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Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, March 20, 2021 - Full Show
| WTTW News
A look back on the impact of the pandemic on the Latino community after a year of COVID-19. What you need to know about the Real ID program. And a throwback with Grammy Award-winning singer Lila Downs. Alex Hernandez hosts.
Biden Condemns ‘Skyrocketing’ Hate Crimes Against Asian Americans in Wake of Deadly Shooting
| CNN
President Joe Biden on Friday condemned rising hate crimes against Asian Americans in the wake of the mass shooting in the Atlanta area that left eight people dead, including six women of Asian descent.
Sister Jean Gets the Vaccine and Seat at the NCAA Tournament
| Associated Press
The breakout star and model for the most coveted bobblehead of the 2018 NCAA Tournament is now eight months beyond her 101st birthday and still serving as chaplain for the Loyola of Chicago basketball team.
The Spring Equinox is Here, and That Means Another Chance to View ‘Chicagohenge’
| Patty Wetli
During the fall and spring equinoxes, the sun rises due east and sets due west, creating an effect dubbed Chicagohenge (in reference to Stonehenge), when sunset is strikingly framed by the city’s east-west streets.
The Week in Review: Vaccine Eligibility Expanding Soon
| Nick Blumberg
Gov. Pritzker’s plans for a full reopen. A West Side hospital in trouble for Trump Tower vaccinations. The Bears’ new quarterback lands with a thud, and Loyola and Illinois tip off the NCAA tourney.
No. 8 Seed Loyola Holds Off No. 9 Seed Georgia Tech, 71-60
| Associated Press
With key pieces of their Final Four team leading the way, the eighth-seeded Ramblers marked a triumphant return to college basketball’s biggest stage Friday with a 71-60 victory over No. 9 seed Georgia Tech at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Lightfoot Mourns the 5,062 Chicagoans Dead From COVID-19, Touts Pandemic Response
| Heather Cherone
COVID-19's deadly toll has hit Black and Latino Chicagoans hardest, accounting for 71% of all deaths in Chicago, while those groups make up just 66% of the city’s population, according to city data.
Million Gallon Challenge Encourages Chicagoans to Shrink Their Water Footprint
| Patty Wetli
The second annual event offers simple ways to conserve water in advance of World Water Day.
‘Surprise’ Plan to Add Metered Parking at Montrose Harbor Has Been Hiding in Plain Sight
| Patty Wetli
The plan, which was approved by the City Council in November, has drawn outrage from residents and organizations who say the cost of metered parking will limit access to the lakefront. A petition against the meters has gathered thousands of signatures.
More Essential Workers to be Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine Starting Monday: Pritzker
| Heather Cherone
Illinois residents who work in higher education, government and media will be eligible for the COVID-19 starting Monday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Friday. The expansion of the vaccination effort does not include residents of Cook County or Chicago.
CPS Data Shows Lower Percentage of Black Students Attending In-Person Classes
| Matt Masterson
In total, fewer than 50,000 students have returned to the classroom, below the 77,000 initially estimated by Chicago Public Schools, according to new attendance data released by the school district Friday.
CDC Changes School Guidance, Allowing Desks to be Closer
| Associated Press
Students can safely sit just 3 feet apart in the classroom as long as they wear masks but should be kept the usual 6 feet away from one another at sporting events, assemblies, lunch or chorus practice, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.
Asian American Churches Plan Acts Beyond Prayer for Healing
| Associated Press
Asian Americans were already rattled by a wave of racist attacks amid the spread of the coronavirus pandemic across the United States. While the motive behind Tuesday's rampage remains under investigation, some see it as a wake-up call to stand up against a rise in violence against the community.
‘INSPIRE’ Study Seeks Answers About COVID-19 Long-Haulers
| Amanda Vinicky
Health care workers have been front-row witnesses to tragedy, as they’ve seen patients get sick and die from COVID-19, but also hope, as they help patients recover. What does the future of that treatment look like?
Chicago’s Black and Latino Communities Bearing the Brunt of Pandemic’s Health, Economic Impact
| Marissa Nelson
From rates of infection to unemployment following the economic shutdown, some residents of Chicago have been cut deeper by the pandemic. We talk about the specific challenges facing hard-hit communities, and some of the support systems in place.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot Marks Somber COVID-19 Anniversary, Sees Hopeful Trends
| Heather Cherone
A year after the coronavirus swept Chicago and upended life as Chicagoans knew it, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city is poised to recover after one of the most difficult years in its history, and she is optimistic that there will be an ample vaccine supply in the city in April and May.
House OKs Dems’ Immigration Bills for Dreamers, Farm Workers
| Associated Press
The House voted Thursday to unlatch a gateway to citizenship for young Dreamers, migrant farm workers and immigrants who’ve fled war or natural disasters, giving Democrats wins in the year’s first votes on an issue that once again faces an uphill climb to make progress in the Senate.
Chicago Business Owners Optimistic with Full Reopening in Sight
| Paul Caine
With the announcement Thursday that the state could soon begin easing restrictions as more people get vaccinated, there’s hope for struggling businesses. Business owners from across the city tell us how they’re staying afloat and share their hopes for a better year ahead.
I Got the COVID-19 Vaccine. What Can I Safely Do?
| Associated Press
The short answer: You can enjoy small gatherings again, but should continue wearing a mask and social distancing in public.
Dr. Allison Arwady on Updated Vaccine Timelines in Chicago and Illinois
| Quinn Myers
Chicago’s top doctor explains what the state’s latest vaccine announcement means for Chicago residents.
The Show Must Go On: The Return of Movie Theaters
| Angel Idowu
As coronavirus numbers begin to decrease and entertainment venues start to reopen, the debate continues over consumer safety versus the safety of home. Local cinema owners tell us what they're doing to make sure everyone can safely resume a popular pastime.
West Side United Receives $6.9M to Respond to Pandemic
| Kristen Thometz
A coalition of health care institutions and professionals working together as West Side United are providing relief to businesses and individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through small business grants and emergency rental assistance.
Pritzker Unveils Reopening Plan, Says All Adults Will Be Eligible for Vaccine by April 12
| Kristen Thometz
In less than a month, all Illinois residents ages 16 and older will be eligible for the coronavirus vaccine, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday. “COVID-19 has not gone away, but the light we can see at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter as more people get vaccinated,” he said.
‘Serial Stowaway’ Ordered Held Without Bail Following Latest O’Hare Arrest
| Matt Masterson
Marilyn Hartman, the Chicago woman dubbed the “Serial Stowaway” for her repeated attempts to sneak past security and onto flights, has been ordered held without bail after she was once again arrested at O’Hare Airport this week while out on electronic monitoring in a previous case.
Chicago Police Officer Faces Felony Charges in Off-Duty Shooting
| Matt Masterson
Kevin Bunge, 39, faces felony charges including aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated discharge of a firearm after he allegedly fired shots at two men on West Irving Park Road on Dec. 11, 2020.
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