What’s at stake for Black voters in Illinois as voting rights bills flounder. Afro-optimism is the word for our Black Voices Book Club pick. And remembering Martin Luther King Jr. and Muhammad Ali.
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Caring for Children’s Mental Health Throughout Pandemic Poses Challenges to Latino Families
Throughout the pandemic, parents have expressed concern about the toll these uncertain times might be exacting on their children’s mental health. Among Latino families, who have experienced higher infection and death rates as well as more financial insecurity, those concerns are especially acute.
Working Against Wage Theft with the Office of Labor Standards
Wage theft can take many forms, from failure to pay for overtime to withholding tips. The city of Chicago estimates over $400 million are stolen from workers each year here. And Latinos and immigrants are especially at risk of wage theft.
Win a Free Mural for Your Community from Green Arts Movement
Local youth arts organization Green Star Movement has installed murals all over the city. This year, in partnership with Amazon, Green Star is inviting Chicagoans to apply for a chance at getting a free mural created in their community.
Two Bills Setting Nationwide Voting Rights Standards Stalled in Senate
A battle over voting rights legislation in Washington D.C. President Joe Biden and Democratic lawmakers are pushing for two bills that would set national standards for federal elections.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Event Highlights Chicago Freedom Movement
The nation marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday. Dr. King led the Chicago freedom movement to fight for open and affordable housing. United Way of Metro Chicago will hold a Zoom webinar where local Tik-Tok star and urban historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas will share some facts about the movement.
‘Energy Never Dies’ Reflects on Chicago’s Black History, Culture
The book “Energy Never Dies: Afro-Optimism and Creativity in Chicago” takes readers through different points in time in Chicago’s Black history and reflects on how those moments influence the creativity and achievements of entrepreneurs and artists today.
Illinois Celebrates First Holiday Dedicated to Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali
Monday marks not only Martin Luther King Day but in Illinois, it will also recognize the first Muhammad Ali Day. To celebrate, the Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition will host a virtual event honoring the boxing legend, featuring speakers including the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Ali’s daughter Maryum Ali.
The Last Word on Supporting Diversity in Tech Entrepreneurship
Tech start-ups often rely on investors to get their business up and running, but tech entrepreneurs of color often don’t get the same amount of funding as their white counterparts. That unequal playing field is what led to the creation of TechRise, a Chicago initiative to support and fund Black and Latino-owned tech companies.
A Night of Sheer Brilliance, Maestro Muti & CSO’s Bravura Musicians Prove Beethoven is Forever New
Maestro Riccardo Muti was in stellar form during Thursday night’s concert in Orchestra Hall. He clearly is in love with the indomitable musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and they return that passion with a magnificent combination of sound and fury and absolute beauty.
Major Winter Storm: South Braces for Big Blast of Snow, Ice
By Friday, the fast-moving storm had already dropped heavy snow across a large swath of the Midwest, where travel conditions deteriorated and scores of schools closed or moved to online instruction. Iowa was hit the hardest.
A Digital Divide Haunts Schools Adapting to Virus Hurdles
As more families pivot back to remote learning amid quarantines and school closures, reliable, consistent access to devices and home internet remains elusive for many students who need them to keep up with their schoolwork.
Give Back to the Land During Cook County Forest Preserves’ MLK Day of Service Events
In honor of Monday’s Martin Luther King Day of Service, Cook County Forest Preserves is hosting volunteer activities at a number of sites across the forest preserve district, from habitat restoration to litter cleanups.
The Week in Review: CPS Classes Resume, But Tensions Run High
Chicago Public Schools students are back to in-person learning but tensions still surround the CTU. A new entrant is set to join the Republican candidates in the governor’s race. Mayor Lightfoot gets COVID-19. And the Bears search for a new general manager and head coach.
Lightfoot’s Handling of Botched Anjanette Young Raid Represents ‘Failure’ of Government: Watchdog
The unreleased report attempts to tell the “full story — thoroughly documented and sourced — of how the city’s government worked to prevent a victim of what was plainly either official misconduct or error from obtaining video proof of the raid on her home, thereby frustrating her efforts to secure redress for the injuries inflicted on her, however unintentionally, by government actors.”
No City Officials Fired or Suspended After Smokestack Implosion: Watchdog
The first report from interim Inspector General William Marback disclosed that Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration declined to fire an employee of the Chicago Department of Public Health or punish two other employees of the Department of Buildings responsible for approving and overseeing the implosion of the smokestack.
Waukesha Parade Suspect to Stand Trial for Murder
A Milwaukee man accused of killing six people and injuring dozens more when he drove an SUV through a suburban Christmas parade must stand trial, a court commissioner ordered Friday.
Goodbye ‘Godsend’: Expiration of Child Tax Credits Hits Home
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, objected to extending the credit out of concern that the money would discourage people from working and that any additional federal spending would fuel inflation that has already climbed to a nearly 40-year high.
As Schools Battle Omicron, Billions of Federal Relief Dollars Remain Unspent
Much of the $190 billion that Congress authorized for schools earlier in the pandemic has yet to be used. In a majority of states, less than 20% of the federal money had been spent by the end of November, according to the latest U.S. Department of Education data.
Trial of Ald. Daley Thompson Set for Feb. 4 on Charges That He Failed to Pay Taxes, Lied to Feds
Surging COVID-19 cases fueled by the omicron variant will not delay the trial of Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson (11th Ward) on seven charges that he lied to federal bank regulators and filed false tax returns, a judge ruled Friday.
N95, KN95 Masks Can Be Used More Than Once. Here’s How to Extend Their Life
Though N95 and KN95 masks are treated as disposable, single-use gear in clinical settings, in everyday life they can be reused for extended periods when cared for properly. We’ve got tips.
When Am I Contagious If Infected With Omicron?
It’s not yet clear, but some early data suggests people might become contagious sooner than with earlier variants — possibly within a day after infection.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Skokie
We go to Skokie, where some residents are upset about a potential new neighbor coming to town: a car dealer, with an untraditional model for displaying their wares.
January 13, 2022 - Full Show
Spotting COVID-19 testing scams. Schools change their rules on COVID-19 quarantining. Live from Skokie. Why opioid deaths among older Americans have soared. And WTTW’s “Wild Travels” are back.
Third Season of ‘Wild Travels’ Debuts Sunday on WTTW
The show “Wild Travels” is back with a new season premiering this week, and viewers can expect a showcase of eccentric places across the U.S. from pierogi fests to a unicycle football team. We’re joined by the host and the executive producer.
Illinois Schools Reduce COVID-19 Isolation Time from 10 to 5 Days
According to district data from Chicago Public Schools, over 12,818 students are in quarantine, and 2,355 adults are also staying home due to a positive case.
