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‘Margaritaville’ Singer Jimmy Buffett, Who Turned Beach-Bum Life Into an Empire, Dies at 76

Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who popularized beach bum soft rock with the escapist Caribbean-flavored song “Margaritaville” and turned that celebration of loafing into a billion-dollar empire of restaurants, resorts and frozen concoctions, has died.

Week in Review: Anniversary of Migrant Arrivals; Questions Still Swirl Over White Sox Shooting

Local officials call for federal aid one year after asylum seekers first arrived in Chicago. Renewed calls for ethics reform. And still no answers on the shooting at Sox Park.

Captain Bill Pinkney, Pioneering Sailor, Dies at 87

In 1992, native South Sider Captain Bill Pinkney became the first African American to sail around the world solo via the Southern Capes. It was a feat that took 22 months, which he chronicled in a video diary and in a documentary.

A Year Later, Asylum Seekers Work to Build New Lives With Help From Chicagoans

This week marks one year since the first bus of asylum seekers arrived in Chicago from the southern border. Since then, WTTW News has covered the city’s and volunteers’ response to aid the thousands of migrants seeking shelter.

As Over-the-Counter Narcan Hits Store Shelves, Access Problems to the Life-Saving Overdose Reversal Drug Persist

Narcan, which comes as nasal spray and was initially approved for over-the-counter sale by the Food and Drug Administration in March, is expected to hit shelves at stores like Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy and Walmart as soon as next week. The life-saving medication is expected to retail at stores for $45.

As COVID-19 Cases Rise, What Precautions Should You Be Taking Now? A Doctor Explains

COVID-19 hospital admissions are up more than 18% in the most recent week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some experts are encouraging a return to masking, especially for older adults and individuals most vulnerable to severe disease.

Chicago Man Held Firefighters at Knifepoint in Gasoline-Soaked Home, Prosecutors Say

Melvin Jordan, 47, was arrested and charged this week with two counts each of attempted murder, aggravated kidnapping and unlawful restraint, along with a single count of unlawful use of a weapon.

Counterfeit Pills Involved in Growing Share of Overdose Deaths in the US, CDC Study Finds

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl was involved in nearly all overdose deaths with evidence of counterfeit pills use, including more than two out of five deaths that were exclusively caused by it, CDC researchers found.

Aug. 31, 2023 - Full Show

One year since the first bus of migrants arrived in Chicago. The start of the school year with Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez. And a Cubs outfielder takes an artist to his workplace.

Pritzker, Johnson Press Biden to Allow Migrants to Work While Seeking Asylum

More than 2,000 men, women and children are being forced to sleep on the floors of police stations across the city and at O’Hare Airport, according to city data released by the mayor’s office Wednesday.

With Influx of Migrant Students, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez ‘Confident We Can Serve the Children’

As Chicago Public Schools has seen an influx of migrant students, CEO Pedro Martinez said the district has been able to rely on its longstanding infrastructure to make sure these new students get the education and care they need.

Facilities Open for Cook County Residents Applying for Federal Help After Severe Storms. Here’s Where to Find Them

Facilities are open on the West Side and in nearby suburbs to assist residents applying for federal assistance for damage caused by severe storms that occurred between June 29 and July 2.

White Sox Owner Jerry Reinsdorf Says He Doesn’t See How Shooting Could Have Occurred Inside Ballpark

Two women were injured in a shooting during the team’s 12-4 loss to Oakland last week. Chicago police are investigating what happened, including whether the gun was fired inside or outside of the facility.

5 Things to Do This Weekend: Bike the Drive, Chicago Labor Day Parade

Irish days, African arts and a Labor Day parade usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

Local Veterans Honored in Photography Exhibit at O’Hare, Midway Airports

Photographer Thomas Sanders has made it his life’s mission to share the stories of veterans across the country. His work is currently on display in “American Heroes: Portraits of Service.”

Chicago Man Charged With Child Endangerment After Accidental Shooting Death of 8-Year-Old Boy

Ramon Sumerlin, 41, is charged with child endangerment resulting in death and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon stemming from the Aug. 15 shooting of Jacari Brown.

5 People Shot and Wounded, 2 Critically, in Peoria

The shooting happened at around 9 p.m. Wednesday, police said in a news release, noting that 29 shots were fired. 

Chicago’s Murder Count Makes National Headlines, But Accurately Talking About Crime Data Requires Nuance

Chicago is the center of attention when it comes to talking about crime data in a national context. Experts caution that interpreting numbers without examining the underlying influences can lead to misunderstandings. 

Aug. 30, 2023 - Full Show

The fight over work permits for migrants. The latest on the shooting during a White Sox game. AI finding its place in schools. And an airport art exhibit honoring veterans.

Hurricane Idalia Unleashes Fury on Georgia and Florida, Swamping the Coast and Closing Highways

As the eye moved inland, high winds shredded signs, blew off roofs, sent sheet metal flying and snapped tall trees. One person was killed in Georgia. No hurricane-related deaths were officially confirmed in Florida, but the Florida Highway Patrol reported two people dying in separate weather-related crashes just hours before Idalia made landfall.

How Educators Are Grappling With ChatGPT in Classrooms

College students juggling multiple responsibilities might find a shortcut through artificial intelligence apps like ChatGPT — but there’s concern that that shortcut cheats students out of a learning opportunity.

White Sox Shooting: Woman Denies Gunshot Wound Was Self-Inflicted, But Questions Remain

Details about the incident remain scarce, days after a 42-year-old woman was shot in the leg and a 26-year-old woman suffered a graze wound to the abdomen, which occurred in the fourth inning of the Sox’s Friday game against the Oakland Athletics.

American Cancer Society in Search of More Chicago-Area Volunteer Drivers for Road To Recovery Program

The Road To Recovery program has only been able to provide 25% of the rides requested by cancer patients in Cook County so far this year.

Shooting Survivors Have ‘Distressingly High’ Risk of Repeat Firearm Injury, Study Finds, Especially Young Black Males

America’s gun epidemic claimed more than 48,000 lives in 2022, federal data shows. And gun violence has become the leading cause of death among children and teens in the United States. But most gun injuries are not fatal, leaving thousands of victims to live with the resulting trauma.

Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe’s Last US National Team Match Before Retirement Will Be in Chicago

The 38-year-old, who will finish her international career with 203 caps, will be honored in her “Farewell Game” against South Africa on Sept. 24 in Chicago, US Soccer announced.

3.6 Million More Workers Would Be Entitled to Overtime Pay Under Proposed Biden Administration Rule

The new rule would require employers to pay overtime to so-called white collar workers who make less than $55,000 a year. That’s up from the current threshold of $35,568. 
 

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