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Jan 21, 2021

‘Just Move On’: Republicans Grapple with Post-Trump Future

The shift to minority status is always difficult, prompting debates over who is to blame for losing the last election. But the process is especially intense as Republicans confront profound questions about what the party stands for without Donald Trump in charge. 

Jan 21, 2021

January 21, 2021 - Full Show

Watch the Jan. 21, 2021 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Jan 21, 2021

Chicago’s Top Doctor Pleads with Chicagoans to be Patient While Waiting for Vaccine

“My word for you is patience,” Dr. Allison Arwady, the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, said Thursday. “I know a lot of you will be frustrated.”

Jan 20, 2021

Spotlight Politics: A Peaceful, Historic Inauguration

A solemn and somber Inauguration Day for President Joe Biden, as well as a historic day for Vice President Kamala Harris — and the nation. Our politics team breaks it all down in this special edition of our weekly roundtable.

Jan 20, 2021

Demands, Hopes, Expectations: Illinois Leaders on Biden Agenda

Now that President Joe Biden is officially in the Oval Office, it’s time to get down to work. Interest groups — made of supporters and critics alike — have a lot of expectations for the country’s 46th president. Here’s a sampling.

Jan 20, 2021

Biden Takes the Helm as President: ‘Democracy Has Prevailed’

Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, declaring that “democracy has prevailed” and summoning American resilience and unity to confront the deeply divided nation’s historic confluence of crises.

Jan 20, 2021

Speechwriters Discuss Biden’s Inaugural Address, Call for Unity

President Joe Biden calls for unity while warning against violent dissent in his inaugural address. Political speechwriters Mari Maseng Will and Jason DeSanto share their thoughts.

Jan 20, 2021

January 20, 2021 - Full Show

Watch the Jan. 20, 2021 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Jan 19, 2021

Federal Court Rules Illinois’ Panhandling Law Unconstitutional

A federal judge has permanently banned Illinois’ panhandling law from being enforced on the basis the statute violates the First Amendment. The case was part of a yearlong effort by advocates, including the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, to eliminate such laws.

Jan 19, 2021

McConnell: Trump ‘Provoked’ Capitol Siege, Mob Was Fed Lies

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday explicitly blamed President Donald Trump for the deadly riot at the Capitol, saying the mob was “fed lies” and that the president and others “provoked” those intent on overturning Democrat Joe Biden’s election.

Jan 19, 2021

Lawmakers Discuss Pros, Cons of Ending Cash Bail

A massive criminal justice bill is heading to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk. Approved last week by the Illinois Senate and House, the measure covers everything from police use of force to body cameras. It would also end the practice of cash bail.

Jan 19, 2021

January 19, 2021 - Full Show

Watch the Jan. 19, 2021 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Jan 18, 2021

Exploring the Link Between Unemployment and Poverty

When Illinois required businesses to shut down last March because of the coronavirus pandemic, many workers were left without an income. Now, researchers say they are seeing a dramatic increase in poverty.

Jan 18, 2021

The Growing Problem of Poverty in the Suburbs

Poverty is not just an urban issue. We speak with Lake County resident Gary Ladehoff, who is featured in WTTW’s new documentary series “Firsthand: Living in Poverty,” and Maggie Morales of the Lake County Community Foundation.

Jan 18, 2021

State and Local Governments Battle Entrenched Poverty Made Worse by the Pandemic

Long before the coronavirus pandemic, communities of color across Illinois and in Chicago were experiencing an epidemic of poverty. We discuss the root causes of poverty and what public officials are doing to address it.