The White House pressures the FDA to grant emergency authorization for Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine, as the virus kills more than 14,000 people in Illinois. Once given the green light, distributing the vaccine becomes the next hurdle.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot slams Ald. Tom Tunney, who faces up to $10,500 in fines for serving his regular customers indoors at his Ann Sather’s restaurant, for violating a ban on indoor dining. And Gov. J.B. Pritzker hammers a Republican lawmaker for flouting COVID-19 rules. But, Rep. Brad Halbrook defends his mask-less holiday party.
Embattled Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan wins the support of 21 Black Caucus members in his uphill attempt to keep the speaker’s gavel after promising support for their Black agenda. Meanwhile, Madigan floats an income tax increase following the failure of the so-called “fair tax” amendment at the ballot box to fill the state’s $3.9 billion budget deficit. But, Republican House Leader Jim Durkin wants spending cuts.
It looks like Rahm Emanuel’s wish to be President-elect Joe Biden’s Transportation Secretary isn’t coming true. Cubs co-owner, Todd Ricketts, considers tossing his name in the race for governor on the GOP side of the aisle as rumors abound about U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger’s possible run. And, the Secretary of State race is already revving up with Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia adding her name to the list of possible contenders. Former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, state Sen. Michael Hastings, Ald. Walter Burnett and Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough have floated their potential candidacies.
Finally, two Illinois Republican Congressmen, Darin LaHood and Mike Bost, want the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Biden’s victory in a last-ditch attempt to help President Donald Trump.
Guests
Sarah Schulte, ABC-7 News | @SchulteABC7
Michael Puente, WBEZ | @MikePuenteNews
Laura Washington, Chicago Sun-Times and ABC-7 News | @MediaDervish
Greg Bishop, The Center Square @BishopOnAir
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