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Former US Defense Secretary Hagel on Future of Liberal Democracy Amid Ongoing Russia-Ukraine War

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is now more than a year old with little sign of any resolution in the near future. Meanwhile, the U.S. has supplied billions of dollars’ worth of military aid and supplies to help push the invading Russians back. Many wonder how much more might it take.

After Controversial Freight Rail Merger Approved, Northwest Suburban Communities Weigh Next Steps

Federal regulators just approved a merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern, with Chicago as part of the route linking Mexico, the U.S. and Canada.

Illinois Secretary of State Awards $21M to Target Carjackings, Vehicle Thefts

The $21 million in grants will be funded through a dollar assessment charged annually on Illinois auto insurance policies.

5 Things to Do This Weekend: Ritmo del Mar, Opera Premiere

A dance concert, film screenings and opera premiere usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

‘Their Lives Will Never be The Same’: 18-Year-Old Charged After Woman Killed, Others Injured in Rollover Crash

Kurell Purnell, 18, was allegedly driving at more than twice the posted speed limit seconds before he slammed into a Kia Sorrento carrying Zainab Subhoh, 78, and six of her family members Tuesday night in North Park.

Attempts to Ban Books Hit Record High in 2022, Chicago-Based Library Org Says

More than 1,200 challenges were compiled by the association in 2022, nearly double the then-record total from 2021 and by far the most since the American Library Association began keeping data 20 years ago.

Chicago Blackhawks Won’t Wear Pride Jerseys, Cite Russian Law

The Chicago Blackhawks will not wear Pride-themed warmup jerseys before Sunday’s Pride Night game against Vancouver, a person with knowledge of the matter told The Associated Press, because of security concerns involving the law that Russian President Vladimir Putin signed in December.

Johnson or Vallas: Chicago’s Next Mayor Will Oversee CPS During Transformative Period

An elected school board. A new teachers union contract. The end of a moratorium on school closures. Those are among the biggest education hurdles Chicago’s next mayor will have to navigate over the next four years

March 22, 2023 - Full Show

A WTTW investigation finds the city is paying a mountain of overtime costs. A former CPD official fired by David Brown speaks out. Spotlight Politics on the feuding mayoral candidates. And the state’s 100-year-old artist laureate.

At 100, Artist Kay Smith Documents American History in Watercolor Paintings

From the Statue of Liberty to Mount Rushmore, Smith spent 50 years traveling the country and documenting historical landmarks with her watercolors.

Spotlight Politics: Chicago Mayoral Candidates Make Their Case

With less than two weeks before Election Day, the candidates for Chicago mayor are still making their case to voters. Our politics team weighs in on that story and more.

Chicago’s Next Top Cop Must Speed Up Effort to Rebuild Trust in Chicago Police, Former Reform Chief Says

A new report says Chicago’s next top cop must be “a dynamic change agent” fully committed to implementing the court order requiring the Chicago Police Department to change the way it trains, supervises and disciplines officers.

Chicago’s 2022 Overtime Bill Stands at $441M, With $210M Going to Police — Resulting in Sharp Increase Over Last Year

The Chicago Police Department spent at least $210.5 million on overtime, 56% more than in 2021 and more than double the $100 million earmarked for police overtime set by the Chicago City Council as part of the city’s 2022 budget, according to data obtained by WTTW News. 

Ban on Plastic Foam To-Go Containers and Utensils Passes Illinois House

The Illinois House of Representatives passed legislation that would phase out single-use polystyrene foam foodware beginning in January 2024.

Chicago Board of Education Proposes Making Policy Briefings Public

The Chicago Board of Education on Wednesday announced multiple proposed shifts to the way it handles business, beginning with a shift toward public briefings on board agenda items before well ahead of scheduled votes beginning in May.

Fed Raises Key Interest Rate By Quarter-Point Despite Bank Turmoil

The Federal Reserve extended its year-long fight against high inflation Wednesday by raising its key interest rate by a quarter-point despite concerns that higher borrowing rates could worsen the turmoil that has gripped the banking system.

Legal Drama Surrounding Donald Trump Reaches Fever Pitch as New York Grand Jury Won’t Meet Wednesday

New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has suggested to an attorney for at least one witness in the past 24 hours that they might need to provide more testimony to the grand jury in its hush money probe, according to one source familiar with the probe.

Muslims Across the World Mark Start of Holy Month of Ramadan

For the next 30 days, Muslims will refrain from eating or drinking anything — even the tiniest sip of water — from sunrise to sunset. Many will more strictly observe prayers, donate to charity and devote more time to reading the Quran as they seek to draw closer to God.

From Mike Pence to Ron DeSantis, GOP Presidential Hopefuls Hold Off Campaigns

From Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to former Vice President Mike Pence and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, there appears to be little rush to join the field of official presidential candidates. The reluctance reflects the unsettled nature of U.S. politics.

March 21, 2023 - Full Show

Will Trump be indicted this week? We assess all of the ongoing criminal cases. Vallas and Johnson duke it out in their latest debate. And a proposal to protect undocumented workers from retaliation.

On Match Day, Loyola Medical Students One Step Closer to Achieving Their Dreams

Every year on Match Day, medical students across the U.S. anxiously open envelopes to learn the name of the institution where they will start the next chapter of their careers. 

New Law Would Protect Immigrants Who Report Labor Violations in Illinois

The law would protect employees from immigration-related threats when reporting labor violations like wage theft, discrimination and unsafe working conditions. It would also give the attorney general the power to investigate and fine employers who make immigration-status threats against workers.

Public Safety Remains in Spotlight as Vallas, Johnson Spar at Debate

The race for Chicago mayor continues to focus nearly entirely on the crime and violence that both candidates agree threaten the city’s economic vitality. They offered wildly different solutions to the seemingly intractable problem.

Will Trump Be Arrested? A Look at the Accusations Facing the Former President

Former President Donald Trump’s prediction that he would be arrested Tuesday didn’t bear out, but he still faces the prospect of indictment. That’s now in the hands of a New York grand jury.

This Week in Nature: It’s Beginning to Look Like a Fest-Free Summer in Douglass Park

It will be up to the next mayor to decide how to respond to Chicagoans’ growing frustration with these mega-events.

Superbug Fungus Cases Rose Dramatically During Pandemic

The fungus, Candida auris, is a form of yeast that is usually not harmful to healthy people but can be a deadly risk to fragile hospital and nursing home patients.
 

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