Stories by Quinn Myers
Englewood Keeps Focus on Revitalization 6 Months After Looting, Unrest
Area businesses along commercial corridors like 63rd Street and Ashland Avenue experienced extensive damage in late May and early June. Business owners and community organizers talk about what’s next.
Lightfoot: I’m ‘Deeply Disappointed’ That Alderman Flouted Indoor Dining Ban
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Wednesday she was “deeply disappointed” that Lakeview Ald. Tom Tunney allowed diners to eat inside his restaurant in defiance of a ban imposed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Aldermen OK Break for Cubs, Businesses Struggling During Pandemic
A proposal backed by Mayor Lightfoot to give the Cubs a four-year break on a $250,000 city bill advanced Wednesday, along with a package designed to help businesses struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic.
Suburban Cook County Launches Initiative to Prevent Opioid Overdose Deaths
With suburban Cook County on track to exceed 2,000 opioid overdose deaths this year, officials announce a program to address the “silent epidemic” that will connect people with treatment.
As Winter Holidays Near, Officials Urge People to Gather Virtually
COVID-19 in Illinois: 8,256 New Cases, 179 Additional Deaths
“I urge people to postpone the normal ways that you’re used to celebrating. We are advising people to postpone travel during the holidays,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said Wednesday.
Birders A-Twitter Over This Yellow-Bellied Beauty’s First-Ever Sighting in Illinois
Great Kiskadees don’t normally roam north of Texas, so the first-ever sighting in Illinois caused quite a commotion, attracting birders from across the state to Will County.
Reeling from Multibillion-Dollar Losses, Airline Industry Pins Hopes on Vaccines
The airline industry has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, but with vaccines seemingly on the brink of approval, airlines are hopeful that 2021 could see the beginnings of a recovery for air travel.
Boeing 737 Max Back in Air 2 Years After Grounded By Crashes
Commercial flights with Boeing 737 Max jetliners resumed Wednesday for the first time since they were grounded worldwide nearly two years ago following two deadly accidents.
UK Probing If Allergic Reactions Linked to Pfizer Vaccine
Britain’s medical regulator warned Wednesday that people with a history of serious allergic reactions shouldn’t get the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech. The advice was issued on a “precautionary basis.”
All 34 Chicago Hospitals Could Get COVID-19 Vaccine Next Week, Lightfoot Says
Officials with the Chicago Department of Public Health are expecting the first vaccine shipment to Chicago to include 23,000 doses. Weekly shipments of vaccine are expected to follow, said Dr. Allison Arwady.
‘Dreadhead Cowboy’ Ordered to Have No Contact With His Horses
A Cook County judge on Wednesday granted an order from prosecutors amending the bail of Adam Hollingsworth, who now must turn over any horses he owns to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office while his criminal case plays out.
The Seeds of a Climate Change Defense Are Being Planted in Lake County
Lake County Forest Preserves is launching an ambitious conservation research project to determine whether it’s possible to preserve natural areas by proactively preparing for climate change.
Total Recall: Republicans Pitch Plan to Allow Recall of Any Elected Official in Illinois
Tired of politics as usual? A pair of lawmakers say there’s a way to keep officials on their toes: allow voters to recall them.
Chicago Medical School Dean Serving on FDA Vaccine Advisory Committee
FDA advisory committee to hold public meeting Thursday about Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine.
The FDA’s vaccine advisory committee is preparing to meet Thursday to discuss Pfizer’s vaccine. Dr. Archana Chatterjee, dean of the Chicago Medical School and a member of that committee, talks about that process.
Growing Houseplant Sales Put the Green in Greenery for Local Shops
With the prospect of a long, dreary winter at home ahead, many Chicagoans are fluffing their nests with houseplants. We check in with some local plant shops to see how business is growing.
New White House Offer Adds $600 Checks to COVID-19 Relief
The Trump administration dove back into Capitol Hill’s confusing COVID-19 negotiations on Tuesday, offering a $916 billion package to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that would send a $600 direct payment to most Americans.
Trump Hails Vaccine ‘Miracle,’ With Millions of Doses Soon
Plus: Illinois Congress members weigh in on ‘Chicago Tonight’
President Donald Trump celebrated the expected approval of the first U.S. vaccine for the coronavirus Tuesday as the White House worked to instill confidence in the massive distribution effort to come.
Community Groups Offer Remote Learning Support to Families in Need
How neighbors in some Chicago communities are stepping up to help students with remote learning when their parents can’t work from home.
Pritzker: ‘Illinois Will Only Distribute a Vaccine That Is Deemed Safe’
COVID-19 in Illinois: 7,910 New Cases, 145 Additional Deaths
With coronavirus vaccines on the horizon, state health officials are addressing people’s fears and skepticism surrounding their rapid development.
Anti-Gentrification Measure Extended for 6 Months as Officials Craft New Plan
Efforts to boost the number of affordable housing units in three red-hot Chicago neighborhoods will continue through June, even as city leaders weigh a broader overhaul of the city’s rules to help low- and moderate-income residents find a place to live.
Chicago 7-Year-Old Raises Money for Hospital’s Pandemic Gear
Hayley Orlinsky has spent most of the coronavirus pandemic crafting colorful bracelets as a fundraiser to buy personal protective equipment for a children’s hospital. So far, the endeavor has generated nearly $20,000.
Illinois Lawmakers to Demand Billions Back from Health Insurers Due to COVID-19
A WTTW News exclusive
The state pays billions of dollars into the Medicaid program. WTTW News has learned that a group of lawmakers plans to demand billions back from the private health care companies that run that program. Can it work?
7 Things to Know About Illinois’ Plans for a COVID-19 Vaccine
The U.S. is about to embark on a massive COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Here's what you need to know about the state’s plan.
City Hits Alderman With 2 Citations for Defying Indoor Dining Ban
City officials hit Lakeview Ald. Tom Tunney with two citations on Tuesday for allowing diners to eat inside his restaurant in defiance of a ban imposed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Winter Biking in Chicago: A Guide to Gear, Care and Everything Else You Need to Know
Riding a bicycle through a Chicago winter may sound daunting, but with a bit of preparation and the right attitude, it’s a manageable feat. Here’s some advice from avid cyclists for your winter riding safety — and pleasure.
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