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Stories by Associated Press

Chicago Cubs Concerned About Possible COVID-19 Outbreak

The Chicago Cubs are concerned about a possible COVID-19 outbreak after two coaches tested positive for the virus and three relievers were placed on the COVID-19-related injured list.

Census Delay Complicates Once-a-Decade Redistricting Duty

Illinois’ General Assembly is charged with drawing new political maps every 10 years following the census. But exactly what the latest census shows about Illinois’ residents is still unknown. 

Islamic Leaders Battle Misconception About Vaccines, Fasting

Islamic leaders are using social media, virtual town halls and face-to-face discussions to spread the word that it’s acceptable to be vaccinated for the coronavirus during daily fasting that happens during Ramadan, the most sacred month of the year for Muslims.

A Year After Smokestack Implosion Coated Little Village in Dust, Environmental Justice Fight Grinds On

One year ago, crews imploded the smokestack at the defunct Crawford coal plant, sending a plume of dust over Little Village but illuminating the impact that toxic air pollution caused by industrial operations has had on South and West side neighborhoods for decades.

Police: Minnesota Officer Meant to Draw Taser, Not Handgun

The police officer who fatally shot a Black man during a traffic stop in a Minneapolis suburb apparently intended to fire a Taser, not a handgun, as the man struggled with police, the city’s police chief said Monday.

George Floyd’s Brother Sheds Tears on the Stand

Prosecutors’ case against former Officer Derek Chauvin drew toward a close Monday with tender memories from George Floyd’s younger brother, along with another look at the harrowing video and testimony from a use-of-force expert who said no “reasonable” officer would have done what Chauvin did.

Illinois Universities Plan for Return to Campus in the Fall

As students wrap up their spring semesters, colleges and universities have started announcing plans for the fall. We discuss the outlook for three area universities.

Ethics Board Reduces Campaign Finance Fine Levied Against Ald. Austin From $145K to $5K

The board reduced the fine it levied against Ald. Carrie Austin (34th Ward) by more than 96% after considering “after considering the equities of the situation," officials said.

White House Grades States’ Infrastructure as It Pushes Bill

President Joe Biden wants Congress to know he’s sincere about cutting a deal on infrastructure, but the White House is also highlighting needed repairs and upgrades state-by-state that cost far more than what Republicans are willing to spend.

CTU Threatens Wednesday Action If There Isn’t Progress Toward High School Reopening Deal

The Chicago Teachers Union’s House of Delegates on Sunday evening voted to keep high school staffers out of schools beginning Wednesday as the union continues negotiating with CPS over how to safely reopen those schools.

Aldermen OK Revised Ban on Sale of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits at Pet Stores to Stop Breeders

Determined to close a loophole in a seven-year-old city law, aldermen advanced a measure Monday that would ban pet stores from selling dogs, cats and rabbits at a profit.

Video Shows Black Player Forced to Sit Near Banana Peels

A Black football player at a northwest Illinois high school is seen on video sitting down in a locker littered with banana peels after a teammate threatens to break his knees if he doesn’t comply.

April 12, 2021 - Full Show

The push to get high school students back into classrooms. How colleges are handling student vaccinations. What you need to know about redistricting. The holy month of Ramadan begins.

IDOC to Resume In-Person Visits for First Time Since Last Spring

The Illinois Department of Corrections will resume in-person visits at its facilities statewide over the next month, giving prisoners a chance to see their loved ones for the first time in more than a year.

Crain’s Headlines: Possible Status Switch for Chicago Tribune

The Chicago Tribune newspaper could become a nonprofit. Crain’s Chicago Business editor Ann Dwyer takes us behind the headline of that story and more.

Tweaked COVID-19 Vaccines in Testing Aim to Fend Off Variants

The vaccines currently being rolled out across the U.S. offer strong protection against variants. But new studies of experimental updates to the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines mark a critical first step toward an alternative if the virus eventually outsmarts today’s shots.

All Illinois Residents Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine

The expansion of vaccine eligibility to any Illinois adult regardless of their age, health or employment does not include the city of Chicago. However, Chicagoans can travel outside of the city to be vaccinated, officials said, though supplies are still limited.

Some GOP-Led States Target Abortions Done Through Medication

About 40% of all abortions in the U.S. are now done through medication — rather than surgery — and that option has become all the more pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Diversity in Development: How Black and Latino Developers Can Change the Map

When city leaders and developers discuss new plans for major real estate projects, some groups are often left out of the discussion. What’s being done to bring more Black and Latino developers into the industry. 

The Last Word: Shermann Thomas

Urban historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas gives us the last word on how knowing the city’s past can change the energy of its future.

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, April 11, 2021 - Full Show

What’s being done to bring more Black and Latino developers into the real estate industry. Cook County’s new public defender. A call for more big brothers and sisters. Bringing energy to history. 

For Chauvin’s Trial Attorney, It’s All About Raising Doubt

Derek Chauvin’s defense attorney appears to be making a series of moves aimed at undermining a dominant narrative of George Floyd’s death — established through bystander video — of a reckless, arrogant cop ignoring a man’s “I can’t breathe” cries as his life is snuffed out.

Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, April 10, 2021 - Full Show

Calls to reform the police department’s foot pursuit policy. Community organizers lead the charge in getting Latinos vaccinated. A Pilsen mural highlights neighborhood residents. And La Última Palabra.

Little Village Community Leaders Say They Want More Than a Foot Pursuit Policy

The Little Village Community Council wants to meet with Mayor Lori Lightfoot about policing policy changes. They also want to meet with the police department about the shooting of 13-year-old Adam Toledo.

Community Organizers Lead the Charge to Get Residents Vaccinated

In neighborhoods like La Villita and Back of the Yards, outreach workers are taking a ground-up approach to registering residents for vaccinations by meeting them in grocery stores and taquerias, and through texts and social media.

La Ultima Palabra: Ana Hernandez

Why women should take their ideas and aspirations off the back burner.
 

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