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Stories by Paul Caine

Nagy Under Pressure Ahead of Prime-Time Game Against the Packers

Former Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams previews the Bears matchup Sunday against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.

With Coronavirus Vaccines on The Way, Researchers Say It’s Time to Build Trust

A recent survey found that just 51% of U.S. adults say they would get the COVID-19 vaccine — and just 32% of Black adults. We discuss the cause of medical mistrust and how to rebuild it. 

COVID-19 in Illinois: 12,022 New Cases, 131 Additional Deaths

As Americans kick off a holiday season under the cloud of the coronavirus pandemic, Illinois health officials reported more than 12,000 new and probable cases of the virus across the state, and 131 additional deaths.

Trump Pardons Flynn Despite Guilty Plea in Russia Probe

President Donald Trump pardoned his former national security adviser Michael Flynn on Wednesday, ending a yearslong prosecution in the Russia investigation that saw Flynn twice plead guilty to lying to the FBI.

Michael Jordan Donates $2 Million From Hit Documentary to Feed America’s Hungry

“The Last Dance” was filled with hot dishes about Michael Jordan’s time with the six-time champion Chicago Bulls. Now, some proceeds from the Emmy-winning documentary will go toward hot dishes for the nation’s hungry.

‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Rogers Park

Chicago’s northernmost neighborhood has reported 5,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The pandemic and rising case counts have heightened food insecurity across Chicago, and Rogers Park has been anything but immune. 

Chicago Businesses on Bracing For the Winter, Hopes for the Coming Months

With loan and grant money starting to run dry for some businesses—and what’s likely to be a difficult winter fast approaching—we check in with some familiar faces to ask how they’re coping with the coronavirus.

Joe Biden Appeals for Unity in Thanksgiving-eve Address

With COVID-19 cases surging nationwide, President-elect Joe Biden called on Americans to take precautions to try to stem the tide of the virus, by wearing masks and practicing social distancing. 

Pritzker: Illinois to Borrow $2B from Feds To Cover Short-Term COVID-19 Losses

COVID-19 in Illinois: 11,378 New Cases, 155 Additional Deaths

“Adding debt is not a long-term solution to structural imbalance,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. “Short-term borrowing is a short-term Band-Aid to address the urgency of a short-term problem like one caused by a pandemic.” 

Defying Warnings, Millions in the US Travel for Thanksgiving

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local authorities have begged people not to travel and urged them to keep their Thanksgiving celebrations small.

Argentine Soccer Great Diego Maradona Dies at 60

Diego Maradona’s spokesman, Sebastián Sanchi, said he died Wednesday of a heart attack, two weeks after being released from a hospital in Buenos Aires following brain surgery.

Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade Canceled, But Toy Donations Still Needed

The coronavirus pandemic has put a halt to this year’s Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade, which had been scheduled for Dec. 6, but organizers are still collecting toys for children in need.

It Is Not Too Late to Change Your Plans for Thanksgiving: Lightfoot

Mayor Lori Lightfoot urged all Chicagoans on Wednesday to rethink their Thanksgiving plans if they include travel or a gathering with those outside their immediate household amid a continuing surge of the coronavirus.

November 25, 2020 - Full Show

Watch the Nov. 25, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

US Jobless Claims Rise to 778,000 as Pandemic Worsens

Before the virus struck hard in mid-March, weekly claims typically amounted to roughly 225,000. They shot up to 6.9 million during one week in March before dropping, yet remain historically high more than eight months later.

Rural Hospitals Facing Unique Challenges as COVID-19 Surges

According to the latest data from state health officials, the city of Chicago has 921 intensive care unit beds, and more than 200 are currently available. But in some regions, the numbers are much different. 

How a Chicago Artist is Bringing Attention to Homelessness

Zac Lowing scours the beach for sea glass, but his work is about more than the sculptures he creates. Through his platform, he hopes to bring attention to the homeless community. 

Maria Cerda, a Trailblazer Who Inspired Latino Leaders, Dies at 86

In the 1960s, Maria Cerda became the first Latina member of the Chicago Board of Education and a pioneering advocate for bilingual classes. We talk with her son about her legacy in Chicago and across the nation.

Andrew Bird on New Holiday Album, Acting Debut on ‘Fargo’

He’s a talented violinist, singer, songwriter — and whistler. Chicago-area native Andrew Bird has long been celebrated for blending styles. And he recently added a new skill to his resume: acting.

‘America Is Back’: Biden Pushes Past Trump Era With Nominees

President-elect Joe Biden introduced his national security team on Tuesday, his first substantive offering of how he’ll shift from Trump-era “America First” policies by relying on experts from the Democratic establishment.

City Council Approves Lightfoot’s $12.8 Billion Budget — With 22 ‘No’ Votes

The budget passed despite opposition from two main groups of aldermen: those who represent wards where a property tax hike of $93.9 million will hit hardest and aldermen who favored deep cuts to the police budget.

Cook County Forest Preserves: Is It Time For a Funding Referendum?

Throughout the pandemic, nature has proved its worth as an outlet and resource, benefiting people’s physical, emotional and mental well-being. Now the question is, will people return the favor?

Officials Release Reports on COVID-19 Outbreak in LaSalle Veterans Home

Findings from an investigation into a COVID-19 outbreak that has sickened more than 200 people revealed the facility was using hand sanitizer that was not effective against the virus and lax social distancing among staff.

Indoor Gatherings Limited to Household Members Under Tier 3 in Illinois

Officials plead with residents to host Thanksgiving virtually

Planning to invite a small number of friends and family to your home this week to celebrate Thanksgiving? Here are a few things to consider — including a plea from public health officials.

Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Allegedly Shooting at 3 Chicago Officers

Kamari Pleasant was denied bail Tuesday, three days after he allegedly fired 19 shots at a trio of Chicago police officers and then attempted to evade pursuit by hiding under a pile of leaves on the Far South Side.

November 24, 2020 - Full Show

Watch the Nov. 24, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”
 

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