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Actor Sean Connery, the ‘Original’ James Bond, Dies at 90

Sean Connery, the charismatic Scottish actor who rose to international superstardom as suave, fearless secret agent James Bond and then carved out an equally successful, Oscar-winning career, has died. He was 90.

Fall Back. Don’t Forget the Time Change This Weekend

We gain an hour this weekend when daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday. 

The Week in Review: Illinois Sets New Daily COVID-19 Records

Illinois reports a record 6,943 new COVID-19 cases in a single day, surpassing the previous record set one day earlier. As cases rise so do tensions between Gov. J.B. Pritzker and business owners amid pandemic-related closures.

Trump Pitches ‘Back to Normal’ as Biden Warns of Tough Days

In a campaign that has been dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic that has killed more than 227,000 Americans and staggered the economy, the candidates’ clashing overtures stood as a reflection of their leadership styles.

Illinois Authorities Extradite Kyle Rittenhouse to Wisconsin

A 17-year-old from Illinois accused of killing two demonstrators in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has been extradited to stand trial on homicide charges.

Frustrated Aldermen Demand More Street Paving Money Amid Budget Crisis

Aldermen urged city transportation officials on Friday to help them repave more Chicago streets, spotlighting a perennial gripe about potholes and rough rides during a budget season like no other.

Restaurant Owners Push Back on Pritzker’s Indoor Dining Restrictions

“It’s unfortunate,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Friday. “Look, this disease is unrelenting, it doesn’t care about what the location is and what we’re trying to do here is to limit the cases, the hospitalizations and the deaths.”

Supreme Court Issues Flurry of Last-minute Election Orders

Over the past 10 days, the U.S. Supreme Court has answered questions about an extended timeline for receiving and counting ballots in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Here’s how they ruled. 

Chicago Activates Emergency Operations Center, Prepares for Halloween, Election-Related Violence

The city is prepared to deploy garbage trucks, salt spreaders, snow plows and water trucks to protect the city’s commercial districts if the election triggers unrest and violence, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said.

Look to the Sky on Halloween for a Rare Blue Moon

Saturday’s full moon will be the second one in October, earning the label “blue moon.” It’ll have a red companion, in the form of Mars. 

Abner Mikva Documentary Delves into Chicago Politician’s Progressive Values, Drive

Chicago politician Abner Mikva had the distinction of serving in all the three branches of U.S. government. A new documentary delves into Mikva’s storied political career and public life.

State Senators Weigh in On Tightening Coronavirus-Related Restrictions

Illinois Sens. Sara Feigenholtz and Don DeWitte talk about the governor’s decision to halt indoor dining and bar service in regions where coronavirus rates are surging.

Bears Coach Criticized for Poor Play-Calling, Quarterback Questions Return

An ugly loss for the Bears Monday night. Can fans hope for anything better against the Saints on Sunday?

‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Kenosha

Kenosha, Wisconsin, just over the Illinois border, became the epicenter of violent unrest this summer after the police shooting of Jacob Blake. A few months later, Kenosha is in the midst of early voting – and it’s a hotly contested county.

Dr. Anthony Fauci on Current COVID-19 Situation, Vaccine Prospects

Brandis Friedman sits down with Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, to talk about where things stand now with the pandemic and where they’re headed. 

Progressive Caucus Objects to Lightfoot’s Budget Plan, Calls for Cuts to CPD

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s $12.76 billion spending plan for 2021 fails to craft a “compassionate, bold” solution to the long-standing inequities that plague Chicago, according to the City Council’s Progressive Caucus.

How Chicago’s Travel Agencies Are Surviving the Pandemic

Airline layoffs, travel bans, quarantine orders – it’s been a calamitous year for the travel and tourism industry. Chicago’s independent travel agencies, scattered in storefronts across the city’s neighborhoods, have been anything but immune.

Des Plaines River Trail Designated National Recreation Trail

The trail, which took nearly 60 years to complete, was one of 30 designated a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Pritzker: As COVID-19 Surges in Illinois ‘People’s Lives Hang in the Balance’

Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a grave warning on Thursday as Illinois officials reported 6,363 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, telling residents that the pandemic has entered the most dangerous phase since the spring.

White Sox Reunite with La Russa, Hire Hall of Fame Manager

Tony La Russa, the Hall of Famer who won a World Series with the Oakland Athletics and two more with the St. Louis Cardinals, is returning to manage the Chicago White Sox 34 years after they fired him.

Criminal Trials Suspended Again in Federal Courthouse Due to COVID-19

Chief Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer on Thursday ordered a suspension of criminal jury trials at the Dirksen Federal Building effective immediately.

October 29, 2020 - Full Show

Watch the Oct. 29, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Springfield Area Hit with COVID-19 Restrictions Starting Nov. 1

Nine of the state’s 11 regions have triggered the state’s fail-safe metrics designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus, with the addition of much of West-Central Illinois, including Springfield and Quincy, on Thursday.

As State Restrictions Take Effect, Lightfoot Allows Businesses to Stay Open to 11 p.m.

Restrictions ordered by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to stop the spread of COVID-19 take effect at midnight Friday. Mayor Lightfoot altered her plan to align with the restrictions laid out by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

It’s International Bat Week! Here’s Why They’re Man’s Best Friend

From eating mosquitoes to restoring rainforests to making tequila (sort of), bats are amazing. The creature gets its due during International Bat Week, running through Oct. 31.

Jobless Claims Fall to 751,000, But New Infections a Threat

Applications for unemployment aid fell 40,000 from the previous week, the Labor Department said. They fell in 30 states, including big drops in California, Florida and Texas. But claims rose significantly in Arizona, Illinois and Michigan.
 

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