Stories by Associated Press
New Estimate Says US Could Face Debt Default by Early June
| Associated Press
The Bipartisan Policy Center, which forecasts the approximate “X-date” when the government will no longer be able to meet its financial obligations on time, said the U.S. will reach its statutory debt limit as soon as the summer or early fall of 2023.
Heavy Rains and High Winds to Deliver One-Two Weather Punch Wednesday
| Patty Wetli
Parts of the Chicago region could get drenched with up to 2 inches of rain Wednesday, with localized flooding likely. High winds will stick around through Thursday.
Mendoza, Lightfoot Clash Over Benefits for Chicago Police Officers Disabled by COVID-19
| Amanda Vinicky
The dispute is over what sort of disability benefits Chicago police officers deserve if they contracted COVID-19 before the vaccine was available.
First Installment of 2022 Cook County Property Tax Bills Arrives
| Heather Cherone
The first installment of property owners’ 2022 tax bills will be due approximately a month later than usual because of delays last year, officials said.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Has High Stakes for Abortion Rights, 2024 Election
| CNN
The departure of a conservative justice, Patience Roggensack, has given liberals an opportunity to seize the majority on a court that could decide on issues such as abortion, redistricting, and voting rights ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
EPA Takes Charge of Cleanup in Toxic Ohio Train Derailment, Orders Company to Pay
| Associated Press
The Environmental Protection Agency told Norfolk Southern to take all available measures to clean up contaminated air and water, and also said the company would be required to reimburse the federal government.
Former Illinois US Rep. Adam Kinzinger to Release Book on GOP Falling Out After Capitol Attack
| Associated Press
“Ever since my final falling-out with the GOP, on the day of the deadly January 6 attack on the Capitol by Donald Trump’s followers, I have wanted to tell the inside story of how my party and also my faith have been hijacked by extremists who represent a real danger to our democracy,” Kinzinger said in a statement.
Ride-Hailing Driver Among 5 People Killed Over Holiday Weekend in Chicago: Police
| Matt Masterson
According to Chicago Police Department figures, 16 people were shot in 15 separate incidents between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Monday.
Feb. 20, 2023 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Controversial Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visits Elmhurst amid the contentious Chicago mayor’s race. Another huge overtime haul for CTA workers. And breaking down what hospice care is in light of former President Jimmy Carter’s announcement.
Looking Back on President Jimmy Carter’s 2006 Appearance on ‘Chicago Tonight’
| WTTW News
A look back at former President Jimmy Carter’s 2006 appearance on “Chicago Tonight” with John Callaway.
Explaining What Exactly Hospice Care Means After Former President Jimmy Carter’s Announcement
| Alexandra Silets
What is hospice care and what does it mean that the longest-living American president is foregoing medical intervention?
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Appears at ‘Law and Order’ Event in Elmhurst
| Amanda Vinicky
The Chicago area was DeSantis’ third stop after visiting New York and Philadelphia, so the tour will certainly be cast as part of his early exploration of a White House run.
Race Takes Center Stage in Mayoral Election as Lightfoot Blasts Vallas for Using ‘Ultimate Dog Whistle’
| Heather Cherone
In an appearance after casting her ballot, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she believed the Feb. 28 mayoral contest had narrowed to a two-person race between her and former CPS CEO Paul Vallas.
Joe Biden’s Historic Trip to Ukraine Followed Months of Planning and Days of Secrecy
| CNN
In conversations behind closed doors at the Mariinsky Palace on Monday, Biden sought to engage President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a detailed and urgent discussion about the next phase of the war, which US officials describe as having arrived at a critical juncture.
Illinois Poised to Mandate Paid Leave for Nearly All Workers, Only 2 Other States Have Similar Law
| Associated Press
The legislation would take effect on Jan. 1, 2024. Employees will accrue one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked up to 40 hours total, although the employer may offer more. Employees can start using the time once they have worked for 90 days.
Chicago Babysitter Charged With Murder After Death of 4-Month-Old Girl in Her Care
| Matt Masterson
Norma Chagnama, 29, was held without bail Monday following her arrest on a single count of felony murder in the death of Zury Cruz Sumba, who allegedly suffered brain and spinal injuries while in Chagnama’s care last week.
Houston Back at No. 1 as Northwestern Makes AP Top 25 Debut
| Associated Press
Northwestern and Texas A&M barged into the AP Top 25 men's basketball rankings after each had a pair of impressive wins last week.
Biden Declares 'Kyiv Stands' in Surprise Visit to Ukraine
| Associated Press
Joe Biden spent more than five hours in the Ukrainian capital, consulting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on next steps, honoring the country’s fallen soldiers and seeing U.S. embassy staff in the besieged country.
Political Funds Backed by Business Leaders Challenge Push by Progressives to Expand Power at City Hall
| Heather Cherone
The Get Stuff Done PAC has raised $1.74 million since early December, including $1 million from Michael Sacks, one of Chicago’s richest men and a frequent donor and adviser to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
CTA’s Reliance on Overtime Continued to Rise in 2022 as Agency Lost Bus Drivers
| Nick Blumberg
The staffing shortfall is one of a plethora of issues plaguing the CTA in recent months. Frustrated riders and alderpeople have slammed agency leadership for late or missing buses and trains, inadequate cleaning, safety issues and not providing social services to unhoused people.
New Initiatives Working to Preserve, Share Stories from Civil Rights Movement in Chicago
| Jennifer Cotto
From Ida B. Wells to Barack Obama, Chicago’s Black history is rich. Two new initiatives are working to share that history with a broader audience, making sure it’s not forgotten.
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a Classic Po’boy in Hyde Park
| Erica Gunderson
At Daisy’s Po-Boy and Tavern in Hyde Park, Chicago chef Erick Williams serves up classic New Orleans-style po’boys. “This will be our first Mardi Gras season. … We’re going to serve a lot of hurricanes and a lot of great food and play the music loud and have a lot of fun.”
Programs Aim to Reduce Recidivism in Illinois
| Erica Gunderson
A 2018 report found 43% of those released from prison in Illinois will be convicted of another crime and return to prison. About a quarter of those re-offenses are for so-called “technical violations” like violating curfew or missing a meeting with a probation officer.
Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Feb. 18, 2023 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Roadblocks the formerly incarcerated face when looking for jobs. A new watchdog report on the smokestack implosion in La Villita. And it’s Carnivale season.
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, Feb. 18, 2023 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Efforts to support people reentering their communities after prison — and keeping them from going back. Preserving and sharing some of Chicago’s rich Black history. And Mardi Gras po’boys.
Back Home, Back to Work: Occupational Training Prepares Formerly Incarcerated People for the Workplace
| Erica Gunderson
Research shows formerly incarcerated people who maintained employment for one year after release had only a 16% recidivism rate, compared to a 52% rate for those who did not stay employed.
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