A report from the Illinois Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers has graded the state on everything from roads to drinking water. The last time the report was released was 2018.
Stories by blair paddock
‘The Great Chicago Quiz Show’ is Back
Host Geoffrey Baer tests contestants on all things Chicago. This time around, he’ll be talking to guests like anchorman Bill Curtis, jazz legend Kurt Elling and Tonika Lewis Johnson of the Folded Map Project.
Religious Leaders on Celebrating Holidays During COVID-19
This week, three major religious holidays are coinciding for the first time in over 30 years: Ramadan, Easter and Passover. And many people are choosing to observe their holiday traditions in person for the first time in two years.
Illinois Lawmakers on the $46.5B Budget and More
Illinois legislative leaders Dan McConchie, Don Harmon, Tom Demmer, and Chris Welch join “Chicago Tonight” to break down the budget, efforts to fight crime, tax relief and more.
LGBTQ Young People at Greater Risk of Mental Health Problems During Pandemic
According to the newly released data, 26.3% of gay, lesbian or bisexual students attempted suicide between Jan. and June 2021. For heterosexual students, the number was 5.2% and other or questioning students at 16.5%.
Local Doctors Travel to Ukrainian Border to Offer Medical Support
Two retired Skokie doctors have recently returned from volunteering in Eastern Europe, helping refugees escaping the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Genealogists Spring Into Action With Release of 1950 Census Records
Last week, the U.S. National Archives released U.S. census records from 1950, granting public access to files that documented more than 150 million people and the areas they lived, the jobs they had, and much more.
O’Hare Seeing Pre-pandemic International Travel Numbers
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is predicting O’Hare International Airport may see more passenger flights this fiscal year than it did prior to the pandemic.
New Omicron Subvariant Expected to Soon Account For Most COVID-19 Cases in Chicago
Top Chicago public health officials say that the BA.2 omicron subvariant will be making up most of Chicago cases by the end of the month.
Organizations Raise $35M for Chicago COVID-19 Relief
The Chicago Community Trust and the United Way of Metro Chicago have partnered with community leaders to invest $35-million in neighborhood businesses and pandemic resources as part of a COVID-19 relief and recovery effort.
After Census Undercounted Some Groups, Community Advocates Say More Outreach Was Needed
The 2020 Census undercounted Latino, Black and Indigenous people. That’s according to a survey by the U.S. Census Bureau itself.
Doctors Argue Cash Transfer Programs Could Fight Violence
Guaranteed income or cash transfer programs have often been framed as resources to help pay for unexpected medical bills or rent. But now, a group of doctors is pitching the program as not only an anti-poverty strategy but an anti-violence strategy.
CTU Files Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against District Over Dropping Mask Mandate
Chicago Public Schools students will have the option of whether to wear masks, starting next week. The district’s mandate was originally maintained under a contract agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union — despite Illinois dropping masks for schools statewide last week. But Monday, the district announced it’s dropping that mandate.
Board President Toni Preckwinkle Details How Cook County Will Spend American Rescue Plan Funds
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle details how an influx of federal funds will be allocated.
New CDC Guidance Puts Cook County at Lowest Level of COVID-19 Risk
Cook County is now at the lowest level of COVID-19 risk, under new guidance set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Chicago’s Top Doc on End to Most Mask, Vaccine Mandates Monday
The city will end its indoor mask mandate Monday. Plus, restaurants, fitness centers and bars will no longer require customers to show proof of vaccination for entry. We spoke with Chicago’s top doctor about recent COVID-19 metrics.
Chicago’s Growing Asian American Population Looks Toward More Representation
Chris Javier, a deacon at Chinese Christian Union Church, has been working on developing safety plans for residents in the community. Going door to door, he’s been educating residents on how to keep themselves protected against the rise in hate crimes, scams and more.
Advocates’ Next Plans in Fight Against Southside Recycling Facility Permit
Early this week, a city assessment said the proposed Southside Recycling plant would not have an adverse effect on resident’s health. But advocates, who’ve been protesting the plant, disagree.
UIC Athletes Barred from Playing in Championships
The decision comes from their conference, the Horizon League, after UIC announced it’ll be leaving the league and joining the Missouri Valley Conference next year.
Higher Education Seeing Decreased Enrollment Nationally
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.
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.
