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Reports Indicate Michigan Man May Be Baby Abducted in 1964
| Associated Press
When a woman snatched a newborn from its mother’s arms in 1946, the case made headlines nationwide. And though the mystery seemed solved two years later, recent media reports say a man living in rural Michigan may be that very child.
6 Big Questions Ahead of Democrats’ Final Debate of 2019
| Associated Press
Just seven Democrats will take the stage for the sixth and final round of presidential debates in 2019. That’s down from 20 candidates six months ago. The field may be winnowing, but the primary contest remains deeply unsettled.
CDC: Pet Store Puppies Linked to Multidrug-Resistant Infections
| Kristen Thometz
Health officials believe puppies purchased from pet stores are the likely source of an outbreak that has sickened 30 people across more than a dozen states, including Illinois. What you need to know about the outbreak.
Among Public, a Great Divide at Moment of Trump Impeachment
| Associated Press
Depending whom you ask in this deeply polarized country, Americans saw the House vote Wednesday night as a just expression of the nation’s founding document, or a gross distortion of it. How people reacted across the country.
‘Working’ Sings of Something More Profound Than 9-to-5 Drudgery
| Hedy Weiss
Based on Studs Terkel’s 1974 best-selling book of oral history, this musical is now in a wonderfully realized, sweat-and-dreams production at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, where six actors portray the many and varied attitudes about work.
Court: Part of ‘Obamacare’ Invalid, More Review Needed
| Associated Press
A federal appeals court on Wednesday struck down “Obamacare’s” now-toothless requirement that Americans carry health insurance but sidestepped a ruling on the law’s overall constitutionality. The decision means the law remains in effect for now.
McConnell Blasts House Impeachment, Pledges Senate Stability
| Associated Press
The top Senate Republican on Thursday denounced the “unfair” House impeachment of President Donald Trump and reassured Trump and his supporters that “moments like this are why the United States Senate exists.”
President Donald Trump Impeached By US House on 2 Charges
| Associated Press
President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday night, becoming only the third American chief executive to be formally charged under the Constitution’s ultimate remedy for high crimes and misdemeanors.
Top News Stories from 2019: The Year in Review
| Amanda Vinicky
A new Chicago mayor and Illinois governor. A massive teachers strike. A Hollywood actor who put the city’s criminal justice system on the world stage. Those and more top stories of the year from our “Chicago Tonight” reporters.
Shake-ups, Shutdowns and New Models: The State of Chicago Journalism
| Nick Blumberg
A notorious hedge fund becomes the largest shareholder of Tribune Publishing. Two other news outlets are going by the wayside. But the local media landscape includes some possible bright spots, too.
Bears Face the Chiefs in Lackluster Soldier Field Finale
| Crystin Immel
With the Bears’ playoff hopes dashed, can they at least end their final home game on a high note? Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams gives us his take.
Council Rejects Recreational Marijuana Delay After Chaotic Meeting
| Paris Schutz
The measure to stall recreational marijuana sales in Chicago was defeated by a 29-19 vote Wednesday, but not before the proceedings devolved into a chaotic fight over the rules and rounds of political one-upmanship.
R. Kelly Arraigned on Bribe Charge Linked to Aaliyah Wedding
| Associated Press
Singer R. Kelly pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges he schemed with others to pay for a fake ID for an unnamed female a day before he married R&B singer Aaliyah, then 15 years old, in a secret ceremony in 1994.
Lawsuit: Children in State Care Abused at Chicago Hospital
| Associated Press
Cook County’s public guardian filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against a Chicago psychiatric facility that treated children in state care, alleging troubling claims of sexual abuse and improper medication at the “hospital of horrors.’’
Crain’s Headlines: Irish Plane Lessor Sues Boeing Over 737 Max
| WTTW News
Boeing’s 737 Max headaches continued Wednesday with news that an Irish company that buys and leases airplanes is suing the Chicago-based aerospace giant.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Dec. 19-22
| Kristen Thometz
Holiday trees, Christmas tubas, Hanukkah goblins and a winter solstice bonfire usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Gunman Convicted of Murdering 9-Year-Old Tyshawn Lee Sentenced to 90 Years in Prison
Another man, the “driving force” behind 2015 slaying, sentenced to 65-year prison term
| Matt Masterson
Dwright Boone-Doty and Corey Morgan were convicted in October of first-degree murder for the killing of 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee. The two will each spend multiple decades behind bars for the slaying, which prosecutors called a “dark day” in the city of Chicago.
December 18, 2019 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Dec. 18, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”
What to Watch as Trump Impeachment Moves to House Floor
| Associated Press
The nation’s 45th president is on track to become only the third commander in chief to be impeached. But first, watch for a daylong showdown that’s been boiling for years. Watch live.
As State Rethinks Isolation Rooms, Some Parents Express New Concerns
| Brandis Friedman
State education officials are in the process of rewriting rules for timeouts and physical restraints for students across the state. But some parents and educators say those new rules are bringing new challenges to light.
City Council Committee Votes to Delay Recreational Marijuana Sales in Chicago
| Paul Caine
The proposal is narrowly approved by a City Council committee, with a full council vote expected Wednesday. Will it pass? We speak with 28th Ward Ald. Jason Ervin, chairman of the Aldermanic Black Caucus, which is leading the initiative.
Bill to Raise Tobacco Age Has Unlikely Allies: Altria, Juul
| Associated Press
Congress is moving to pass the biggest new sales restrictions on tobacco products in more than a decade, with support from two unlikely backers: Marlboro-cigarette maker Altria and vaping giant Juul Labs.
Vintage Toy Collection Inspires Exceptional Group of Local Artists
| Marc Vitali
For years, vintage toys have inspired renowned Chicago artist Karl Wirsum. And recently he shared his fun-filled collection with an extraordinary group of local artists at Project Onward.
Crain’s Headlines: Blue Cross Parent Company Cuts Dozens of Jobs
| WTTW News
Crain’s has learned that Health Care Service Corporation, the parent of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, is cutting dozens of employees from its staff.
CTA Bus Driver Fired After Striking Cyclist Racked Up Overtime Pay
| Nick Blumberg
A Chicago bus driver who was fired after running over a cyclist in River North in June racked up more than 532 hours of overtime in 2019 – including on the day of that nonfatal crash, according to records obtained by WTTW News.
20 New Illinois Laws to Know in 2020
| Kristen Thometz
From legal pot to a ban on animal-tested cosmetics, more than 250 new laws take effect in Illinois on Jan. 1. Here are 20 you should know.
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