A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that easing restrictions on indoor dining in restaurants can increase COVID-19 cases and deaths. After easing restrictions in Chicago, the city’s positivity rate is again on the rise.
Stories by Blair Paddock
Universal Basic Income Skeptics Say Cash Should Go to Existing Services
Chicago aldermen recently approved a resolution calling for the city to use federal relief funds for a basic income pilot program. Some organizations have already been testing out the idea, but skeptics are looking to build up social services instead.
Alderman Calls for Equity in Metered Parking Along Lakefront
Metered parking is already in place at lakefront destinations like Rainbow Beach, North Avenue Beach, 31st Street Beach, 63rd Street Beach and Foster Avenue Beach. Now it’s coming to Montrose Harbor — and some residents aren’t happy about it.
Atlanta Attacks Raise Concerns About Increasing Violence Against Women
A mass shooting in Atlanta last week has left Asian women across the country heartbroken and scared for their safety. We discuss a rise in racial and gender-based violence — and resources for those in need.
Cook County’s New Public Defender Talks Goals, Challenges
Sharone Mitchell Jr. is coming in at a turbulent time: Jury trials resumed Monday with a massive backlog of cases, and a controversial criminal justice bill was signed by the governor last month. All of this, of course, comes against the backdrop of COVID-19.
Mia Neal Makes Oscar History in Makeup and Hair Category
Ma Rainey made history as the “mother of blues.” Her music and her story are highlighted in the film “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” which depicts a recording session in 1920s Chicago. Not too far from Chicago, Academy Awards history is being made by a native of Gary, Indiana.
Daylight Saving Debate: Polls Shows Americans Split Over Springing Forward
Having trouble springing forward? A professor of sleep medicine offers some tips to help you adjust to daylight saving time.
Target on the Mag Mile? Potential Move Stirs Controversy
Rumors that the Minnesota-based retailer Target was sniffing around Water Tower Place on the Magnificent Mile for a potential new store led to some harsh backlash. What does it say about the future of the landmark shopping district as vacancy rates soar?
Jennifer Pritzker: Biden’s Repeal of Transgender Military Ban Good for Everybody
As of last month, the transgender military ban was repealed. We talk with retired Col. Jennifer Pritzker about the importance of this move.
Infectious Disease Doctor on Indoor Dining, COVID-19 Variants
Bars and restaurants in Chicago can now expand their capacity for indoor service. We discuss that and other COVID-19 developments with Dr. Susan Bleasdale, medical director of infection prevention and control at University of Illinois Health.
Illinois Education Officials Release New Teaching Standards
The Illinois State Board of Education is working on a new set of teaching standards for what it calls “culturally sensitive and responsive teaching.” We hear about the possible pros and cons of the new rule.
How the Pandemic Has Affected the Mental Health of Young People
Young people have had a lot to deal with over the past year, from remote learning to finding work. But there are also mental health challenges, and some doctors are showing an increase in the number of young people experiencing stress, depression and anxiety.
New Book ‘Halfway Home’ Explores Life After Incarceration
In Illinois there are more than 1,400 laws regulating the lives of people who are formerly incarcerated. A new book by Reuben Jonathan Miller examines these laws and how they affect the lives of people with felonies once they are out of prison.
Ageism and the Pandemic: How COVID-19 Exacerbates Tech Issues for Older Adults
One week ago, Illinois entered Phase 1B of its COVID-19 vaccine rollout, which includes people ages 65 and older. But signing up to get the vaccine can be complicated — especially for older adults.
How Service Industry Workers Feel About the Return of Indoor Dining
Indoor dining and drinking is again allowed at bars and restaurants in Chicago and Cook County. The move could bring businesses much-needed cash during the pandemic, but some in the industry think the risks outweigh the benefits.
What Chicago is Doing to Address a Spike in Carjackings
After a surge in carjackings last year, Chicago has seen more than 160 already in 2021. We hear from an alderman, a police officer and a community organizer about their efforts to end the spike.
Lawmakers Discuss Pros, Cons of Ending Cash Bail
A massive criminal justice bill is heading to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk. Approved last week by the Illinois Senate and House, the measure covers everything from police use of force to body cameras. It would also end the practice of cash bail.
Kim Foxx on Capitol Riots, Police Union and Reform
Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx shares her reaction to the riots at the U.S. Capitol, police reform and more in a one-on-one conversation.
Where Does Social Media Fall in Free Speech Debate?
President Donald Trump is no longer allowed to post on several social media platforms. We discuss the intersection of social media and free speech — and how high-profile bans like this could shape the future of sharing.
Advocacy Group, Lawmakers Team Up to Support Transgender Chicagoans
A record number of transgender and gender-nonconforming people were killed in 2020. A local advocacy group is now working alongside lawmakers to create a fund that will give trans people who were killed a dignified burial.
Providers Hope Telehealth Becomes the Norm After COVID-19
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid crisis has worsened in Cook County, with more than 1,500 opiate-related deaths this year. To try and bring these numbers down, some groups see telehealth as an accessible way to bring treatment to people.
Foundation Aims to Change How Long-Term Care Facilities Are Ranked
Nursing homes have been hit especially hard by the pandemic. One Chicago-based foundation is trying to change the way these facilities are ranked — a move they say will put the focus on the care of residents.
How to Manage Your Mental Health During Stressful Times
Winter is on its way, and with it comes holiday stress, seasonal depression and — this year — concerns about COVID-19. We get advice on staying mentally healthy during the pandemic.
How Faith Groups Are Bringing Sermons to Screens This Holiday Season
Hanukkah and Christmas are held during some of the shortest days of the year — meaning, they’re also the darkest. But these holidays offer light through menorahs and advent candles, and now, the glow of a computer screen.
Maria Cerda, a Trailblazer Who Inspired Latino Leaders, Dies at 86
In the 1960s, Maria Cerda became the first Latina member of the Chicago Board of Education and a pioneering advocate for bilingual classes. We talk with her son about her legacy in Chicago and across the nation.
COVID-19 Pandemic Has Shifted How Veterans Access Health Care
The coronavirus has hit every class of citizen hard, and on this Veterans Day, we look at how it has affected military service members and veterans.
