Mayor Lori Lightfoot Marks Somber COVID-19 Anniversary, Sees Hopeful Trends
A year after the coronavirus swept Chicago and upended life as Chicagoans knew it, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city is poised to recover after one of the most difficult years in its history, and she is optimistic that there will be an ample vaccine supply in the city in April and May.
Chicago Business Owners Optimistic with Full Reopening in Sight
With the announcement Thursday that the state could soon begin easing restrictions as more people get vaccinated, there’s hope for struggling businesses. Business owners from across the city tell us how they’re staying afloat and share their hopes for a better year ahead.
Dr. Allison Arwady on Updated Vaccine Timelines in Chicago and Illinois
Chicago’s top doctor explains what the state’s latest vaccine announcement means for Chicago residents.
The Show Must Go On: The Return of Movie Theaters
As coronavirus numbers begin to decrease and entertainment venues start to reopen, the debate continues over consumer safety versus the safety of home. Local cinema owners tell us what they're doing to make sure everyone can safely resume a popular pastime.
Is Illinois Getting Closer to Pre-Pandemic Norms?
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expected to announce fresh guidance Thursday that will ease some current restrictions in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The Environmental Impact of Bitcoin ‘Mining’
The soaring price of Bitcoin has many environmentalists concerned. University of Chicago paleontologist Neil Shubin has more on that and other science stories making headlines around the world.
Cook County’s Dr. Rachel Rubin on the Vaccine Rollout in Chicago’s Suburbs
Chicago is pushing ahead with plans to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines and President Joe Biden has asked states to make all adults vaccine-eligible by May 1. But local governments say further expansion is entirely dependent on vaccine supply.
Southern US Border Sees Surge in Migrant Children Crossing
Southwest border crossings are on track to reach the highest level in the last 20 years, according to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. We discuss what’s happening at the border and how the Biden administration is addressing it.
Ghost Kitchen Thrives During Pandemic But Disturbs Some North Side Neighbors
A ghost kitchen on Chicago’s North Side is renting out kitchen space to multiple restaurants for delivery-only orders, but the traffic-heavy business model is agitating the ward’s alderman and some neighbors.
Lightfoot Calls Atlanta Shootings ‘Hate Crime’ as Police Step Up Patrols
The murder of eight people Tuesday at three spas in the Atlanta area constitute a hate crime, and former President Donald Trump’s “hateful rhetoric” is partly to blame for the violence, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Wednesday.
How Air Filtration Can Help Dissipate and Kill COVID-19
Wearing a mask. Staying home. Getting the vaccine. These are the methods that are likely top of mind when it comes to preventing the spread of the coronavirus. But there’s another tool too — and it’s in the air.
Mia Neal Makes Oscar History in Makeup and Hair Category
Ma Rainey made history as the “mother of blues.” Her music and her story are highlighted in the film “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” which depicts a recording session in 1920s Chicago. Not too far from Chicago, Academy Awards history is being made by a native of Gary, Indiana.
Comptroller Susana Mendoza on What the COVID-19 Stimulus Means for Illinois
Echoing statements made by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the state’s comptroller says stimulus funds will first go toward paying back the billions Illinois borrowed from the Federal Reserve early in the pandemic last year.