Body Camera Video Shows Officer Fatally Shot Anthony Alvarez as He Fled Police
The video release from the Civilian Office of Police Accountability marks the second time in two weeks the agency has published footage showing a fatal police shooting involving a foot pursuit.
Biden to Pitch Sweeping ‘Family Plan’ in Speech to Congress
Marking his first 100 days in office, President Joe Biden will use his first joint address to Congress to pitch a $1.8 trillion investment in children, families and education that would fundamentally transform the role government plays in American life.
Illinois Public Officials Create Mamas Caucus to Support Illinois Mothers, Families
Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and more than 20 other government officials are joining to form the bipartisan Mamas Caucus. Comprising city, county and state leaders, the caucus plans to tackle issues that impact mothers.
Spotlight Politics: Alvarez Shooting Video Released
Another video showing the police shooting death, this time of Anthony Alvarez, is released. It shows Officer Evan Solano making a split-second decision to fire his weapon at the 22-year-old during a foot chase. Our politics team takes on that story and more in this week’s roundtable.
City Releases Video of Police Shooting, But Questions Remain
There are still many unknowns about the fatal police shooting of Anthony Alvarez on March 31, including why he was stopped by law enforcement in the first place.
Art and Science Share Spotlight at Museum in Pilsen
Scientists are exploring centuries-old paintings from colonial-era Mexico, searching for clues to find out more about the artwork. We visit the National Museum of Mexican Art for a meet-up of art and science.
Democrats Committed to Remap in May, But Uncommitted on Data to Draw From
With roughly a month before they plan to complete the weighty task of drawing new maps that will determine the lines of political power for the next decade, Illinois Democrats say they have not determined what data they’ll use. We speak with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle about that and more.
City Officials Launch $60M Arts Recovery Plan
Arts 77, a new citywide arts recovery and reopening plan named with a nod to Chicago’s 77 community areas, will work to support local artists and organizations, a sector “decimated by the global pandemic,” according to an official.
How to Stay Informed and Avoid Burnout from 24-7 Media
Over the past year, news coverage about traumatic topics like the pandemic and fatal police shootings have caused many to feel burnt out. Is there a balance between staying informed and not feeling overwhelmed by distressing stories?
Philanthropic Groups Step Up in Last-Minute Tribune Talks
The clock is nearing midnight for the Chicago Tribune and efforts to prevent a takeover from controversial hedge fund Alden Global Capital. WTTW News has learned there are still active talks behind the scenes to come up with a bid that could derail Alden’s plan.
State Lawmakers Advance Bill to Replace Toxic Lead Service Lines
Chicago has more lead service pipes than any other U.S. city. Last year the city announced a plan to slowly replace those lines, an effort which has yet to get underway. Now, state lawmakers want to tackle the toxic problem—and they want Congress to foot the bill.
Vaccine Mandates Legal, But Employment Experts Say Incentives May Work Better
More and more colleges and universities are making vaccination for COVID-19 a requirement in the fall. Other businesses are more circumspect. But during a global pandemic, should vaccines be mandatory? And what are your rights if you refuse a vaccine?
April 27, 2021 - Full Show
Can your employer or school mandate you get the COVID-19 vaccine? State lawmakers battle over the budget. Replacing Illinois’ lead service lines. And millions of dollars for public art.
Why Black Representation is Especially Important When it Comes to Charitable Giving
After a year that has laid bare persistent inequities in everything from health care outcomes to criminal justice, leaders of philanthropic organizations are reassessing how, and to whom, they are lending their support.
Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch, Illinois’ First Black Speaker of the House, on His First 100 Days
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan held a tight grip on the gavel for 36 years – a term only interrupted by a two-year blip in the ‘90s. His successor, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, is making headway on fulfilling a promise that would prevent anyone else from a similar reign.