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Meet the Illinois Latina Conservationist Fighting Fire with Fire
| Erica Gunderson
Ruth Campos works as a burn crew member. She uses controlled burns to restore life to landscapes. In the last year, she has traveled to Minnesota and California to help battle wildfires, and she wants more women – especially women of color to join her.
La Ultima Palabra: ‘Astro’ Joe Guzman
| Erica Gunderson
Chicago at night is a dazzling sight — but the skyline and streetlamps that light up our evenings also make it harder to see the natural wonders of the night sky. Still, Chicago Astronomer founder Joe Guzman, better known as Astro Joe, says there’s plenty to see — you just need to know how to look.
Latinos Lag in Vaccination as FDA Panel Recommends Moderna, J&J Boosters for At-Risk Adults
| Erica Gunderson
An advisory panel with the Food and Drug Administration is recommending that the agency authorize COVID-19 booster shots for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. However, in Latino communities, rates of initial vaccination are still lagging.
Students Want Answers, Action After Classmates ‘Protest’ Spanish Song at School Dance
| Acacia Hernandez
A video showing a group of Marist High School students kneeling during a Spanish song played at a school dance has gone viral. And some students want action to be taken.
Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, October 16, 2021 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Reaction to a viral video of students kneeling to a Spanish song at a school dance. Plus, addressing lagging vaccination rates among Latinos. And efforts to get more women involved in conservancy.
Chicago Historian, Activist Timuel Black Dead at 102
| WTTW News
Legendary Chicago historian and activist Timuel Black died Wednesday at the age of 102. We discuss the legacy of Timuel Black with Laura Washington and Shermann “Dilla” Thomas.
NASA’s Asteroid Hunter Lucy Soars Into Sky With Diamonds
| Associated Press
An Atlas V rocket blasted off before dawn, sending Lucy on a roundabout journey spanning nearly 4 billion miles. Researchers grew emotional describing the successful launch — lead scientist Hal Levison said it was like witnessing the birth of a child. “Go Lucy!” he urged.
Chicago Uses Stellar Defensive Effort to Rout Phoenix 86-50
| Associated Press
The Sky dominated on both ends, holding Brittney Griner to just four first half points on 1 of 8 shooting after she scored 29 in the Mercury’s overtime win on Wednesday. Chicago also took Diana Taurasi out of the game, holding her to five points on 1 of 10 shooting.
The Week in Review: FOP Threatens Short Staff in Battle Over Vaccine Mandate
| Alexandra Silets
The president of the police union urges a walk off over the mayor's vaccine mandate. Illinois' Democrats move against Republicans in drawing new congressional maps. The embattled park district CEO steps down. And the Chicago Sky soar in the WNBA finals.
Judge Orders Police Union President to Stop Bashing City’s Vaccine Mandate
| Heather Cherone
A Cook County judge ordered Police Union President John Catanzara on Friday to stop making public statements on social media or in the media that encourage police officers not to comply with the city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate until a hearing Oct. 25.
Lightfoot Names Interim Inspector General to Replace Ferguson
| Heather Cherone
A 21-year veteran of the office of the inspector general, William Marback’s selection surprised several members of the Chicago City Council, who had expected Deborah Witzburg, the deputy inspector general for public safety, the No. 2 official in the inspector general’s office, to serve as the city’s watchdog at least on an interim basis.
What Happened to Fall Color? Chicago’s Peak Is Still a Week or Two Away
| Patty Wetli
Sunny days and cool nights are the key to brilliant fall foliage. If the weather cooperates, expect things to take a turn for the colorful as Chicago’s trees hit their peak within the next two weeks.
State Health Officials Share Tips for Fall Gatherings, Trick-or-Treating
| Kristen Thometz
With Halloween and Día de los Muertos fast approaching, state health officials released guidelines Friday to help people safely celebrate common fall traditions, like trick-or-treating and visits to pumpkin patches.
Prosecutors: Capitol Cop Told Jan. 6 Rioter to Hide Evidence
| Associated Press
The officer, Michael A. Riley, is accused of tipping off someone who participated in the riot by telling them to remove posts from Facebook that had showed the person inside the Capitol during the Jan. 6 attack, according to court documents.
Judge Firms Up Trial Date for Smollett, Won’t Dismiss Case
| Associated Press
A judge on Friday denied a last-ditch effort to dismiss a criminal case against actor Jussie Smollett, who is accused of lying to police when he reported that he was the victim of a racist, anti-gay attack in downtown Chicago in January 2019.
Chicago Cubs Hire Carter Hawkins as General Manager
| Associated Press
The Chicago Cubs hired Carter Hawkins as general manager on Friday, dipping into Cleveland’s front office in an effort to bolster their own player development system.
FDA Panel Endorses Booster Shot for J&J COVID-19 Vaccine
| Associated Press
U.S. health advisers endorsed a booster of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine Friday, citing growing worry that Americans who got the single-dose shot aren’t as protected as those given two-dose brands.
‘Legitimacy’ of Chicago Police Department at Risk Amid Vaccine Mandate Fight: Lightfoot
| Heather Cherone
Police and other first responders — who come in close physical contact with Chicagoans — must be vaccinated to protect the health and safety of Chicagoans, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said.
Stop Police Union from Blocking Vaccine Mandate, Lightfoot Asks Judge
| Heather Cherone
Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara's actions and rhetoric "threatens the health and safety of Chicago’s residents and first responders," Mayor Lori Lightfoot said.
Man Charged in Shooting That Killed 7-Year-Old Chicago Girl
| Associated Press
Police charged Aireon Luster, 24, on Wednesday with first-degree murder and attempted murder in the death of Serenity Broughton. He was ordered held without bond during a Thursday court hearing.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Revitalizing North Lawndale
| Acacia Hernandez
Located on Chicago’s West Side, North Lawndale is a neighborhood that has dealt with decades of disinvestment and vacant spaces. Community members have taken things into their own hands by creating community gardens and safe spaces for the next generation.
October 14, 2021 - Full Show
| WTTW News
City Council approves e-scooters for the city. Community development in North Lawndale. Superman’s bisexual son. And the Bears take on the Packers. That and more.
Bears and Rookie QB Justin Fields Face Stern Test Against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers
| Paul Caine
It’s the oldest rivalry in football, but the Packers have had the upper hand for most of the past decade. The Bears have won just three games against the Packers and lost 19 since 2011.
The New Superman Comes Out as Bisexual in an Upcoming Comic
| CNN
The fifth issue of the DC comic series “Superman: Son of Kal-El” will confirm that the new Superman – Jon Kent, child of Clark Kent and Lane – is bisexual after falling for Jay Nakamura, a male reporter, DC announced this week.
Chicago Children’s Choir Celebrates 65 Years of Music With New Collaboration
| Marc Vitali
Since it was founded back in 1956, The Chicago Children’s Choir has grown from a single choir to a vast network of singers across the city. Their latest recording speaks to the resilience of young people working together to raise each other’s voices.
New Podcast Explores How Madigan Ruled Illinois Politics
| Marissa Nelson
Former House Speaker Michael Madigan ruled Illinois politics for decades. Amid the expanding ComEd bribery scheme investigation, Madigan stepped down from two powerful positions this year: the state speakership and chair of Illinois’ Democratic Party.
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