Stories by Associated Press

(WTTW News)

Man Charged With Murder, Attempted Murder in a Series of Stabbings in Rockford

Christian Soto, 22, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder in a frenzied stabbing rampage that killed four people in a matter of minutes in Rockford.

No Labels Founding Chairman and former Sen. Joe Lieberman speaks in Washington on Jan. 18, 2024. (AP Photo / Jose Luis Magana, File)

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP Pick in 2000, Dead at 82

Lieberman died in New York City on Wednesday due to complications from a fall, the statement said. He was 82.

Hillary Amofa listens to others member of the Lincoln Park High School step team after school Friday, March 8, 2024, in Chicago. (Charles Rex Arbogast / AP Photo)

Should College Essays Touch on Race? Some Feel the Affirmative Action Ruling Leaves Them No Choice

When the Supreme Court ended affirmative action in higher education, it left the college essay as one of few places where race can play a role in admissions decisions. For many students of color, instantly more was riding on the already high-stakes writing assignment.

Abortion-rights activists rally outside of the Supreme Court, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Washington. (Jose Luis Magana / AP Photo)

Supreme Court Seems Likely to Preserve Access to the Abortion Medication Mifepristone

In nearly 90 minutes of arguments, a consensus appeared to emerge that the abortion opponents who challenged the FDA’s approval of the medication, mifepristone, and subsequent actions to ease access to it, lack the legal right or standing to sue.

Boxes of the drug mifepristone sit on a shelf at the West Alabama Women’s Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on March 16, 2022. (AP Photo / Allen G. Breed, File)

Supreme Court Again Confronts the Issue of Abortion, This Time Over Access to Widely Used Medication

Two years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion opponents on Tuesday will ask the high court to ratify a ruling from a conservative federal appeals court that would limit access to the medication mifepristone.

Former President Donald Trump holds up a copy of a story featuring New York Attorney General Letitia James while speaking during a news conference, Jan. 11, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo / Mary Altaffer, File)

Court Agrees to Block Collection of Donald Trump’s $454M Civil Fraud Judgment If He Puts Up $175M

A New York appeals court on Monday agreed to hold off collection of former President Donald Trump’s $454 million civil fraud judgment — if he puts up $175 million within 10 days.

FILE - Two United Airlines Boeing 737s are parked at the gate at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., July 7, 2022. (Wilfredo Lee / AP Photo, File)

United Airlines Says Federal Regulators Will Increase Oversight of the Company Following Issues

Among the most recent issues, a chunk of outer aluminum skin was discovered to have fallen off the belly of a United Boeing 737 after it landed in Oregon. Earlier this month, a United jet suffered an engine fire during takeoff from Houston, and a tire fell off another United jet as it left San Francisco.

Florida Atlantic’s Johnell Davis (1) drives against Northwestern’s Ryan Langborg (5) during the first half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Friday, March 22, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo / Frank Franklin II)

March Madness: Langborg Lights It Up in OT as Northwestern Beats Florida Atlantic 77-65

The injury-depleted Wildcats recovered after squandering a nine-point lead late in the second half. Brooks Barnhizer’s driving layup tied it with nine seconds left.

The branches of an oak tree are stained with a green tint from pollen at park in Richardson, Texas, Thursday, March 21, 2024. (AP Photo / Tony Gutierrez)

Allergy Season Arrived Early in US. Here’s How to Keep Pollen From Ruining Your Spring

Allergy season is here — and it’s earlier and stronger than expected. The level of misery people will face depends on where they live and what they’re allergic to, but there are things you can do to feel better.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., right, presents Ghost Army member Bernard Bluestein, of Hoffman Estates, Ill., with a medal during a ceremony to honor members of the secretive WWII-era unit with the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony on Capitol Hill, Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo / Mark Schiefelbein)

Ghost Army Members Who Staged Secret WWII Battlefield Deceptions Awarded Congressional Gold Medal

With inflatable tanks, radio trickery, costume uniforms and acting, the American military units that became known as the Ghost Army outwitted the enemy during World War II. Among them was Bernard Bluestein, now 100, of Hoffman Estates.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and the House Republican leadership meet with reporters as lawmakers work to pass the final set of spending bills to avoid a partial government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite)

Congress Unveils $1.2 Trillion Plan to Avert Federal Shutdown and Bring Budget Fight to a Close

Democrats were largely able to swat back hundreds of policy mandates and some of the steeper budget cuts that House Republicans were seeking to impose on nondefense programs, though House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., highlighted some policy wins. 

In this March 26, 2019, file photo, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson speaks during a news conference in Chicago. (AP Photo / Teresa Crawford, File)

Judge Dismisses Sexual Assault Suit Brought by Chicago Police Officer Against Former Supt. Eddie Johnson

A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit filed by a Chicago police officer that alleged sexual assault by former police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, who was out drinking with her the night he was found asleep behind the wheel of his SUV.

An electric vehicle is pictured charging in Chicago. (Andrew Adams / Capitol News Illinois)

EPA Issues New Auto Rules Aimed at Boosting Electric Vehicles and Hybrids, Cutting Carbon Emissions

The new standards will avoid more than 7 billion tons of planet-warming carbon emissions over the next three decades and provide nearly $100 billion in annual net benefits, the EPA said.

President Joe Biden speaks at an event Dec. 8, 2023, in Las Vegas. Five states will hold presidential primaries on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. (AP Photo / Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

Biden and Trump Notch Primary Wins in Illinois, Other States as Races Offer Hints on National Politics

Joe Biden and Donald Trump won their party's primaries in Illinois on Tuesday, notching more delegates as they continue their march to a rematch in this November's presidential election.

