Mauricio Ramirez, previously accused of sexually assaulting an underage lifeguard, has been arrested for a second time in just over a month after media coverage of his initial case led a second victim to come forward, prosecutors said.
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Ex-Chicago Park District Supervisor Arrested Again on New Sexual Abuse Allegations
Dec 1, 2021 | Matt Masterson
Louis Vuitton Show Pays Tribute to Designer Virgil Abloh
Dec 1, 2021 | Associated Press
Louis Vuitton’s first-ever U.S. fashion show turned into a somber yet whimsical tribute to groundbreaking designer Virgil Abloh days after his death.
Cook County Tops 1,000 Homicides For First Time Since 1994
Dec 1, 2021 | Matt Masterson
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed its 1,000th homicide of the year over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, though that total has since grown to at least 1,009, per county officials.
Why So Much Fuss Over a Plain-Jane Bird That Landed in Waukegan? It’s Half a World Off Course
Dec 1, 2021 | Patty Wetli
The sighting of a small-billed elaenia over the Thanksgiving holiday had bird lovers flocking to Waukegan from far and wide to catch a glimpse of this South American flycatcher, thousands of miles off course.
‘The People’s Map’: Organizations Create Ward Maps Made by Communities
Nov 30, 2021 | Leslie Hurtado
The deadline for a city ward map is Wednesday. CHANGE Illinois believes that map should be independently made by community members who reflect the city’s population and not by alderpeople.
City Council Poised to Miss Deadline to Approve New Ward Map Amid Racially Polarized Debate
Nov 30, 2021 | Heather Cherone
Negotiations over a new ward map that will shape Chicago politics for the next decade remained deadlocked Tuesday, with no sign of a possible compromise less than a day before the deadline set by state law.
Greg Harris, Key Proponent of Illinois’s 2013 Same-Sex Marriage Law, Won’t Seek Reelection
Nov 30, 2021 | Paul Caine
Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris, the highest-ranking openly gay lawmaker in Illinois history, said after 15 years, he’s ready to move on. His current term ends in 2023.
Detective: Brothers Recounted How Jussie Smollett Staged Hoax
Nov 30, 2021 | Associated Press
Taking the stand as prosecutors began their case against Jussie Smollett, former Chicago police detective Michael Theis said he initially viewed the actor as a victim of a homophobic and racist attack and that they “absolutely” didn't rush to judgment.
US Panel Backs First-Of-A-Kind COVID-19 Pill from Merck
Nov 30, 2021 | Associated Press
The Food and Drug Administration panel voted 13-10 that the antiviral drug’s benefits outweigh its risks, including potential birth defects if used during pregnancy.
Unforgettable Moments in Chicago Productions of Sondheim Musicals
Nov 30, 2021 | Hedy Weiss
In the wake of Stephen Sondheim’s death, a look back at his impact on Chicago theater.
Black Artist Josephine Baker Honored at France’s Pantheon
Nov 30, 2021 | Associated Press
Josephine Baker — the U.S.-born entertainer, anti-Nazi spy and civil rights activist — was inducted into France’s Pantheon on Tuesday, becoming the first Black woman to receive the nation’s highest honor.
Omicron Variant May Have Reached Europe Earlier Than Thought
Nov 30, 2021 | Associated Press
Economic powerhouses Japan and France reported their first cases of the omicron variant Tuesday, while new findings indicate the mutant coronavirus was already in Europe close to a week before South Africa sounded the alarm.
US Tracking of Virus Variants Has Improved After Slow Start
Nov 30, 2021 | Associated Press
Viruses mutate constantly. To find and track new versions of the coronavirus, scientists analyze the genetic makeup of a portion of samples that test positive. It’s a global effort, but until recently the U.S. was contributing very little.
CPS to Begin COVID-19 Test-to-Stay Pilot Program for Students This Week
Nov 30, 2021 | Matt Masterson
Under the pilot, an unvaccinated student who is exposed to COVID-19 would be allowed to stay in school if they agree to testing on the first, third, fifth and seventh day after their exposure.
Cook County Government in the Market for a Power Player as It Aims for 100% Renewable Energy Goal
Nov 30, 2021 | Patty Wetli
Cook County is aiming to reach 100% renewable electricity by 2030, but can’t get there on its own. So it’s looking for a renewable energy developer, who would front the costs of building a solar or wind farm to generate green electricity for county buildings.
‘Black Voices’ Community Conversation: Black Small Businesses
Nov 30, 2021 | Marissa Nelson
Brandis Friedman and a panel of guests talk about how Black-owned small businesses are navigating the holiday shopping season amid supply chain issues and labor shortages. Watch the discussion now.
November 30, 2021 - Full Show
Nov 30, 2021 | WTTW News
City Council members sound off one day ahead of the ward remap deadline and still no agreement. One-on-one with retiring lawmaker Greg Harris. The life and legacy of Stephen Sondheim.
‘The Sky Is Not Falling, At This Point’: City Officials Brace for Omicron COVID-19 Variant
Nov 30, 2021 | Heather Cherone
Chicago's updated travel advisory includes 38 states, announced Dr. Allison Arwady, the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Watch Where You Park Tuesday Night: Snow Route Parking Ban Set to Start
Nov 30, 2021 | Heather Cherone
Every year, the start of the snow route ban catches hundreds of drivers unaware, forcing them to travel to the city’s auto pound — and pay at least $235 — to retrieve their cars, officials said.
Smollett Hatched ‘Secret Plan’ For Hoax Attack, Per Prosecutors, But Defense Says He’s ‘Real Victim’
Nov 29, 2021 | Matt Masterson
Jussie Smollett faces six counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly making false reports to multiple different Chicago police officers about being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in 2019.
Advocates Concerned About City’s Homeless Population Amid Emergency Bed Shortage
Nov 29, 2021 | Acacia Hernandez
The city of Chicago has been partnering with Hotel Julian downtown, paying for 175 rooms to house those experiencing homelessness amid the pandemic. Alderpeople recently extended this partnership into February. But is it enough?
‘The Invisible Ones’ Radio Series Follows Cases of Missing Black Women
Nov 29, 2021 | Blair Paddock
Over the past 20 years, 51 Black women and girls have either gone missing or been found dead after disappearing in Chicago, according to WVON, which has produced a new five-part series featuring the stories of these victims’ family members and their efforts to find answers.
City Officials Prep for Winter’s Arrival
Nov 29, 2021 | Amanda Vinicky
“The many challenges of COVID-19, coupled with the inconvenience of life-threatening conditions that cold weather and extreme weather brings every year, that means we’ve got to utilize every tool that we can to protect the health and well-being of our residents,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday.
Cyber Monday Caps Holiday Shopping Weekend As Virus Lingers
Nov 29, 2021 | Associated Press
Consumers are expected to spend between $10.2 billion and $11.3 billion on Monday, making it once again the biggest online shopping day of the year, according to Adobe Digital Economy Index.
Racially Polarized Debate Over Ward Map Widens Breach, As Deadline Approaches
Nov 29, 2021 | Heather Cherone
If 41 alderpeople do not agree on a map, the final decision could be made by voters for the first time in 30 years via a referendum.
Celebrating the Centennial of Tango Master Astor Piazzolla in Grand Style
Nov 29, 2021 | Hedy Weiss
Two remarkable concerts took place recently in Chicago and were designed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Astor Piazzolla – the composer who transformed the traditional tango into an irresistible classical music hybrid.