House OKs Debt and Funding Plan, Inviting Clash With GOP
The House voted late Tuesday to keep the government funded, suspend the federal debt limit and provide disaster and refugee aid, setting up a high-stakes showdown with Republicans who oppose the package despite the risk of triggering a fiscal crisis.
CTU, CPS in Standoff Over COVID Safety; Union Wants More Than ‘Contrition’
State education officials say students who don’t have medical exemptions must be taught in school this year. But in Chicago, there’s still a standoff between the mayor’s office and the teachers union over what in-person learning should look like during a pandemic.
September 21, 2021 - Full Show
Thousands of Haitians are being removed from Texas — we have local reaction. How many Chicago police officers are vaccinated? A shortage of ICU beds downstate. A harvest moon and the fall equinox.
Mandatory Vaccine Checks: Alderpeople Want Proof, Restaurants Don’t
Heading out to a bar, restaurant or theater in Chicago? You may be asked to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Proof is not required — and a coalition of restaurateurs say it shouldn’t ever be. But a group of City Council members have a different view.
‘We’ve Got to Be Bold’: Lightfoot on 2022 Budget
As Chicago emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Lori Lightfoot told WTTW News on Monday that city officials must be “bold and transformative” to address not only the immediate damage caused by the pandemic but also the city’s longstanding woes.
Lightfoot Bets on Improving Economy, Uses Federal Relief Funds to Balance Budget
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s plan to close a projected $733 million budget gap in 2022 relies on $385 million in federal relief funds and nearly $299 million in savings and efficiencies, but the plan contains “no new tax or significant fee increases” for Chicago residents, she said.
Crain’s Headlines: Geico Auto Hike Steepest in 6 Years
Geico customers in Illinois will be paying more for car insurance. Crain’s Chicago Business reporter Danny Ecker has details on that story and more.
US, Mexico Restart High-Level Economic Talks After 4 Years
The United States and Mexico restarted high-level economic talks Sept. 9 after a four-year pause as top advisers to presidents Joe Biden and Andrés Manuel López Obrador expressed eagerness to make headway on issues important to both nations such as infrastructure, trade and migration.
September 20, 2021 - Full Show
Mayor Lightfoot joins us as she proposes her new budget to City Council — we’ll look at the numbers and get reaction from aldermen. The COVID-19 vaccine for kids. And U.S.-Mexico trade talks restart.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Little Village
The vibrant Little Village community has been bustling with Mexican Pride as celebrations are in full force for Mexican Independence Day.
September 16, 2021 - Full Show
One-on-one with Illinois’ House Speaker. Live from Little Village for Mexican Independence Day. Filmmaker Ken Burns on Muhammad Ali. The Bears’ home opener. And a first-of-its-kind Mexican music fest.
Illinois’ House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch on Energy Bill and More
A massive energy bill became law this week and among other things, it aims to get Illinois carbon-free by 2045. Meanwhile, Illinois COVID vaccination rates slow as the delta variant surges. And the legislature’s veto session is coming up in a month.
Ken Burns Talks About His New Documentary ‘Muhammad Ali’
He was bigger than boxing and larger than life — a true icon of the 20th century. Filmmaker Ken Burns and Donald Lassere of the Chicago History Museum join us to discuss the sweeping new four-part documentary on the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali.
Native Garden Registry Gets Green Thumbs Up From City Council
The creation of the Native and Pollinator Garden Registry means Chicago gardeners now have protection from overzealous ticket writers. And plants like milkweed can take their rightful place alongside other “flowers” instead of being mistaken for weeds.
‘Sounds of 18th Street’ Unites Mexican Artists From Across US in New Music Festival
We head to Pilsen, where The National Museum of Mexican Art is getting ready to host its first musical festival.