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La Ultima Palabra on Diverse Perspectives in Conservation
| Erica Gunderson
In Chicago, predominantly Latino communities often bear the environmental burden of heavy industry, and residents of those communities say they have a hard time making their concerns heard.
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, December 11, 2021 - Full Show
| WTTW News
How Black developers are getting in on the city’s investment in affordable housing. A football coach is the first woman to drive a CPS team. And hockey’s toxic culture in our Black Voices Book Club.
Tips for Grads to Find Lucrative, Fulfilling Careers
| Erica Gunderson
The majority of Latinos entering higher education are the first in their families to attend college. This means they don't always have access to mentors or role models in their community to help usher them into professional careers.
The ‘Cuban Comet’ Slides Into Baseball’s Hall of Fame
| Erica Gunderson
Minnie Miñoso, “the Cuban Comet” broke the color line for the White Sox when he joined the team in 1951. He was selected for induction by the Golden Days Era committee on Sunday, and University of Illinois professor Adrian Burgos Jr says, it’s an honor that was long overdue.
Chico’s Oven Brings Bolillo Back to The Bush
| Erica Gunderson
Southeast Side native Jorge “Chico” Perez says there’s plenty of dough to be made in his neighborhood. He’s using the bakery his parents closed in 1994 — and the recipes his father taught him — to do it.
Managing Depression in the Holiday Season
| Erica Gunderson
It’s the time of year that Latino families across the country get their homes, churches and communities ready for holiday celebrations. This season is a joyous time for many, but for some, holiday gatherings can bring feelings of sadness, isolation, and anxiety.
CPL Coach Makes History as First Black Woman to Lead Boys Football Team
| Aida Mogos
A South Side football coach is making history as the first Black woman to lead a boys' football team in the Chicago Public League. And she’s making a difference on and off the field.
New Book ‘Game Misconduct’ Examines Hockey Culture
| Aida Mogos
Sexual assault in hockey is just one topic explored in “Game Misconduct: Hockey’s Toxic Culture and How to Fix It.” It was written by Chicago author Evan Moore, who is now the press secretary for Chicago Public Schools.
Black Developers on City’s Investment in Affordable Housing
| Aida Mogos
Chicago will invest a billion dollars into the creation and preservation of 24 development projects, as a result of federal pandemic recovery money and the Mayor’s 2022 budget. The move not only aims to bring more affordable housing to the city but also looks to support developments led by people of color.
Love & Nappyness 3rd Annual Hair Care Drive Runs Through Dec. 17
| Aida Mogos
The Love and Nappyness Hair Care Drive collects unused natural hair care, skincare and personal hygiene products. Anyone can drop off items at six locations across the Chicago area. The products will then be donated to Ignite, a shelter for youth facing housing insecurity, and Saint Leonards.
Dancer Cat Mahari One of Dozens Receiving Historic Grant for Artists
| Aida Mogos
We've introduced you to a couple of local artists receiving cash grants from the Chicago-based nonprofit 3 Arts to help pursue their careers. This week, we're featuring another winner: Cat Mahari, a street dancer and visual artist who identifies as autistic.
At the CSO, Bravura Turns by Violinists Ray Chen and Hilary Hahn, and Much More
| Hedy Weiss
Two different concerts by the ever-remarkable Chicago Symphony Orchestra arrived on the Orchestra Hall stage. Each came with a fascinating CSO-commissioned new work, a superb visiting conductor, and breathtaking performances by the phenomenal virtuoso violinists.
Illinois EPA OKs 1-Year Extension for Waste Dump on Lake Michigan
Environmentalists Vow to Keep Fighting
| Patty Wetli
A 20-year extension of the dump, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers to hold toxic sludge dredged from Lake Michigan, is still under review. The dump was supposed to be retired in 2022 and turned over to the Chicago Park District for redevelopment.
The Week in Review: Jury Convicts Smollett on 5 of 6 Counts of Lying to Police
| Alexandra Silets
Cook County jury convicts Jussie Smollett for faking a hate crime. Business leaders blast the mayor for downtown crime. High-stakes debate over sports wagering. And omicron is here in Chicago.
Jan. 6 Panel Subpoenas Six Who Helped Plan Trump Rallies
| Associated Press
The rallies before and during the Jan. 6 riot are a major focus of the committee’s investigation. Committee members have said they want to know who financed the events and whether organizers were in close touch with the White House and members of Congress as they planned the events.
Court Won’t Stop Texas Abortion Ban, But Lets Clinics Sue
| Associated Press
The court acted more than a month after hearing arguments over the law, which makes no exceptions for rape or incest.
Cook County Hosting Mass Vaccination Sites Sunday for COVID-19 Boosters
| Kristen Thometz
No appointment necessary. All three approved vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson – will be available for adults who can mix-and-match their booster. Only the Pfizer vaccine has been authorized for 16- and 17-year-olds.
Bob Dole: ‘Genuine Hero’ Paid War’s Price, Triumphed in Senate
| Associated Press
Displaying a bipartisanship rare in modern government, politicians in office and out came together to pay homage to Bob Dole’s hard-scrabble rise from wounded war veteran to Senate stalwart to three-time, unsuccessful presidential candidate.
It’s Time for the Christmas Bird Count
What It Is. Why It Matters. How To Take Part.
| Patty Wetli
One of the country’s longest-running community science projects is about to get underway. We’ve got all the details on Audubon Society’s 122nd annual Christmas Bird Count, including how to join the effort.
After Jussie Smollett Verdict, More Court Cases Await
| Associated Press
A jury’s guilty verdict that Jussie Smollett faked a racist and homophobic attack isn’t the end of legal proceedings for the former “Empire” actor or others.
EXPLAINER: Why US Inflation Is So High, And When It May Ease
| Associated Press
Economists are now voicing a more discouraging message: Higher prices will likely last well into next year, if not beyond.
CPD Canceling Officer Days Off to Prevent Disturbances Downtown
| Matt Masterson
“Everyone is always welcome downtown, everyone is welcome to enjoy all our city has to offer,” Police Superintendent David Brown said. “Chicago belongs to all of us, but if you come downtown or anywhere else, you engage in disorderly conduct or other crimes, you will be arrested.”
Tornadoes Possible as ‘Out-of-Season’ Weather System Bears Down on Chicago Region
| Patty Wetli
A strong storm system is moving into the Chicago region, bringing an “out-of-season” threat of thunderstorms and even tornadoes, with the worst expected to hit after 9 p.m. Friday, the National Weather Service said.
Jussie Smollett Guilty Verdict Latest in Polarizing Case
| Associated Press
The jury convicted the 39-year-old on five counts of disorderly conduct — for each separate time he was charged with lying to police in the days after the alleged attack. He was acquitted on a sixth count.
WFMT Celebrates 70 Years On Air Monday with a Full Day of Live Performances
| Acacia Hernandez
WFMT, our sister station, is celebrating 70 years on air. Chicago's classical music and fine arts radio station first hit the airwaves in December 1951. On Monday, the station will be live from Northeastern Illinois University’s Jewel Box Recital Hall for a day full of live performances.
Bears Hoping to Prevent More Rodgers’ Boasts in Prime-Time Sunday Matchup
| Paul Caine
The NFL’s most storied rivalry hasn’t been much of a rivalry in recent years. But the Bears will take another crack at team shareholder Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in prime time at Lambeau Field with rookie quarterback Justin Fields coming back from a rib’s injury.
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