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Nov. 1, 2022 - Full Show

The latest on last night’s mass shooting in East Garfield Park. We meet the latest entrant in the race for mayor. The future of Twitter under new owner Elon Musk. And one-on-one with Chicago-raised music legend Patti Smith.

Man Accused of Attacking Paul Pelosi, House Speaker’s Husband, Held Without Bail

The attack on 82-year-old Paul Pelosi sent shockwaves through the political world just days before the hotly contested midterm elections. Threats against lawmakers and elections officials have been at all-time highs in this first nationwide election since the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol.

Days After Taking Over, Elon Musk Emerging as Twitter’s Chief Moderator Ahead of Midterm Elections

Elon Musk even changed his profile to “Twitter Complaint Hotline Operator” — with a photo of himself when he was a toddler holding a telephone. But it is almost impossible for those outside of Twitter to know what strings he is pulling or whose accounts have been suspended.

Strong RSV Vaccine Data Lifts Hopes After Years of Futility

Pfizer announced Tuesday that a large international study found vaccinating moms-to-be was nearly 82% effective at preventing severe cases of RSV in their babies’ most vulnerable first 90 days of life. At age 6 months, the vaccine still was proving 69% effective against serious illness.

Chicago Playwright Explores Racial, Social Biases in New Production

For Chicago, by Chicago. That’s how local playwright Ricardo Gamboa describes a new production that address the racial and social biases he says he witnessed growing up as a queer Mexican American.

Mayor Lightfoot's Security Detail Involved in Exchange of Gunfire During Attempted Robbery: Police

The Chicago Police Department said it does't appear anyone was struck by gunfire during the shooting, which occurred Tuesday morning in the Logan Square neighborhood.

Halloween Has One Last Trick: Pumpkin Waste. Smash 'Em, Don't Trash 'Em, at These Compost Events

To keep jack-o'-lanterns from clogging landfills, dozens of pumpkin smash events will take place Saturday. Pumpkins will be collected and composted instead of trashed.

Michael Madigan Pleads Not Guilty on Latest Federal Charge

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his longtime associate Michael McClain entered not guilty pleas Tuesday morning on new charges stemming from their alleged involvement in a corruption scheme involving AT&T Illinois.

3 Children Among 14 People Wounded in Halloween Night Mass Shooting in Chicago

The victims were hospitalized in various states, with some in critical condition and others who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, Police Superintendent David Brown said late Monday night.

Oct. 31, 2022 - Full Show

The latest on indicted ex-Illinois House speaker Michael Madigan’s political fund. The Supreme Court takes up a college affirmative action case. Should the city plow sidewalks as well as streets? And the flowers tied to Día de los Muertos.

Despite Federal Indictment, Michael Madigan Still Bringing in Campaign Cash as Ward Committeeman

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is under federal indictment on corruption charges and no longer holds a reputation as the state’s most powerful politician. Despite all that, he is still a successful fundraiser.

Students of Color Face Major Hurdles Around College Debt

When it comes to paying off that debt, Black and Latino graduates are struggling. Nearly half of Black students owe an average of 12.5% more than they borrowed, according to the Education Data Initiative.

Crain’s Headlines: Walgreens-Backed Business Involved in Major Merger

A major health care merger involving Deerfield-based Walgreens. Two Illinois nuclear plants that were once at risk of closing will now run for decades to come. And a new report finds that Illinois is among the top states where life sciences companies attract investment.

Advocates Push for City of Chicago Pilot Program to Clear Sidewalks of Snow and Ice

What if homeowners didn’t have to plow sidewalks and city workers took up that function instead? There is a growing movement to do just that — and it’s driven by the inconsistency and lack of accessibility of Chicago’s sidewalks after a big snow event.

Chicago Bears Agree to Trade LB Roquan Smith to Ravens: AP Source

The Chicago Bears agreed to trade linebacker Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. It’s the Bears’ second major trade involving a defensive player in less than a week.

Police: Pelosi Suspect Wanted to Hold House Speaker Hostage

The district attorney’s remarks come as the gruesome attack on the husband of the House speaker is being mocked and dismissed in conservative, far-right social media, even among some Republicans leaders and those at the highest levels of social power. San Francisco’s police chief has also said the attack was targeted.

Records: Lying Illinois Prison Officers Go Unpunished in 2018 Inmate Death

Three former Illinois prison guards face life behind bars after the 2018 fatal beating of a 65-year-old inmate in a case marked by the unpunished lies of other correctional officers who continue to get pay raises, records obtained by The Associated Press and court documents show.

Supreme Court Justices Raise Doubts on Race-Conscious College Admissions

The Supreme Court wrestled with persistent, difficult questions of race Monday, debating whether to end the use of affirmative action in higher education.

City Colleges Teachers, Faculty Avoid Strike, Reach Tentative Deal on New Contract

The City Colleges of Chicago Teachers Union Local 1600 called off a planned Nov. 2 walkout after tentatively reaching a four-year contract agreement late Sunday.

Floating Wetlands Bring New Life to Infamous Section of Chicago River’s South Branch

The area around Bubbly Creek was once a wetland, until the channel became choked first with sewage and then animal waste from the Union Stockyards. Now the wetlands, with a twist, are making a comeback.

2 Teens Among 5 People Killed in Weekend Shootings Across Chicago: Police

According to Chicago Police Department data, 35 people were shot in 32 individual shooting incidents between 6 p.m. Friday evening and 11:59 p.m. Sunday night. Those victims included a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old who were each killed.

Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Oct. 29, 2022 - Full Show

An outbreak of violence in Brighton Park. Calls for shelter locations to house migrants from Texas. And learn about the flower that adorns ofrendas for Dia de Muertos.

‘Flor de Muerto’ Cempasúchiles Make Día de los Muertos Ofrendas Bright

The vivid orange and yellow cempasúchiles, known as marigolds in English, frequently adorn Día de los Muertos ofrendas. Native to Mexico, the flowers bloom at this time of year just in time for the holiday.

Month-Long Black Harvest Film Festival at Siskel Film Center Nov. 4-27

The annual Black Harvest Film Festival kicks off its 28th year of celebrating Black filmmaking on Nov. 4, with a schedule packed with screenings of independent feature films, screenings of anniversary and restored films, and special events. 

POP! Heights Park Marks First New Public Park in Roseland in More Than 50 Years

The amenities were created with the goal to ensure the park is utilized by all ages, especially those residing in Roseland, Morgan Park and West Pullman.

Community Organizations Speak Out After Violent Weekend in Brighton Park

Three shootings resulted in four people dead and three injured, with the deadliest incident taking place during a street takeover at Archer and Kedzie avenues. In the early hours of Sunday, Oct. 23, more than 100 cars gathered at the intersection to watch a “drifting” event that ended with an exchange of gunfire. 
 

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