Stories by Matt Masterson
Police Department Believes It’s Making Progress on Consent Decree, But ‘We Have Work to Do’
| Matt Masterson
In a new status report, the Chicago Police Department said it “doubled down on its efforts to accelerate compliance” during its latest reporting period after missing 70% of its deadlines in the previous period.
Monet Makes Impressions at Art Institute and Garfield Park Conservatory
| Marc Vitali
Chicago is home to more Claude Monet paintings than any city other than Paris. That’s because the works of the famous French impressionist made a strong impression on local collectors. We explore the show “Monet and Chicago.”
Trump Lawyers Blast Impeachment Trial as ‘Political Theater’
Plus: Previewing the trial on ‘Chicago Tonight’
| Associated Press
Lawyers for Donald Trump on Monday blasted the impeachment case against him as an act of “political theater” and accused House Democrats on the eve of the former president’s trial of exploiting the chaos and trauma of last month’s Capitol riot for their party’s gain.
Chicago Family and Support Services Commissioner Lisa Morrison Butler Resigns
| Heather Cherone
After six years at the helm of the city department responsible for caring for Chicago’s most vulnerable residents, Lisa Morrison Butler announced her resignation. In a letter to aldermen, she said her last day would be Feb. 26.
Pritzker Extends Ban on Coronavirus-Related Evictions Until March 6
| Heather Cherone
Illinois’ ban on most evictions will enter its 12th month as the second wave of the pandemic eases and the vaccination effort gains steam.
Metra’s Eye-Popping Practice Keeps Trains Running During Frigid Weather
| Nick Blumberg
The Chicago area saw dangerously cold weather over the weekend, and the week ahead doesn’t appear to offer much relief. But it takes more than a cold snap to bring the city to a standstill.
Vaccine Drive Gains Speed, But Maskless Fans Fuel Worries
| Associated Press
The sight of fans, many without masks, celebrating the Super Bowl in the streets, in sports bars and at game-watching parties has sparked worries of new outbreaks.
Crain’s Headlines: CDC Director Suggests Preflight COVID-19 Testing
| WTTW News
Could passengers on domestic flights soon be tested for COVID-19 before takeoff? Crain’s Chicago Business editor Ann Dwyer has details on that story and more business news.
How a Remnant of Chicago’s Ice Age Geology Created a Path to Freedom on the Underground Railroad
| Patty Wetli
An ancient sand ridge in the Calumet region became a well-worn route used by enslaved people seeking freedom.
Scientists Create DIY Test for Early Detection of COVID-19
| Kristen Thometz
Early detection of the coronavirus is crucial for reducing its spread, even as vaccinations ramp up. Now, researchers have created a DIY smell and taste challenge – and all you need is your morning cup of joe.
New Variants Raise Worry About COVID-19 Virus Reinfections
| Associated Press
How long immunity lasts from natural infection is one of the big questions in the pandemic. Scientists still think reinfections are fairly rare and usually less serious than initial ones, but recent developments around the world have raised concerns.
What Children Should Be Learning About Black History
| Erica Gunderson
With Black history month underway, we take a closer look at how and what we teach our children about Black history with state Rep. La Shawn Ford, a former Chicago Public Schools teacher, and Maureen Tatsuko Loughnane, executive director of the nonprofit Facing History and Ourselves.
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, Feb. 7, 2021 - Full Show
| WTTW News
How Black history is being taught in schools. Life after prison in this week’s Black Voices Book Club pick. A look back at WTTW’s “Our People” with Jim Tilmon, and teaching young men to be gentlemen.
The Last Word: Jermaine Anderson
| Erica Gunderson
The founder of a nonprofit that mentors young men in the Chicago area tells us what it means to be a gentleman.
‘Our People’ 1968 Interview: Godfrey Cambridge
| Erica Gunderson
The comedian and actor known for his sardonic take on culture and society shares his thoughts on policing and crime in Chicago in this interview with Jim Tilmon from the WTTW show “Our People.”
CTU, CPS Reach Framework to Allow In-Person Learning to Resume
| Heather Cherone
https://news.wttw.com/2021/02/08/ctu-delegates-ok-deal-allow-person-learning-resumeMembers of the Chicago Teachers Union are reviewing the framework of a deal that would allow in-person learning to resume at Chicago Public Schools for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic forced schools to close in March 2020 — and avert the second strike in 15 months.
Rev. Jesse Jackson Leaves the Hospital for Rehab Center After Surgery
| CNN
The 79-year-old civil rights leader was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for abdominal discomfort on Jan. 29, according to a statement from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Chicago-based organization that he heads.
Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Feb. 6, 2021 - Full Show
| WTTW News
It’s not just their health that’s at risk: COVID-19 is threatening Latinos struggling to keep their homes. Plus: Distribution centers are growing fast, but so are concerns about their impact.
Latinos at Increased Risk of Financial Stress Amid COVID-19
| Erica Gunderson
Latino communities have been at a heightened risk of infection and death throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But the coronavirus has not only endangered their health, it’s also harming their finances and making them more likely to lose their homes.
1 Dead, Several Injured in Hotel Shooting in Chicago Suburb
| Associated Press
A shooting early Saturday during a large gathering at the Indian Lakes Hotel in Bloomingdale left one man dead and several other people wounded, police said.
Officials Plead: Don’t Let Super Bowl Become Superspreader
| Associated Press
The nation’s top health officials sounded the alarm this week about the Super Bowl being a potential superspreader event, and they urged people to gather with friends over Zoom, not in crowds.
5 Key Questions for Trump’s Senate Impeachment Trial
| Associated Press
Arguments begin Tuesday in the impeachment trial of Donald Trump on allegations that he incited the violent mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
$22,000 Flute Lost on Chicago Train Turns Up in Pawn Shop
| Associated Press
Anyone who’s left so much as a hat on a Chicago Transit Authority train knows that whatever leaves the station without its owner often is gone forever. Except, apparently, a $22,000 gold and silver flute.
‘COVID Jungle’ Report Highlights Experiences of Manufacturing, Warehouse Workers Amid Pandemic
| Kristen Thometz
Temporary workers at food manufacturing, distribution and logistics facilities in Illinois keep supply chains moving — even during a global pandemic. But many feel their concerns about COVID-19 and workplace safety are often ignored, according to a new report.
The Week in Review: CPS, CTU Remain at Odds
| Alexandra Silets
After heated negotiations this week, there’s still no deal between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union. Meanwhile, Chicagoans scramble for COVID-19 vaccinations as complaints mount against the sign-up process.
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