Stories by Associated Press
Jacob Blake Says He Was Ready to Surrender Before Being Shot
| Associated Press
Kenosha, Wisconsin erupted with violent protests for several nights after Jacob Blake was shot by a police officer in August. Hundreds were arrested, and multiple businesses were destroyed.
Prosecutors Seek Restrictions on Rittenhouse After Bar Stop
| Associated Press
The request comes a week after Kyle Rittenhouse, 18, was seen drinking at a bar after he pleaded not guilty to homicide and other charges resulting from the Aug. 25 shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
New CPS School in Belmont Cragin to Have Unexpected Landlord: Chicago Park District
| Patty Wetli
During Wednesday’s monthly meeting of the Chicago Park District Board, commissioners unanimously agreed to lease property within Riis Park to Chicago Public Schools for the construction of a new elementary school.
Chicago Botanic Garden Cancels Orchid Show, Wilts Under COVID-19 Restrictions
| Patty Wetli
The annual show was to have opened in February, but the garden’s greenhouses are still closed due to mitigations put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Spotlight Politics: Trump Impeached, Madigan Dethroned
| Alexandra Silets
It was a historic day in Washington and Springfield. Our politics team of Amanda Vinicky, Heather Cherone and Paris Schutz dives into the second impeachment of President Trump and the end of an era in state politics.
What to Know About Extremist Groups Involved in Capitol Attack
| Marissa Nelson
The deadly storming of the U.S. Capitol one week ago brought together many extremist organizations, from right-wing militias to members of the Proud Boys. We discuss those groups and the potential threats they pose.
Argonne National Lab’s Key Role in Global Pandemic Fight
| Paul Caine
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory, just outside Chicago, helped fast-track the development of coronavirus vaccines. Dr. Stephen Streiffer, director of the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne, tells us more.
Northwest Side Man Charged in Connection with Capitol Riot
| Heather Cherone
A Chicago man has been charged in connection with the pro-Trump riot that swept the Capitol on Jan. 6 after he posted a picture on Instagram outside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office with the caption “WHOS HOUSE? OUR HOUSE!”
Illinois Legislators Approve Massive Criminal Justice Reform Bill
| Matt Masterson
Both the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives approved the sweeping measure Wednesday, which could end the practice of cash bail in Illinois and make it easier to decertify officers who commit misconduct.
Trump Impeached After Capitol Riot in Historic Second Charge
| Associated Press
President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House for a historic second time Wednesday, charged with “incitement of insurrection” over the deadly mob siege of the Capitol in a swift and stunning collapse of his final days in office.
McConnell Blocks Quick Trump Trial, Unsure How He’ll Vote
| Associated Press
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday blocked a quick Senate impeachment trial for President Donald Trump but did not rule out that he might eventually vote to convict Trump.
Scott Silven Casts Poetic, Mystical Spell in ‘The Journey’ at Chicago Shakespeare
| Hedy Weiss
Created and performed by Scott Silven, a young actor, writer, illusionist, mentalist and masterful storyteller, “The Journey” is a mesmerizing riff on time, space, memory, human connection, and the tricks that our very own existence can play on us.
Chicagoans Older Than 65 Could Get Vaccinated Starting ‘Next Week’: City’s Top Doctor
| Heather Cherone
City health officials will allow Chicagoans 65 and older to be vaccinated against COVID-19 starting next week — if there are doses available after health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities are vaccinated, the city’s top doctor told aldermen Wednesday.
Madigan Reign Ends as Welch Becomes Illinois’ First Black House Speaker
| Amanda Vinicky
On the 50th anniversary of his becoming a state representative, Michael Madigan lost the gavel to Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch – making the representative from suburban Hillside the first Black House speaker in state history.
US COVID-19 Deaths Hit Another One-Day High at Over 4,300
| Associated Press
The nation’s overall death toll from COVID-19 has eclipsed 380,000, according to Johns Hopkins University, and is closing in fast on the number of Americans killed in World War II, or about 407,000. Confirmed infections have topped 22.8 million.
Chicago Cites 11 Restaurants, Bars for Violating COVID-19 Restrictions
| Heather Cherone
Investigators with the city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection conducted 105 investigations from Thursday through Sunday.
CTU Educators Hold Teach-Out at Board of Education President’s Home
| Matt Masterson
Chicago teachers who’ve been locked out of their education accounts after refusing to show up for in-person learning showed up outside the home of Board of Education President Miguel del Valle to call for a safer school reopening plan.
Trump’s Republican Wall Eroding Ahead of Impeachment Vote
| Associated Press
President Trump’s weakened standing among his own party will come into sharper focus on Wednesday when the House is expected to impeach the president for inciting a riot at the U.S. Capitol last week.
With Lake Off-Limits, Chicago’s Polar Bear Club Says, ‘Plunge Where You Are’ — Icy Bathtubs Included
| Patty Wetli
“We can jump in the lake next year. People are just going to have to plunge where they are,” said the head of the Chicago Polar Bear Club. The 2021 event is going forward, virtually, to raise money for families in need.
House Races to Oust Trump; He Blames Accusers for US ‘Anger’
| Associated Press
The U.S. House rushed ahead Tuesday toward impeaching President Donald Trump for the deadly Capitol attack, taking time only to try to persuade his vice president to push him out first.
Kim Foxx on Capitol Riots, Police Union and Reform
| Blair Paddock
Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx shares her reaction to the riots at the U.S. Capitol, police reform and more in a one-on-one conversation.
Dr. Emily Landon on Vaccine Distribution, COVID-19 Spread
| Quinn Myers
The Trump administration on Tuesday instructed states to begin vaccinating Americans over age 65 for COVID-19, as well as those with chronic medical conditions. We discuss Chicago’s rollout with an infectious disease specialist.
Who’s Been Charged in the Deadly Capitol Siege?
| Associated Press
Prosecutors have brought dozens of cases after the deadly attack at the U.S. Capitol, and they promise more charges are to come as investigators work to identify members of the pro-Trump mob.
US to Require All Arriving Passengers to Get COVID-19 Test
| Associated Press
Anyone flying to the U.S. will soon need to show proof of a negative test for COVID-19, health officials announced Tuesday.
Chicago Heights Man Charged With Threatening Violence at Biden Inauguration
| Matt Masterson
A suburban Chicago Heights man who allegedly pledged in a voicemail to “kill any m-----f---ing Democrat that steps on the m-----f---ing lawn” at President-elect Joe Biden’s upcoming inauguration is now facing a criminal charge.
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