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Floating Wetlands Bring New Life to Infamous Section of Chicago River’s South Branch

The area around Bubbly Creek was once a wetland, until the channel became choked first with sewage and then animal waste from the Union Stockyards. Now the wetlands, with a twist, are making a comeback.

2 Teens Among 5 People Killed in Weekend Shootings Across Chicago: Police

According to Chicago Police Department data, 35 people were shot in 32 individual shooting incidents between 6 p.m. Friday evening and 11:59 p.m. Sunday night. Those victims included a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old who were each killed.

Month-Long Black Harvest Film Festival at Siskel Film Center Nov. 4-27

The annual Black Harvest Film Festival kicks off its 28th year of celebrating Black filmmaking on Nov. 4, with a schedule packed with screenings of independent feature films, screenings of anniversary and restored films, and special events. 

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, Oct. 29, 2022 - Full Show

HIV rates in Chicago reach historic lows — but disparities persist. What do Rihanna, Jesse Jackson and RuPaul have in common? They’re all in the next season of the Making podcast. Plus, a new park in Roseland.

POP! Heights Park Marks First New Public Park in Roseland in More Than 50 Years

The amenities were created with the goal to ensure the park is utilized by all ages, especially those residing in Roseland, Morgan Park and West Pullman.

‘Flor de Muerto’ Cempasúchiles Make Día de los Muertos Ofrendas Bright

The vivid orange and yellow cempasúchiles, known as marigolds in English, frequently adorn Día de los Muertos ofrendas. Native to Mexico, the flowers bloom at this time of year just in time for the holiday.

Number of New Cases of HIV, AIDS Diagnosed in Chicago Drops

A new report from the Chicago Department of Public Health says not only are fewer people being diagnosed, but more people who are already living with HIV-AIDS are reaching viral suppression. 

Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Oct. 29, 2022 - Full Show

An outbreak of violence in Brighton Park. Calls for shelter locations to house migrants from Texas. And learn about the flower that adorns ofrendas for Dia de Muertos.

Migrant Arrivals in Chicago Have Somewhat Slowed, But Local Aid Groups Still Working to Meet Needs

The infrastructure the city and state has built to receive migrants aims to ensure individuals and families are stabilized before they move on in their journey. 

Community Organizations Speak Out After Violent Weekend in Brighton Park

Three shootings resulted in four people dead and three injured, with the deadliest incident taking place during a street takeover at Archer and Kedzie avenues. In the early hours of Sunday, Oct. 23, more than 100 cars gathered at the intersection to watch a “drifting” event that ended with an exchange of gunfire. 

New Season of WBEZ Podcast Series ‘Making’ Explores Rise of Black Icons

The podcast’s latest season offers the same level of legends’ stories but in a new format. This season, each weekly episode covers the “making” years of a different figure via interviews with three people who had personal or professional relationships with the subject.

Week in Review: Senate Candidates Face Off, New Mayoral Challenger

Chicago Teachers Union candidate Brandon Johnson enters race for mayor. Candidates for statewide offices tussle in debates as election nears. Mayor Lori Lightfoot gets rebuke in City Council. And the suddenly hot Bears head to Dallas.

Assailant Shouted ‘Where is Nancy?’ in Attack on Speaker of the House’s Husband

Those shouts were a chilling echo of the chants during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, when rioters trying to stop Joe Biden’s election searched menacingly through the halls for the speaker.

Man Charged in Fatal Shooting of West Ridge Convenience Store Clerk

Sean Dunnavant, 53, was denied bail during a hearing Friday after he was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and attempted armed robbery in the fatal shooting of 66-year-old Salim Khamo.

Barack Obama Gets a Midterm Do-Over to Help Boost Democrats

Barack Obama is trying to do something he couldn’t during two terms as president: help Democrats succeed in national midterm elections when they already hold the White House.

Tammy Duckworth, Kathy Salvi Spar in Only Joint Forum in Illinois US Senate Race

The Senate candidates faced off in the WTTW studio and wrangled over gun control, abortion and inflation.

Oct. 27, 2022 - Full Show

In a special hour-long forum in partnership with WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times, candidates for U.S. senator Tammy Duckworth and Kathy Salvi on gun violence, abortion, the economy and more.

Permanent Punishment: In Illinois, People with Criminal Records Can Still Vote. Advocates Are Working to Make Them Aware.

When people are incarcerated in Illinois prisons, they cannot vote until they are released and re-registered to vote.

Top Cop Defends Investigation into Chicago Police Officer’s Ties to Proud Boys

Chicago Police Supt. David Brown said he had “zero tolerance” for police officers who are members of hate groups or associate with members of hate groups.

Chicago Police Officer Faces Felony Charges After Taser Incident Last Year

Marco Simonetti, 58, was issued a $5,000 D-bond during a hearing Thursday following his arrest on charges of aggravated battery and official misconduct stemming from an incident in Aug. 2021.

50 Years After Title IX, Transgender Athletes Advocate for Protections in High School and College Sports

“Title Nine at 50: Past, Present, Future” is a three-day event at Northwestern University’s Evanston campus running Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It's free and open to the public and this story will be screened on Friday as part of the symposium.

7-Year-Old Killed by Errant Bullet Was Washing Hands in Own Home When Shot: Police

The boy was one of two juveniles killed in separate shootings in Chicago Wednesday night.

McDonald's Q3 Sales Boosted by Higher Prices, Promotions

McDonald’s Chief Financial Officer Ian Borden said U.S. prices were 10% higher than last year in the July-September period. But while some lower-income consumers appeared to shift to cheaper menu items, overall demand remained strong.

US Economy Returned to Growth Last Quarter, Expanding 2.6%

Thursday’s better-than-expected estimate from the Commerce Department showed that the nation’s gross domestic product — the broadest gauge of economic output — grew in the third quarter after having shrunk in the first half of 2022.

Backed by Teachers Union, Brandon Johnson Launches Campaign for Chicago Mayor

Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, 46, launched his campaign in Cabrini Green’s Seward Park, near Jenner Academy Elementary School where he began his teaching career.

Oct. 26, 2022 - Full Show

The candidates for Illinois secretary of state square off. The fate of a private towing ordinance. The controversy over transgender athletes in school sports. And a photography club that has their lens way in the past.
 

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