For many places of worship, it’s business as usual. But some churches, synagogues, mosques and other houses of worship have been offering virtual or outdoor services, and will be doing so for holiday events.
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How Safe Is It to Attend Holiday Religious Services as the Omicron Variant Spreads? Experts Weigh in
Dec 25, 2021 | CNN
Holiday-Proof Your Fitness With These 10 Expert Tips
Dec 24, 2021 | CNN
With the right mindset, you can enjoy the season without sabotaging your well-being.
Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe for Children?
Dec 24, 2021 | Associated Press
More than 5 million children ages 5 to 11 have gotten a first dose since early November, and government safety monitoring has not uncovered any surprise problems.
1 in 5 Parents Admit Their Stress Level Ruins the Holidays for Their Children, According to a New Poll
Dec 24, 2021 | CNN
The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most stressful.
Reindeer Once Roamed Illinois. 10 Fun Facts About the Holidays’ Hoofed Heroes
Dec 24, 2021 | Patty Wetli
For an animal immortalized in literature, song and film, the reindeer has done a remarkable job of, pardon the pun, flying under the radar.
Bears, Officially Out of Playoff Contention, Prepare to Face Seahawks
Dec 23, 2021 | Nick Blumberg
Chicago fell to the Minnesota Vikings 17-9 on Monday Night Football, the team’s third straight loss.
US Sets Shorter COVID-19 Isolation Rules for Health Workers
Dec 23, 2021 | Associated Press
Worried that a new COVID-19 wave could overwhelm understaffed U.S. hospitals, federal officials on Thursday loosened rules that call on health care workers to stay out of work for 10 days if they test positive.
Trump Asks Supreme Court to Block Release of Jan. 6 Records
Dec 23, 2021 | Associated Press
Former President Donald Trump turned to the Supreme Court on Thursday in a last-ditch effort to keep documents away from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol led by his supporters.
NASA’ s James Webb Space Telescope Rolls Out for Christmas Launch
Dec 23, 2021 | CNN
The highly anticipated launch of the James Webb Space Telescope has been delayed multiple times.
Illinois Sets New Single-Day Record of COVID-19 Cases
Dec 23, 2021 | Kristen Thometz
On the eve of Christmas Eve, state health officials reported nearly 19,000 new and probable cases of COVID-19 in a 24-hour period, breaking the record for highest single-day case count set just Wednesday.
US Adds Merck Pill as 2nd Easy-to-Use Drug Against COVID-19
Dec 23, 2021 | Associated Press
The Food and Drug Administration announcement on Merck’s molnupiravir comes one day after the agency cleared a competing drug from Pfizer.
December 23, 2021 - Full Show
Dec 23, 2021 | WTTW News
The holidays can be tough to handle. Advice from mental health professionals. Previewing the Bears Seahawks matchup. And a Mexican Catholic tradition celebrated in Buena Park.
How to Deal With Grief, Stress During The Holidays
Dec 23, 2021 | Marissa Nelson
Holiday music, decorations and commercials say it’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of year. But not everyone experiences the holidays as merry and bright.
High Court to Hold Special Session on Vaccine Requirements
Dec 23, 2021 | Associated Press
The Supreme Court says it will hold a special session in just over two weeks to weigh challenges to two Biden administration policies covering vaccine requirements for millions of workers, policies that affect large employers and health care workers.
Suburban Cook County to Require Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
Dec 23, 2021 | Kristen Thometz
Citing rising COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths, suburban Cook County officials announced Thursday patrons age 5 and up entering restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters, among other venues, will need to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 starting Jan. 3.
How Long Should You Isolate If You’re Fully Vaccinated But Have COVID-19? There is Some Debate
Dec 23, 2021 | CNN
This debate comes as COVID-19 cases rise across the United States. As of Tuesday, the nation is averaging 139,764 new cases each day, according to data from Johns Hopkins University – up 16% from a week ago.
Spotlight Politics: Chicago Issues Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate Amid Surge
Dec 22, 2021 | Alexandra Silets
A look at the political and economic ramifications of the COVID-19 surge. Our politics team and guest reporters weigh in on that and more.
Local Business Owners React to Proof of Vaccination Requirement
Dec 22, 2021 | Leslie Hurtado
While some business owners say requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination will limit spread of COVID-19, others worry about how it will impact their business – and how patrons will react.
How to Safely Celebrate Holidays Amid the Latest COVID-19 Surge
Dec 22, 2021 | Blair Paddock
Holiday travel and gathering has begun. The Food and Drug Administration authorizes emergency use of Pfizer’s pill to treat COVID-19. A local physician weighs in on that and more.
Demand for COVID-19 Testing Surges as Holidays Near
Dec 22, 2021 | Joanna Hernandez
Pharmacies are dealing with a shortage of at-home COVID-19 tests as the demand for testing skyrockets ahead of the holidays.
Artist Combs Chicago Beaches for Materials and Inspiration
Dec 22, 2021 | Marc Vitali
Discovery is central to the work of an artist who seeks and finds all kinds of things on the shores of Lake Michigan. John Soss makes artwork out of seemingly nothing, sifting the sand for debris left by people and nature.
Illinois Sees Highest Single-Day COVID-19 Case Count
Dec 22, 2021 | Matt Masterson
There were 16,581 new and probable COVID-19 cases recorded within the past 24 hours by the Illinois Department of Public Health. That’s the highest single-day total this year and the highest since November 2020, per IDPH data.
Feds Recommend 1-Year Prison Sentence for Former Ald. Ricardo Muñoz
Dec 22, 2021 | Matt Masterson
In a sentencing memorandum filed Wednesday, federal prosecutors said former Ald. Ricardo Muñoz “abused his public position and betrayed the public trust” by embezzling nearly $38,000 in city money over the course of approximately three years.
December 22, 2021 - Full Show
Dec 22, 2021 | WTTW News
The race for COVID-19 tests ahead of the holidays. The latest on Pfizer’s newly approved COVID-19 pill. How businesses are reacting to the mayor’s new vaccine mandate. And what’s behind a shortage of Santas.
Pfizer Pill Becomes 1st US-Authorized Home COVID Treatment
Dec 22, 2021 | Associated Press
The long-awaited milestone comes as U.S. cases, hospitalizations and deaths are all rising and health officials warn of a tsunami of new infections from the omicron variant that could overwhelm hospitals.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Dec. 23-26
Dec 22, 2021 | Kristen Thometz
Global Christmas traditions, holiday lights, festive floral arrangements and comics usher in the holiday weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.