Stories by Nick Blumberg
Some Catholic Schools May Move to Remote Learning After Thanksgiving
| Nick Blumberg
The Archdiocese of Chicago has announced schools will have the option to transition to remote learning after Thanksgiving, but says it’s not yet clear how many schools will choose to do that.
Pritzker Calls for COVID-19 Relief Funds as State Details Unemployment Claims, Fraud
COVID-19 in Illinois: 8,322 New Cases, 47 Additional Deaths
| Kristen Thometz
With many pandemic-related unemployment programs funded by the federal government set to expire within weeks, Gov. J.B. Pritzker called on Congress to act. “People are hurting and people need help,” he said.
Aldermen Cap Fees Charged by Delivery Companies at 15%
| Heather Cherone
Delivery services such as Postmates, Grubhub, DoorDash and UberEats can charge fees totaling no more than 15% under a measure approved unanimously Monday by the Chicago City Council.
Barack Obama Surprises CPS Students During Virtual Event
| Matt Masterson
The country’s 44th president gave all Chicago public high school students digital access to his new book, “A Promised Land,” during a surprise appearance at a virtual assembly on Monday.
White House Still Planning Holiday Parties, Despite Warnings
| Associated Press
Public health officials are sounding alarms and urging Americans not to travel and limit gatherings this holiday season amid a new surge in coronavirus cases. But that isn’t stopping the White House.
‘It’s About Time’: City Outlines Comprehensive Plan to Tackle Infrastructure Backlog
| Nick Blumberg
A newly released five-year plan to invest in Chicago’s roads, bridges, bikeways and other infrastructure needs is a welcome shift away from short-term, less comprehensive projects, some analysts and city officials say.
Crain’s Headlines: New Customer for Foxconn Plant
| WTTW News
The underutilized Foxconn plant that President Donald Trump once called “the Eighth Wonder of the World” gets a new customer. Crain’s Chicago Business reporter Danny Ecker has details.
New Bears Recruits? Shedd’s Penguins Enjoy a Workout at Soldier Field
| Patty Wetli
A quartet of penguins from the Shedd Aquarium paid a visit to Soldier Field. Could this be the secret weapon the Bears need to take down the Packers during Sunday’s showdown?
3rd Major COVID-19 Vaccine Shown to be Effective and Cheaper
| Associated Press
Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca said Monday that late-stage trials showed its coronavirus vaccine was up to 90% effective.
November 23, 2020 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Nov. 23, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”
Juneteenth To Be ‘Day of Observance’ in Chicago After Push To Make It a Paid Holiday
| Heather Cherone
Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, is poised to become the first official “day of observance” in Chicago as part of the agreement that will approve a $12.8 billion spending plan for 2021.
Chicago Yoga Community Remembers Teacher, Therapist and Trauma Expert Catherine Ashton
| Ariel Parrella-Aureli
Friends, family members and former students gathered virtually on Sunday to remember longtime Chicago yoga teacher and therapist Catherine Ashton, who died Nov. 14 as a result of pancreatic cancer.
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, Nov. 22, 2020 - Full Show
| WTTW News
TV host Dr. Ian Smith on the pandemic and his latest book. Making health care anti-racist. A mural brings health care providers closer to their patients. And the last word on Black businesses.
‘The Doctors’ Host on Pandemic, Production Protocols and Vaccine Hopes
| Erica Gunderson
Dr. Ian Smith has been covering the COVID-19 pandemic from just about every angle. He joins us to discuss the pandemic and the importance of equitable distribution of a vaccine.
The Last Word: C. Spike Trotman
| Erica Gunderson
As 2020 comes to a close, the events of this unprecedented year have devastated Chicago’s small businesses. Why it’s more important than ever to support neighborhood shops.
Mural in Belmont Cragin Encourages Resilience as COVID-19 Numbers Rise
| Angel Idowu
A new mural on the city’s Northwest Side bridges the gap between health care providers and the community they serve.
CSOtv’s Sessions an Ideal Musical Diversion for Pandemic Times
| Hedy Weiss
The doors of Chicago’s Symphony Center may be closed to its audiences until the pandemic has been conquered. But its stage is still very much alive.
COVID-19 in Illinois: 10,012 New Cases, 76 Additional Deaths
| WTTW News
Since January, more than 656,000 cases of the coronavirus have been reported in Illinois and 11,506 people have died as a result of the virus, according to state health officials.
Multiple Storm Systems May Impact Your Thanksgiving Plans This Week
| CNN
Typically, Thanksgiving is deemed the beginning of the celebratory holiday season. But this year will be different amid the worsening COVID-19 pandemic. Will Mother Nature cooperate with your plans?
Trump Election Challenges Sound Alarm Among Voters of Color
| Associated Press
Since Election Day, President Donald Trump and his allies have sought to expose voter fraud that simply does not exist in overwhelmingly Black population centers like Detroit, Philadelphia and Atlanta.
Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Nov. 21, 2020 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Making COVID-19 vaccine distribution equitable. Hurricanes rip through Central America. Living with and preventing diabetes. How the monarch butterfly builds bridges between the U.S. and Mexico.
How Advocacy Journalism Can Help Communities
| Erica Gunderson
In a year filled with twists and turns, news outlets are more important than ever. We discuss the role of advocacy journalism in effecting positive change for marginalized communities.
Hurricanes Eta, Iota Displace Thousands in Central America
| Erica Gunderson
In the past three weeks, back-to-back hurricanes landed a double blow on Central American countries. Gonzalo Chavez, consulate general of Honduras, says the situation is dire. Find out how you can help.
Wisconsin Officials: Trump Observers Obstructing Recount
| Associated Press
Election officials in Wisconsin’s largest county accused observers for President Donald Trump on Saturday of seeking to obstruct a recount of the presidential results.
West Town Nonprofit Brings Community Together for Donation of 700 Thanksgiving Meals
| Ariel Parrella-Aureli
“Feeding hunger is also feeding the spirit, that’s what events like this do,” said Ron Manderschied, president of Northwestern Settlement. “It provides the food for sustenance but also feeds the soul.”
Teen Charged in Killings Poses With ‘Silver Spoons’ Actor
| Associated Press
An Illinois 17-year-old accused of killing two people during a protest in Wisconsin was seen smiling in a photo with his lawyer and “Silver Spoons” actor Ricky Schroder after being released from custody by posting a $2 million bond.
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