The Supreme Court says it will hold a special session in just over two weeks to weigh challenges to two Biden administration policies covering vaccine requirements for millions of workers, policies that affect large employers and health care workers.
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Suburban Cook County to Require Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
Citing rising COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths, suburban Cook County officials announced Thursday patrons age 5 and up entering restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters, among other venues, will need to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 starting Jan. 3.
How Long Should You Isolate If You’re Fully Vaccinated But Have COVID-19? There is Some Debate
This debate comes as COVID-19 cases rise across the United States. As of Tuesday, the nation is averaging 139,764 new cases each day, according to data from Johns Hopkins University – up 16% from a week ago.
Spotlight Politics: Chicago Issues Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate Amid Surge
A look at the political and economic ramifications of the COVID-19 surge. Our politics team and guest reporters weigh in on that and more.
Local Business Owners React to Proof of Vaccination Requirement
While some business owners say requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination will limit spread of COVID-19, others worry about how it will impact their business – and how patrons will react.
How to Safely Celebrate Holidays Amid the Latest COVID-19 Surge
Holiday travel and gathering has begun. The Food and Drug Administration authorizes emergency use of Pfizer’s pill to treat COVID-19. A local physician weighs in on that and more.
Demand for COVID-19 Testing Surges as Holidays Near
Pharmacies are dealing with a shortage of at-home COVID-19 tests as the demand for testing skyrockets ahead of the holidays.
Artist Combs Chicago Beaches for Materials and Inspiration
Discovery is central to the work of an artist who seeks and finds all kinds of things on the shores of Lake Michigan. John Soss makes artwork out of seemingly nothing, sifting the sand for debris left by people and nature.
Illinois Sees Highest Single-Day COVID-19 Case Count
There were 16,581 new and probable COVID-19 cases recorded within the past 24 hours by the Illinois Department of Public Health. That’s the highest single-day total this year and the highest since November 2020, per IDPH data.
Feds Recommend 1-Year Prison Sentence for Former Ald. Ricardo Muñoz
In a sentencing memorandum filed Wednesday, federal prosecutors said former Ald. Ricardo Muñoz “abused his public position and betrayed the public trust” by embezzling nearly $38,000 in city money over the course of approximately three years.
December 22, 2021 - Full Show
The race for COVID-19 tests ahead of the holidays. The latest on Pfizer’s newly approved COVID-19 pill. How businesses are reacting to the mayor’s new vaccine mandate. And what’s behind a shortage of Santas.
Pfizer Pill Becomes 1st US-Authorized Home COVID Treatment
The long-awaited milestone comes as U.S. cases, hospitalizations and deaths are all rising and health officials warn of a tsunami of new infections from the omicron variant that could overwhelm hospitals.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Dec. 23-26
Global Christmas traditions, holiday lights, festive floral arrangements and comics usher in the holiday weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Local Hospitals Face Hospitalization Surge as Omicron Variant Emerges
The majority of hospitalizations in Chicago continue to be among those unvaccinated, but health officials advised everyone take precautions.
Chicago to Require Proof of Vaccination in Bars, Restaurants and Gyms
Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady instituted the requirement Tuesday, as increases in COVID-19 cases have seen the positivity rate rise to 7.3% – past the point of rapid spread.
I’m a Black Woman and the Metaverse Scares Me. Here’s How to Make the Next Iteration of the Internet Inclusive
Marginalized people often suffer the most harm from unintended consequences of new technologies, according to researcher Breigha Adeyemo who shares ways to make them more inclusive.
Dan Webb: Handling of Initial Jussie Smollett Charges by Foxx’s Office Was a ‘Disgrace’
The special prosecutor who secured convictions this month against Jussie Smollett said the way the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office first resolved the former “Empire” star’s criminal charges was a “disgrace” and that Kim Foxx and others lied about how it went down.
Ravenswood Artists Show There’s No Place Like Home in Chicago
Our city’s towering skyline gets all the press, but for the husband-and-wife artist duo behind Wonder City Studio, it’s the vernacular styles that make Chicago a place worth calling home.
US Population Growth at Lowest Rate in Pandemic's 1st Year
The United States grew by only 0.1%, with an additional 392,665 added to the U.S. population from July 2020 to July 2021, according to population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Biden Pledges 500M Free Virus Tests to Counter Omicron
In remarks Tuesday at the White House, President Biden detailed major changes to his COVID-19 winter plan, his hand forced by the arrival of the fast-spreading variant, whose properties are yet not fully understood by scientists.
December 21, 2021 - Full Show
The latest on Mayor Lightfoot’s sweeping indoor vaccination mandates. A look inside overstretched hospitals. An exclusive one-on-one with the Smollett special prosecutor on his scathing report into Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.
‘Latino Voices’ Community Conversation: Latino Holiday Traditions
The holidays are typically marked by family gatherings, delicious food and joyful music. We talk with community leaders about celebrating this holiday season amid the coronavirus pandemic and concerns about the omicron variant. Watch the full discussion.
Omicron Casts a New Shadow Over Economy’s Pandemic Recovery
A heightened sense of anxiety has begun to erode the willingness of some people and businesses to carry on as usual in the face of the extraordinarily contagious omicron variant, which has fast become the dominant version of the virus in the U.S.
Lightfoot Outlines Crime-Fighting Strategy, Calls for Federal Help
“As the mayor of this city, I want to assure you that from day one in my time as mayor public safety has been, is, and will continue to be my highest priority,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday in a special speech to show she’s taking crime seriously.
Many Unanswered Questions Remain About COVID-19 Long Haul Symptoms
Many, including doctors, are still searching for treatment for people whose symptoms continue more than a month after being infected and answers about persistent symptoms.
Crain’s Headlines: Amtrak Increases Speed
Amtrak trains now run at speeds up to 90 miles per hour. Ann Dwyer has details on that story and more.
