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‘The Last Word’ on Creating Equitable Communities
| Erica Gunderson
Community activist Jitu Brown says that we are still seeing the reverberations of the decision to close 50 Chicago schools in 2013.
‘La Ultima Palabra’ on Bringing Latino Stories Center Stage
| Erica Gunderson
The stories that can be told on a stage are limited only by the storyteller’s imagination. But just who gets to write those stories and bring them to life on Chicago’s stages is too often limited to a privileged few.
Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Oct. 15, 2022 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Challenges facing women post-incarceration. Talking with kids about sexual abuse. Highlighting Latino art. And a sweet treat as Hispanic Heritage month comes to a close.
Post-Incarceration, Women Often Face Difficulties Rebuilding Their Lives
| Erica Gunderson
Since she returned home after incarceration 22 years ago, Celia Colon has turned much of her energy to helping other women rebuild their post-prison lives through her nonprofit Giving Others Dreams. But she says having a record has hindered her forward progress.
Regular Conversations Needed to Protect Kids from Sexual Abuse, Nonprofit Founder Says
| Erica Gunderson
For any parent, child sexual abuse is a tough topic to even think about. But as uncomfortable as it might be, talking about sexual abuse with kids is one way parents can help protect them.
Mamie Till-Mobley Depiction in New Film Seen as Tribute to Black Female Leaders
| Associated Press
As “Till” debuts, the studio and production companies behind the film have partnered in a campaign to recognize Black women and Black mothers who are continuing Till-Mobley’s legacy and fight for justice, equality and equity.
The Week in Review: Another Indictment for Michael Madigan
| Blair Paddock
Michael Madigan indicted again. Pritzker racks up endorsements as polls show Democrats pulling away in Illinois. The House January 6 Committee wraps up testimony. And bumbling Bears lose third in a row in Thursday night snoozefest.
Chicago Police Officer Who Lied About Ties to Proud Boys Won’t Be Fired: Watchdog
| Heather Cherone
The FBI labeled the Proud Boys as an antisemitic white supremacy organization and several current and former members of the Proud Boys have been charged with seditious conspiracy for their role in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.
The Joffrey Soars in a Trio of Ballet Beauties
| Hedy Weiss
The Joffrey Ballet spun onto the Lyric Opera House stage with a program of three beautifully danced works under the umbrella title “Beyond Borders.” Those “borders” were stylistic rather than geographical.
Bruce Sutter, Baseball Hall of Famer and Cy Young Winner, Dies at 69
| Associated Press
Bruce Sutter, who debuted with the Chicago Cubs in 1976, is considered one of the first pitchers to throw a split-finger fastball. The right-hander played 12 seasons in the major leagues, was a six-time All-Star and ended up with 300 saves over his career.
Biden Pushing Lower Prescription Drug Costs in Midterm Press
| Associated Press
President Joe Biden is set to highlight his administration’s efforts to lower prescription drug costs on Friday as part of his three-state Western tour this week.
AT&T Illinois Charged With Attempting to ‘Unlawfully Influence’ Michael Madigan, Agrees to Pay $23M
| Matt Masterson
U.S. Attorney John Lausch’s office on Friday announced AT&T Illinois entered into a deferred prosecution agreement after prosecutors filed a one-count criminal information charging the company with using an interstate facility to promote legislative misconduct.
MacArthur ‘Genius Grant’ Recipient From Chicago Uses Color, Art to Explore Issues of Race
| Marc Vitali
Three Chicago residents were among the group honored this year. One of those honorees is Amanda Williams, an artist who uses color and architecture to explore issues of race and the built environment.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Oct. 14 - 16
| Michael Izquierdo
Chicago's International Film Festival, glass pumpkins, lowriding and more fun surprises usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Oct. 13, 2022 - Full Show
| WTTW News
The latest hearing from the January 6 Committee. Starbucks shuts down one of its unionized locations. We’re live in Austin for our In Your Neighborhood series. And meet a newly-minted genius.
‘Chicago Tonight’ In Your Neighborhood: Rebuilding in Austin Following Building Explosion
| Acacia Hernandez
A building explosion on Sept. 20 left one person dead and several injured in the Austin community on Chicago’s West Side. With help from neighbors, residents are slowly starting to rebuild.
South Suburban Ballet Company Highlights Hispanic Heritage, Mental Health Awareness
| Angel Idowu
A ballet company southwest of the city is closing out Hispanic Heritage Month with dancers rooted in the celebration of Hispanic culture, while also bringing attention to mental health.
Brookfield Zoo Researchers Honored for Work in Oil Spill Recovery Efforts
| Jennifer Cotto
Recently, two researchers with Brookfield Zoo received prestigious awards for their work in the field. Their current work focuses on the impacts of major oil spills on marine life.
Starbucks Plans to Shut Down One of Its First Unionized Locations in Chicago
| Nick Blumberg
Starbucks is shutting down one of the first Chicago locations where workers unionized – just days before the company was set to begin negotiations on a contract.
Jan. 6 Panel Subpoenas Donald Trump for Testimony on Capitol Attack
| Associated Press
The House Jan. 6 committee has subpoenaed Donald Trump for his testimony about the 2021 Capitol attack. The panel voted unanimously to compel the former president to appear. “We must seek the testimony under oath of January 6th’s central player,” said Rep. Liz Cheney, the committee’s vice chair.
No Bail For Chicago Woman Charged in Landlord’s Killing After Dismembered Remains Found in Freezer
| Matt Masterson
Sandra Kolalou, 36, has been charged with first-degree murder, concealing a homicidal death and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon stemming from the death of Frances Walker.
Social Security Benefits to Jump by 8.7% Next Year
| Associated Press
The cost-of living adjustment — the largest in more than 40 years — means the average recipient will receive more than $140 extra a month beginning in January, the Social Security Administration said Thursday.
Oct. 12, 2022 - Full Show
| WTTW News
An investigation into deaths and mismanagement at a South Side hospital. Plus, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Chicago’s burgeoning tech scene and Día de los Muertos returns to a prominent Pilsen museum.
Art of Remembrance Celebrates Day of the Dead at Pilsen Museum
| Marc Vitali
For the 36th year, the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen is presenting an ever-changing art exhibit that celebrates love and loss. This year’s Day of the Dead exhibition blends the contemporary with the traditional. Its somber tone is meant to be a reflection of the world at large.
Spotlight Politics: Lightfoot’s Progressive Pitch, Cash Flows into Race for Governor
| Blair Paddock
Mayor Lori Lightfoot uses her 2023 budget to show off progressive policies, despite being at odds with Chicago’s progressive political community. Our politics team weighs in on that story and more.
Members of Chicago’s Tech Community See Google’s Expansion as a Confirmation of Local Talent
| Andrea Flores
Some members of Chicago’s tech and business communities say Google’s expansion into the Thompson Center shows the city’s potential to grow into a bigger tech hub.
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