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Donald Trump Indicted for Efforts to Overturn 2020 Election and Block Transfer of Power

The indictment, the third criminal case brought against the former president as he seeks to reclaim the White House in 2024, follows a long-running federal investigation into schemes by Donald Trump and his allies to subvert the peaceful transfer of power and keep him in office despite a decisive loss to Joe Biden.

Fitch Downgrades US Credit Rating, Citing Mounting Debt and Political Divisions

The decision illustrates one way that growing political polarization and repeated Washington standoffs over spending and taxes could end up costing U.S. taxpayers. A lower credit rating, over time, could raise borrowing costs for the U.S. government.

Aug. 1, 2023 - Full Show

The latest on charges against former President Donald Trump. An internal investigation at Northwestern begins. Why some say Illinois is spinning into Tornado Alley. And creating more protections for temporary workers.

Illinois Has Recorded More Tornadoes Than Any Other State This Year

Illinois has seen 107 tornadoes in 2023, according to the National Weather Service. That makes it the state with the most tornadoes this year. While Illinois holds this title, scientists caution the thought of adding the Prairie State to Tornado Alley.

New Measure Aims to Protect Illinois Temp Workers, Move Them Into Permanent Jobs

Some 800,000 Illinoisans are working in temporary jobs, according to industry estimates. That number has more than doubled over the last two decades.

Ex-Attorney General Loretta Lynch to Lead Independent Investigation Amid Northwestern Hazing Scandal

University officials on Tuesday announced Lynch has been hired to examine the “processes and accountability mechanisms” already in place to detect, report and respond to potential misconduct across the NU athletics programs.

Shedd Aquarium Announces Significant Changes, Additions as Part of Ongoing $500M Centennial Commitment

The renovation process, which is slated to begin in the coming weeks, is set to be divided into multiple phases that will extend across the next four years as the aquarium introduces new learning studios and exhibits and renovates its existing gardens and entrance points.

Illinois to Invest More Than $23M in Abortion Access, Reproductive Health Care Initiatives

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced several new programs to help address the influx of out-of-state abortion seekers the state has seen in the 13 months since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

Anti-Violence Programs Aim to Keep the Peace By Stopping Conflicts Before They Occur

The city, state and federal governments have allocated millions in funding for anti-violence programs — ones that hire local residents at high risk of being shot or shooting others. 

July 31, 2023 - Full Show

Our series WTTW News: A Safer City continues with the acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois on his role in reducing gang violence. Plus, weakening gangs and strengthening violence interrupters.

Chicago Street Outreach Workers Use Own Experiences to Reach Others in Their Neighborhoods

Violence prevention workers say the job begins by reaching out to young people who might one day become victims or perpetrators of gun violence and giving them guidance.

US Attorney’s Office in Chicago Aims to be ‘Force Multiplier’ in Anti-Gang Effort

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Illinois has scored some significant recent successes as part of its anti-gang efforts.

A ‘Voices’ Community Conversation: Tackling Public Safety in Chicago

Chicago leaders joined “Chicago Tonight” co-host Brandis Friedman in a discussion focused on how residents, policymakers and community groups are working to address the deeply rooted issue of gun violence.

Loretto Hospital Workers Go On Strike in Austin, Calling For Increased Wages and Staffing

Hospital workers at Loretto Hospital in Austin went to the picket lines Monday after the hospital and its workers union failed to come to an agreement on key bargaining issues such as increased wages and staffing, and adding Juneteenth as a permanent holiday.

Police Departments Are Gradually Adopting a More Detailed Program to Report Nationwide Crime Data. Chicago Recently Became the Largest User

Illinois responses to the more nuanced system improved from the previous year.

The nuanced data is valuable to state agencies making budget decisions, but also is used by citizens, researchers, advocates and nonprofit organizations targeting specific issues.

5 People Killed in Shootings Across Chicago Over Weekend: Police

According to Chicago Police Department data, 47 people were shot in 29 separate shooting incidents across the city between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

Pee-wee Herman Star Paul Reubens Dead at 70

Paul Reubens, who found fame as the quirky man-child character Pee-wee Herman, has died, according to an announcement on his verified social media.

Donald Trump Could Be Indicted Soon in Georgia. Here’s a Look at That Investigation

A Georgia prosecutor is expected to seek a grand jury indictment in the coming weeks in her investigation into efforts by Donald Trump and his Republican allies to overturn the then-president’s 2020 election loss.

Brain Fog and Other Long COVID Symptoms are Focus of New Small Treatment Studies

Monday’s announcement from the NIH’s $1.15 billion RECOVER project comes amid frustration from patients who’ve struggled for months or even years with sometimes-disabling health problems.

Chicago Taxpayers Spent $280M to Resolve Police Misconduct Lawsuits from 2019 to 2023: Analysis

“We are writing enormous checks and leaving a tremendous opportunity for reform on the table,” Inspector General Deborah Witzburg said. “It is a staggering amount of money.”

Multiple Police Dogs Died From Heat-Related Illness While Traveling From O’Hare Airport to Indiana

Along the way the air conditioner of the truck failed, causing the temperature to rise in the cargo area of the truck, according to the post. Temperatures in the Chicago area reached 92 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday, the National Weather Service said.

Members of Congress Break for August With No Clear Path to Avoiding a Shutdown This Fall

Congress has until Oct. 1, the start of the new fiscal year, to act on government funding. They could pass spending bills to fund government agencies into next year, or simply pass a stopgap measure that keeps agencies running until they strike a longer-term agreement.

South Side Couple Creates Plant-Based Detergent, Launches Laundromat With Community Events

The Dirty Laundry pop-up in Hyde Park offers a resident DJ, extended Thursday hours for BYOB, weekly discounts for seniors and craft activities for kids.

State, Federal Agencies Assess West Side Flood Damage to Determine Relief Measures

West Siders were hit particularly hard by floods nearly a month ago. More than 8 inches of rain flooded basements and ruined people's belongings.

‘Immensely Invisible’ Details Investigation Into Sexual Assault Claims Inside ICE Detention Facilities

PBS NewsHour producer Zeba Warsi has been investigating sexual assault claims in ICE facilities since 2021. She teamed up with Latino USA and Futuro Investigates to tell the stories of three migrant women.

Breaking Down Bail: What Its Abolishment Means for Illinois and the Potential Impact

Illinois is set to become the first state in the nation to entirely eliminate cash bail. This is after the Illinois Supreme Court upheld a contentious portion of the criminal justice reform law known as the SAFE-T Act.
 

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