newsmakers

newsmakers

Wallenda ready for Chicago rope walks

chicago

With Chicago’s chilling winds howling in the background, tightrope walker Nik Wallenda declared Friday he’s ready to attempt two back-to-back skyscraper crossings, one of them blindfolded.

For Sunday’s televised walks, the 35-year-old daredevil promised to uphold the “Flying Wallendas” family tradition of working without a net or harness. City officials said they’ve decided a state law requiring safety nets for aerial acts higher than 20 feet wasn’t intended for “elite” performers such as him.

The Discovery Channel will use a 10-second delay for the broadcast, allowing producers to cut away if something goes wrong.

Millions of viewers around the world are expected to watch.

Associated Press