Over. Time To Dig Out
Chicago is digging out from a wild Wednesday that saw continuous snowfall throughout the day, dumping anywhere from 5.6 inches at O'Hare to 11 inches at Midway. That looks to be the end of active weather, for now.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker Details Temporary Tax Relief Plan in Budget Address Kicking Off Reelection Year
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Wednesday afternoon address from the Old State Capitol was delivered to a mostly virtual audience after a snowstorm thwarted plans for an in-person session of the General Assembly.
February 2, 2022 - Full Show
A live report from Springfield after the governor’s state of the state and budget address. Reaction from lawmakers. This week’s snowy forecast. And a change at the top of the Chicago Teachers Union.
Spotlight Politics: Property Tax Rebate, Suspends Food Sales Tax & IL Gas Tax
Gov. J.B. Pritzker presents an election-year budget filled with tax relief and more spending on programs. And Rod Blagojevich weighs in on a congressional race. . Our politics team weighs in on that story and more.
Advocates Call for City Support to Shelter Homeless Amid Winter Storm, Pandemic
As snowfall pelts the region, outreach workers in Chicago are working to provide supplies and shelter to the homeless community. Advocates are calling on the city for support as shelters deal with limited bed capacity in the pandemic.
Jesse Sharkey, President of Chicago Teachers Union, Not Running For Reelection
After more than three years as head of the CTU, Jesse Sharkey will be stepping down at the conclusion of his current term on June 30, he announced Wednesday.
Winter Storm Dumps 11 Inches of Snow at Midway With Additional Lake Effect Accumulation Possible
People in the Chicago region woke up Wednesday morning to heavy snowfall hitting just in time to snarl the morning commute. And there's more to come.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. 3-6
Lunar New Year celebrations, fancy footwork, wild animals and royal photos usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.
There Is No Winter Storm ‘Landon,’ National Weather Service Says
The National Weather Service doesn’t name winter storms, according to a spokesperson for the agency. So why are people calling the latest event “Landon”?
It Really Is Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil and Woodstock Willie Repeat Predictions From 2021
Punxsutawney Phil and Woodstock Willie emerged from their respective hideouts Wednesday to deliver their annual dueling Groundhog Day prognostications.
Durbin, Duckworth Want Update on Federal Review Ahead of Jason Van Dyke’s Release From Prison
Illinois Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth want to know more about a federal investigation into the 2014 killing of Black teen Laquan McDonald.
Rep. Adam Kinzinger Pushes ‘Uneasy Alliance’ to Thwart Trump’s Allies
Rep. Adam Kinzinger, one of Trump’s fiercest Republican critics in Congress, has directed his political organization to initiate a novel campaign to convince non-Republicans to support anti-Trump Republican candidates in GOP primary contests across the country later this year.
February 1, 2022 - Full Show
We hear from top Republicans ahead of the governor’s budget address. COVID-19 cases are falling in Chicago. Extreme winter weather is coming in. And we discuss upcoming plans to study Lake Michigan’s impact on the city’s shore.
Some Companies Offering Four-Day Workweek to Retain, Recruit Talent
As the so-called Great Resignation continues, companies have had to get creative with recruiting and retaining talented employees. The newest benefit some companies are experimenting with is a four-day workweek.
The Lakefront Sets Chicago Apart. Now There’s Money To Plan How To Protect It
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is about to embark on its first comprehensive study of the city’s lakefront in more than 25 years.
Adult COVID-19 Vaccination Rate Rises in Chicago After Mandate for Gyms, Restaurants, Bars Takes Effect: Data
The rate of COVID-19 vaccinations began growing faster among Chicagoans 18 and older as compared with any other age group, according to city data.
A Giant Effort to Create Miniature Rooms Linked to Thorne Rooms
Big things can come in small packages, and that certainly goes for artwork as well. A local maker of miniatures has a direct connection to the Thorne Rooms – those ever-popular scale-model rooms on view at the Art Institute. We explored some awe-inspiring little worlds on display in a new setting.
Pfizer Asks FDA to Allow COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids Under 5
The nation’s 19 million children under 5 are the only group not yet eligible for vaccination against the coronavirus. Many parents have been pushing for an expansion of shots to toddlers and preschoolers, especially as the omicron wave sent record numbers of youngsters to the hospital.
Republicans React to Governor’s Expected Budget Plan
Gov. J. B. Pritzker will present the new state budget Wednesday. Details will include Illinois' pandemic response, funding for schools, and for violence prevention, and potential tax relief. Among the expected proposals are holding the line on a gasoline tax, and temporarily lifting a 1% tax on food.
