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Stories by Quinn Myers

After Battling Civil Unrest and COVID-19, South Shore Looks Ahead to 2021

Businesses along the 71st Street commercial corridor experienced extensive damage and property theft in late May and early June. Six months later, it’s still difficult for some business owners to talk about the past as they look ahead to what’s next.

COVID-19 Delays Completion of Navy Pier Flyover; Now on Track for Early 2021

The eagerly awaited and often delayed Navy Pier flyover has been delayed yet again, this time due to the coronavirus pandemic.

‘Mom’s Worth It’: US Holiday Travel Surges Despite Outbreak

Millions of Americans are traveling ahead of Christmas and New Year’s, despite pleas from public health experts that they stay home to avoid fueling the raging coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 320,000 nationwide.

New Trial Date Set for R. Kelly’s Federal Trial in Chicago

The 53-year-old R&B star has been behind bars since his arrest in July 2019 and two trial dates, for April and then October this year, were earlier struck. His new trial date is Sept. 13, 2021. 

More Than 100K Illinoisans Have Gotten 1st Dose of Vaccine, Leading Nation: Pritzker

More than 100,991 Illinois residents have gotten an initial dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, leading the nation, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Wednesday.

December 23, 2020 - Full Show

Watch the Dec. 23, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Attorney General Charges Parking Garage Operator for Failing to Pay $100K in Taxes

William Sommerfeld, 63, of Western Springs, faces two felony charges of theft of government property as well as a felony charge of wire fraud. He is free on bond, and due back in court on Jan. 29.

Pfizer to Supply US With Additional 100M Vaccine Doses

Pfizer and its partner BioNTech said the additional doses will bring their total current commitment to 200 million doses for the U.S. That should be enough to vaccinate 100 million people with the two-shot regimen.

US Layoffs Remain Elevated as 803,000 Seek Jobless Aid

The latest figure, released Wednesday by the Labor Department, shows that many employers are still cutting jobs as the pandemic tightens business restrictions and leads many consumers to stay home.

What a Second Round of Stimulus Checks Could Mean for the Economy

More stimulus checks will be coming to most Americans after Congress passed a $900 billion coronavirus relief package late Monday. But critics, including President Donald Trump, say it’s not enough.

Health Officials Urge Residents to ‘Spread Joy, Not COVID’ Amid Vaccine Excitement

US Surgeon General Pays a Visit to Chicago

Just days before Christmas, a trio of high-profile doctors, including U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, made a plea for people to follow public health measures designed to stop the spread of COVID-19, even as two vaccines are being distributed across the U.S.

Foundation Aims to Change How Long-Term Care Facilities Are Ranked

Nursing homes have been hit especially hard by the pandemic. One Chicago-based foundation is trying to change the way these facilities are ranked — a move they say will put the focus on the care of residents.

As Aldermen Demand Answers After Botched Raid, Top Cop Announces Policy Changes

Chicago police Superintendent David Brown says he will tighten the rules governing the department’s use of search warrants as furious aldermen demanded answers about the February 2019 raid that left a Chicago woman handcuffed and naked.

A Conversation With Pianist Jorge Federico Osorio

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is offering a last-minute gift before 2020 is over: a concert with renowned pianist Jorge Federico Osorio filmed at Orchestra Hall that you can enjoy at home.

Officials Shut Down 2 Large Near North Side Parties for Violating COVID-19 Restrictions

Nearly a half-dozen large parties have been shut down by city officials in three weeks, even as Chicago remains under a stay-at-home advisory designed to prevent people from contracting COVID-19.

Biden: Trump ‘Failed’ To Shore Up Nation’s Cybersecurity

Plus: Congress members weigh in on ‘Chicago Tonight’

President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday assailed the Trump administration for failing to fortify the nation’s cyber defenses, and called on President Donald Trump to publicly identify the perpetrator of a massive breach of U.S. government agencies.

CPS Expects to Get $800M in Funding From Federal COVID-19 Stimulus Bill

“We extend our sincere gratitude to leaders in Washington — and especially our Chicago delegation — who have prioritized the needs of public school students throughout the country,” CPS CEO Janice Jackson said in a statement.

Local Couple Recreates Picture Day for Chicago Families

Whether you loved it or hated it, a school picture day was something everyone had growing up. But that isn’t the case for some Chicago-area students during the pandemic. How one local couple is recreating the tradition.

Anjanette Young’s Lawyer Could Face Sanctions For Raid Video Release

Despite Mayor Lori Lightfoot and city attorneys backing off their request for sanctions, the lawyer representing Anjanette Young may still find himself in hot water with a federal judge.

Can Employers Make COVID-19 Vaccination Mandatory?

Experts say employers can require employees to take safety measures, including vaccination, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you would get fired if you refuse.

December 22, 2020 - Full Show

Watch the Dec. 22, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Mayor Taps Retired Judge to Lead Outside Investigation of Mistaken Raid

Retired Judge Ann Claire Williams of the Chicago-based law firm Jones Day will lead an outside investigation of the February 2019 raid that left a Chicago woman handcuffed and naked as well as the city’s handling of the raid’s aftermath.

Accountability, Transparency Lacking in 2019-23 Infrastructure Plan: Watchdog

Chicago officials failed to consistently evaluate the way the city repaired and rebuilt roads, bridges, bikeways and other infrastructure since 2019, according to a new audit by Chicago’s watchdog.

US Deaths in 2020 Top 3 Million, By Far Most Ever Counted

Final mortality data for this year will not be available for months. But preliminary numbers suggest that the United States is on track to see more than 3.2 million deaths this year, or at least 400,000 more than in 2019.

$900B COVID Relief Bill Passed by Congress, Sent to Trump

Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package Monday night that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Charles Dickens’ ‘The Chimes’ Rings In A New Year Rife With Economic Despair (And Hope)

Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” has long been the standard-bearer of the December theater season. But a subsequent and far less familiar novella is now receiving a bravura solo rendition courtesy of Remy Bumppo Theatre.
 

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