National data shows college enrollment fell another 2.7% in the fall of 2021. It’s a bit larger than the previous fall, when institutions saw a 2.5% drop, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
Stories by Blair Paddock
Kate Sullivan Takes Guests to Favorite Restaurants on New Season of ‘To Dine For’
This season of “To Dine For with Kate Sullivan” takes viewers on a journey with successful, and sometimes prominent guests sharing stories over their favorite foods.
How the Lack of Items Is Affecting Incarcerated People in Illinois
Incarcerated people in Illinois prisons are having difficulty getting access to basic necessities, like hygiene items or detergent. The Illinois Department of Corrections says this is due to a supply chain issue, but advocates point to disputes between IDOC and vendors.
CDC Updates Guidance on Face Masks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its guidance on face masks for preventing the spread of COVID-19. An infectious disease doctor explains what you need to know.
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.
How The Pandemic Has Affected Health Care Access for People With Disabilities
While people with disabilities are at high risk for COVID-19, a report from the National Council on Disability finds they haven’t been prioritized for vaccines in some states.
Illinois’ Top Doc on Omicron Spike, In-Person Learning Debate
Dr. Ngozi Ezike breaks down the latest Illinois COVID-19 numbers and says the debate over the safety of in-person learning is nuanced.
How Far Right Extremism Has Shifted Since Last Year
The ideas that contributed to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol one year ago are still alive and well, according to experts and recent polling. A year after the violent riot, some reports show that many of these ideas have become more mainstream and the far right has gained supporters.
How the Omicron Variant is Affecting Young People
COVID-19 hospitalizations for children have reached a record high in Chicago. The city is currently seeing a daily average of about seven hospitalizations. Despite these numbers, some data suggest the omicron variant is causing a milder illness in kids.
City’s Top Doc Says Schools Remain Safe Despite COVID Surge
Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said it’s rare for children to contract COVID-19 and hospitalizations are similar to that of the flu. “We don’t upend school, we don’t stop for influenza,” she said.
Local Doctor on Omicron Variant, Booster Eligibility and More
Dr. David Slade, associate medical director of infection prevention control at Loyola Medicine, discusses the latest research on the COVID-19 omicron variant, FDA’s authorization of boosters for teens and more.
Illinois Reports 30,386 New COVID Cases Thursday
More than 5,600 people are hospitalized with COVID. And COVID patients are occupying 34% of the state’s ICU beds.
How COVID-19 Has Impacted CTA Ridership
In Chicago, neighborhoods with higher shares of residents of color retained far more ridership than predominantly white communities—and that trend was similar in other cities.
Cook County Chief Judge Will Now Impose Vaccine Mandate for Employees
Chief Judge Timothy Evans announced Tuesday that his office — which covers the courts and the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center — will impose COVID vaccine mandates. This after the Chief Judge was criticized for previously not mandating the vaccine for all employees.
How to Safely Celebrate Holidays Amid the Latest COVID-19 Surge
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.
James Webb Space Telescope Set to Launch Christmas Eve
NASA prepares to launch the most powerful space telescope ever. Local astronomers share some up-close details.
Chicago Public Health Department Distributing Fentanyl Tests
The city’s public health department has been distributing the tests since October to try and reduce the number of deaths due to the drug. The city has distributed somewhere between 14-1500 kits.
Controversy Over Permit for Facility on Southeast Side
Citing investigations from the Environmental Protection Agency, local residents and activists say their neighborhood cannot withstand the pollution they believe the new Southside Recycling facility will bring.
Second Holiday Season With COVID-19: How Religious Leaders Are Celebrating
This time last year, many people celebrated the holidays virtually, as the COVID-19 vaccine was not yet widely available. But this year, the faithful can plan some in-person gatherings to celebrate the holidays.
Harvey Mayor on Homicides: ‘There’s a Perception Harvey Isn’t a Safe Place to Live’
More than 1,000 homicides have been recorded in Cook County so far this year. In the suburbs, Harvey has seen the highest total of homicides with 30.
‘The Invisible Ones’ Radio Series Follows Cases of Missing Black Women
Over the past 20 years, 51 Black women and girls have either gone missing or been found dead after disappearing in Chicago, according to WVON, which has produced a new five-part series featuring the stories of these victims’ family members and their efforts to find answers.
Parlor Pizza Under Investigation by City: Block Club Chicago
Former Parlor Pizza employees say they were forced to work overtime without pay and under toxic working conditions, according to Block Club Chicago. The restaurant is now under investigation for possible labor and anti-discrimination violations.
Book Censorship Debate: Controversy Over ‘Gender Queer: A Memoir’
Last week, students and officials at a west suburban school district discussed whether the graphic novel should be kept in school libraries. What could that mean for educational freedom?
NPR Investigates Ties Between Police and Far-Right Groups
A far-right paramilitary organization has found success in recruiting law enforcement officers in America’s largest cities, according to an investigation from NPR that shows active officers in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago on membership rosters.
Physicians, Children’s Hospitals Declare Youth Mental Health Emergency
Mental health challenges for children have reached a national emergency, according to several medical organizations representing 77,000 physicians and more than 200 children’s hospitals. “The pandemic has taken its toll in numerous ways,” said clinical psychologist Mashana Smith.
Chicago Tribune Looks Into City’s Lack of Public Bathrooms
A recent investigation by the Chicago Tribune found the city has failed to provide the public with easy, consistent access to free toilets, with scant information available about those that do exist. As the story found, it’s not only a public health issue but a public safety one as well.
