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.
Stories by Blair Paddock
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.
Cook County Judge To Be Illinois’ 1st Openly Transgender Elected Official
History was made in Illinois last week when Jill Rose Quinn was elected into office. She joins us in discussion.
What Role Will Polling Play in the Next Election?
A landslide from Joe Biden was predicted, but that has not been the case. How are pollsters justifying the continued use of polls?
Many Young People Stepping Up as Poll Workers for 2020 Election
A high-turnout election in the middle of a pandemic that is surging across the country presents a host of challenges. How state and local election authorities are working to fill the void.
Chevy Humphrey Makes History as New Leader of MSI Chicago
She’ll be the first woman and the first Black American to be president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry when she starts her new job in January. Chevy Humphrey joins us in discussion.
How Partisan Agendas Are Driving Some Local ‘News’ Websites in Illinois
What may look like news websites are instead thinly veiled organizations pushing partisan agendas without journalistic standards, according to investigations from the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.
Illinois’ Top Doctors Prepare for Winter as COVID-19 Rates Climb
As temperatures drop and the statewide positivity rate climbs, we discuss the coronavirus pandemic with top public health officials Dr. Ngozi Ezike and Dr. Allison Arwady.
Community Groups Reteach History of Christopher Columbus
After a summer of social unrest and calls to remove some monuments, activists are still pushing for the city to change the name of Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. How some groups envision reteaching the history of Christopher Columbus.
How Domestic Violence Support Groups Are Helping Clients Virtually
The coronavirus pandemic has forced many of us to spend a lot more time indoors this year. But for some, home isn’t always a safe space. Many social service agencies are reporting a spike in domestic violence during the pandemic.
Fighting for Fall Sports: Where the Legal Battle Stands
The possibility for high school students to play all fall sports is again at a standstill. We discuss the situation with a student, a lawyer and a doctor.
How to Deal with COVID-19 Anxiety
The COVID-19 pandemic brings with it a host of related mental health issues for many people, such as increased stress and anxiety. Seasonal depression could soon be another problem facing Chicagoans.
City Introduces Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Plan
Previous plans have largely targeted Chicago’s North and Northwest sides. However, officials say this plan will focus on bringing equitable transit-oriented developments to the South and West sides.
State Ban on Evictions Set to Expire Next Week
For thousands of Illinois renters who are out of work during the pandemic, the threat of eviction is getting closer to reality.
Black People More Likely Get Colon Cancer in Cook County
In Cook County, Black people are 26% more likely to get colon and rectum cancer than white people, according to the CDC. “Screening rates a bit lower, but they’re not that much lower,” said Dr. Ed McDonald, a gastroenterologist. “There’s something else going on.”
How New Delegates are Celebrating the Virtual Republican National Convention
Many Republican delegates will be watching the convention from their couches this week, missing the usual excitement of an in-person event. We check in with two first-time delegates for their impressions so far.
Schakowsky: US Postal Service Should Reverse Changes
Joe Biden formally accepts the Democratic nomination for president, capping off a convention that has seen blistering criticism of President Trump and an emphasis on the emergence of women as leaders. We discuss that and more with U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky.
Cook County Data Shows Disparities in Delinquent Houses
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas talks about the disparities in delinquent houses and how she’s working to reduce the problem.