A voter fills out their Ohio primary election ballot at a polling location in Knox Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Outside Illinois, Tuesday’s Primaries Include a Key Senate Race in Ohio and Clues for the Biden-Trump Rematch

Trump is expected to easily win GOP primaries in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kansas and Ohio. Biden is expected to do the same in all those states except Florida, where Democrats canceled their primary and opted to award all 224 of their delegates to Biden. That’s not an unusual move for a party with an incumbent in the White House seeking reelection.

R. Kelly leaves the Daley Center after a hearing in his child support case, May 8, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo / Matt Marton, File)

Singer R. Kelly Seeks Appeals Court Relief From 30-Year Prison Term

Attorney Jennifer Bonjean, seeking to reverse his 2021 convictions or to win him a new trial, tried to persuade three judges on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan that prosecutors improperly used a racketeering statute written to shut down organized crime to go after the singer.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures towards the crowd at a campaign rally Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Vandalia, Ohio. (AP Photo / Jeff Dean)

Donald Trump’s Lawyers Say It’s Impossible for Him to Post Bond Covering $454 Million Civil Fraud Judgment

With interest, Trump owes $456.8 million. In all, he and co-defendants, including his company, sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr. and other executives, owe $467.3 million. To obtain a bond, they would be required to post collateral worth $557 million, Trump’s lawyers said.

Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation oversight hearing, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Tom Brenner / The Washington Post via AP, File, Pool)

United Airlines CEO Tries to Reassure Customers That the Airline is Safe Despite Recent Incidents

CEO Scott Kirby said the airline was already planning an extra day of training for pilots starting in May and changes in training curriculum for newly hired mechanics. In a memo to customers on Monday, Kirby tried to reassure travelers that safety is the airline's top priority.

FILE - Stacey Peterson and Kevin McGuire take a selfie in front of the green Chicago River to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Saturday, March 17, 2018. (James Foster / Chicago Sun-Times via AP, File)

From 4-Leaf Clovers to Unexpected History, All You Need to Know About St. Patrick’s Day

The day honoring the patron saint of Ireland is a global celebration of Irish heritage. And nowhere is that more so than in the United States, where parades take place in cities around the country and all kinds of foods and drinks are given an emerald hue.

Congressional candidate Darren Bailey, left, campaigns with state Rep. Adam Niemerg at a local restaurant meet-and-greet, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, in Casey, Ill. (AP Photo / John O’Connor)

Bost, Bailey Race to Win the Hearts and Minds of Trump Conservatives in Southern Illinois Congressional Primary

As it winds down, the race could be seen as a measure of Donald Trump’s clout. Mike Bost is a popular incumbent, but he’s running in a time and place where disdain for government is white-hot. Establishment Republicans are angry their man has to face an intraparty challenge, which is the attitude Darren Bailey argues needs to be dislodged.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) rushes past Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) during an NFL football game Sunday, November 12, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy, File)

Wide Receiver Keenan Allen Being Traded From Chargers to Chicago Bears for a Fourth-Round Pick

The Bears went 7-10 in their third straight losing season and haven’t finished above .500 since going 12-4 to capture the NFC North championship in 2018. But they sent a strong signal that they’re ready to start winning with their second trade for a star receiver in as many years.

Edmonton Oilers right wing Corey Perry (90) moves the puck as Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer (31) and defenseman Brian Dumoulin (8) defend during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo / Jason Redmond)

NHL and NHLPA Reach a Settlement on Chicago Blackhawks Terminating Corey Perry’s Contract, AP Sources Say

Chicago cut ties with Perry in late November, saying he violated his standard player contract and team policies “intended to promote professional and safe work environments.” 

FILE - A syringe is prepared at a clinic in Norristown, Pa., Dec. 7, 2021. (Matt Rourke / AP Photo, File)

EPA Tightens Limits on Chemical at the Center of Sterigenics Lawsuits, Citing Cancer Risk

A rule finalized Thursday will reduce ethylene oxide emissions by about 90% by targeting nearly 90 commercial sterilization facilities across the country, the EPA said.

FILE - This combo image shows President Joe Biden, left, Jan. 5, 2024, and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, right, Jan. 19, 2024. (AP Photo, File)

Biden and Trump Clinch Nominations, Setting the Stage for a Grueling General Election Rematch

There is no longer any doubt that the fall election will feature a rematch between two flawed and unpopular presidents. At 81, Biden is already the oldest president in U.S. history, while the 77-year-old Trump is facing decades in prison as a defendant in four criminal cases.

FILE - Rioters loyal to President Donald Trump push against a line of police at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Julio Cortez / AP Photo, File)

House GOP Launches New Probe of Jan. 6, Tries Shifting Blame for Capitol Attack Away From Trump

The panel’s work comes as former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are galloping toward a 2020 rematch this fall. Republicans, some once skeptical of Trump’s return to the White House, have quickly been falling in line to support him.

FILE - Travelers pass a sign near a COVID-19 testing site in Terminal E at Logan Airport, on Dec. 21, 2021, in Boston. (Charles Krupa / AP Photo, File)

Airport Nasal Swabbing Expanding to Chicago and Miami

The CDC program asks arriving international passengers to volunteer to have their noses swabbed and answer questions about their travel. The program began in 2021 and has been credited with detecting coronavirus variants faster than other systems.