Stories by Associated Press
From Baked Alaska to a Guy With Horns: Notable Riot Arrests
| Associated Press
More than 125 people have been arrested so far on charges related to the violent insurrection led by supporters of President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol, where a Capitol police officer and four others were killed.
State Capitols Boarded Up, Fenced Off, Patrolled By Troops
| Associated Press
With the FBI warning of potential for violence at all state capitols, the ornate halls of government and symbols of democracy looked more like heavily guarded U.S. embassies in war-torn countries.
How Poverty Can Make People Feel Trapped in Violent Homes
| Erica Gunderson
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that one-third of Chicago’s Latinos — the majority of them women — are living in poverty. We explore the relationship between poverty and domestic violence.
Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Jan. 16, 2021 - Full Show
| WTTW News
The link between poverty and domestic violence. A scathing report on Trump’s family separation policy. A Mexican printmaking tradition in Chicago. And how COVID-19 can spark creative solutions.
Justice Department Watchdog Says Officials Knew Immigration Policy Would Separate Families
| Marissa Nelson
A scathing report on the Trump administration’s “zero-tolerance” immigration policy that separated thousands of families at the border.
La Ultima Palabra: Elizabeth Morales
| Erica Gunderson
The founder of an arts organization in Little Village gives us the last word on how adversity can spark creative solutions.
Journalists Prepare For Protests Where They Could Be Targets
| Associated Press
While monitoring online chatter about protests at state capitols in advance of next week’s presidential inauguration, the Seattle Times came across a chilling description for journalists: soft targets.
Federal Prisons on Lockdown in Run-Up to Biden Inauguration
| Associated Press
All federal prisons in the United States have been placed on lockdown, with officials aiming to quell any potential violence that could arise behind bars as law enforcement prepares for potentially violent protests across the country in the run-up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday.
Chicago Skyscrapers To Go Dark During National COVID-19 Memorial Service
| Patty Wetli
As part of a memorial service planned by the incoming Biden-Harris administration, Chicago’s skyscrapers will go dark for 10 minutes Tuesday night in remembrance of those who have died from COVID-19. Here’s how you can participate.
The Week in Review: A Historic Impeachment, Shift in Springfield Politics
| Alexandra Silets
President Trump is impeached a second time. A monumental shift in Springfield as state Rep. Michael Madigan relinquishes the speaker’s gavel. The battle over in-person learning continues between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union.
Ald. Brookins Sues Ethics Board After It Fines Him $5,000 For Violating Ethics Ordinance
| Heather Cherone
The 21st Ward alderman sued the Chicago Board of Ethics after it unanimously found he had violated the city’s Ethics Ordinance by defending clients — including former Ald. Proco “Joe” Moreno — in criminal cases involving the Chicago Police Department.
‘This Is Not a Game’: Global Virus Death Toll Hits 2 Million
| Associated Press
The numbing figure was reached just over a year after the coronavirus was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan. The number of dead, compiled by Johns Hopkins University, is about equal to the population of Brussels, Mecca, Minsk or Vienna
Gibsons Cleared After Fire Prompts Probe Eatery Violated COVID-19 Restrictions
| Heather Cherone
Inspectors found the River North eatery to be in full compliance with COVID-19 regulations after a probe on Thursday, said Isaac Reichman, a spokesman for the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.
Monty & Rose Have Gone Their Separate Ways, For the Winter at Least, And That’s Totally Normal
| Patty Wetli
Rose is spending the winter in Florida, while a sighting of Monty was recently confirmed in Texas. Trouble in plover paradise or the secret to the couple’s success?
‘We Need an Agreement’: CPS, CTU Still Working Toward Deal on School Reopening
| Matt Masterson
The head of Chicago Public Schools said the district is “willing to compromise” on an agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union to safely reopen schools as the first week of in-person learning since last spring comes to a close.
Illinois to Launch Next Phase of COVID-19 Vaccine Effort Jan. 25: Pritzker
| Heather Cherone
The effort to inoculate all 850,000 health care workers and long-term care facility residents in Illinois from COVID-19 will be “substantially complete” next week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Friday.
Pritzker Lifts Toughest COVID-19 Restrictions in 3 Illinois Regions
COVID-19 in Illinois: 6,642 new cases, 123 additional deaths
| Heather Cherone
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Friday the toughest restrictions in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus will lift in three Illinois regions — but will stay in place in Chicago and suburban Cook County.
Ex-Ald. Moreno Granted Release From Cook County Jail
| Matt Masterson
Just over a week after he was taken into custody on a bond violation, former Chicago Ald. Proco “Joe” Moreno will be released from the Cook County Jail on condition he begin alcohol treatment following his arrest on drunk driving charges.
More Transmissible COVID-19 Variant Discovered in Chicago: Officials
| Heather Cherone
A variant of the coronavirus first discovered in the United Kingdom and believed to be more transmissible is present in Chicago, city health officials announced Friday.
In Sugar We Trust. Chicago Bakery Has a Sweet Take on Inauguration Day
| Patty Wetli
Vanille Patisserie has a full menu of Inauguration Day cookies, cakes, pies and tarts, because why not? “We’re bringing a little joy and laughter,” said owner Sophie Evanoff. “We’re in the celebration business, so anything we can celebrate, we do.”
Feds: Capitol Mob Aimed to ‘Assassinate’ Elected Officials
| Associated Press
The remarks came in a motion prosecutors filed late Thursday in the case against Jacob Chansley, the Arizona man who took part in the insurrection while sporting face paint, no shirt and a furry hat with horns.
Most Major US Airlines Ban Guns in Luggage for DC Flights
| Associated Press
The moves follow the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump and politically tinged confrontations on some flights.
Police Department Disciplines Officers Who Lounged, Napped in US Rep. Rush’s Office as Looting Swept South Side
| Heather Cherone
Officers who lounged, slept and snacked in the burglarized South Side office of U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush in the early morning hours of June 1 as unrest swept the South and West sides of the city have been disciplined, the Chicago Police Department announced Thursday.
MLK Day of Service: Take a Hike Through the Forest Preserves and Pick Up Litter
| Patty Wetli
The Cook County Forest Preserves are encouraging people to give back to nature on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Head out on a self-led litter cleanup hike at one of the preserves’ nature centers or Dan Ryan Woods.
Lead-Footed Drivers Beware: Warnings Start for Going 6 MPH Over the Limit Near Schools, Parks
| Heather Cherone
Drivers will get one written warning before they have to pay $35 to resolve the infraction after March 1, when the new law will take full effect, officials said.
After House Speaker, State Lawmakers Tackle Other Initiatives
| Amanda Vinicky
A lot happened in Springfield besides the selection of a new Illinois House speaker. Amanda Vinicky has the legislative scorecard.
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