The City Council’s Budget Committee voted 20-8 to advance the proposal to the full City Council, which could vote on it as early as Wednesday. The panel also agreed to accept $48 million in federal and state grants to care for the migrants.
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Key City Panel Advances Plan to Spend $70M More to Care for Migrants in Chicago
Apr 15, 2024 | Heather Cherone
Chicago Police Lieutenant Who Failed to Investigate Sergeant Accused of Sexual Assault for 5 Years Should Be Fired, Watchdog Says
Apr 15, 2024 | Heather Cherone
A 2016 probe by the U.S. Department of Justice found that Chicago police officers were rarely held accountable for misconduct because of badly broken systems as well as a “code of silence” among officers that allowed them to act with impunity. CPD has fully complied with just 6% of the court order known as the consent decree designed to require the police department to change the way it trains, supervises and disciplines officers.
U.S. Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Bribery Statute at Heart of Michael Madigan Trial
Apr 15, 2024 | Matt Masterson
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday heard oral arguements in a case that could have wide-ranging impacts on bribery cases like the one involving former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Protesters Calling for Cease-Fire in Gaza Temporarily Blocked Traffic Near O’Hare Airport
Apr 15, 2024 | Amanda Vinicky
Demonstrators used the traffic shutdown to bring attention to the continuing war in Palestine and push for a cease-fire in Gaza. Traffic flow resumed by about 9:20 a.m.
Tax Day Reveals a Major Split in How Joe Biden and Donald Trump Would Govern
Apr 15, 2024 | Associated Press
Tax Day reveals a major split in how Joe Biden and Donald Trump would govern: The presidential candidates have conflicting ideas about how much to reveal about their own finances and the best ways to boost the economy through tax policy.
‘We Are All Allowed to be Outraged Today’: Young Girl Among 7 People Killed by Gunfire Over Weekend Across Chicago
Apr 15, 2024 | Matt Masterson
According to the Chicago Police Department, 48 people were shot in separate incidents between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday, marking one of the most violent weekends in the city thus far this year.
Discover an Unsung Chicago Artist, Explore Colorful Collaborations at Hyde Park Art Center
Apr 15, 2024 | Marc Vitali
It’s an inspiring spring at the Hyde Park Art Center, where two shows by essential Chicago artists are currently in bloom.
8-Year-Old Girl Killed, 10 People Including Small Children Wounded in Southwest Side Shooting: Chicago Police
Apr 14, 2024 | Associated Press
Four victims were children, police said Sunday. An 8-year-old girl was fatally shot, while a 1-year-old boy and a 8-year-old boy were each shot multiple times and listed in critical condition.
Illinois Lawmakers, Cannabis Industry Call for Ban on ‘Delta-8’ and Other Psychoactive Hemp Products
Apr 13, 2024 | Hannah Meisel — Capitol News Illinois
New legislation filed in Springfield revives an ongoing debate over delta-8 and other hemp-derived products, which are totally unregulated in Illinois even as the state approaches the five-year anniversary of legalizing cannabis.
As Illinois Continues to Inventory Lead Pipes, Full Replacement Deadlines Are Decades Away
Apr 13, 2024 | Cole Longcor — Capitol News Illinois
Illinois has the most lead pipes per capita of any state, according to a 2023 study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
‘I’m Dying, You’re Not’: Terminally Ill Patients Ask More States to Legalize Physician-Assisted Death
Apr 13, 2024 | Associated Press
A bill moving through the Illinois legislature to allow certain terminally ill patients to end their own lives with a doctor’s help had made progress. Vermont and Oregon permit any qualifying American to travel to their state for the practice.
Peer Inside This Tiny Chicago Art Fair, Where Major Artists Present at Miniature Scale
Apr 13, 2024 | CNN
Chicago’s Barley Fair brings art down to a miniature size, with its participants making itty-bitty paintings, sculptures and other works to be displayed at 1:12 scale in dollhouse-sized booths.
Baby Bald Eagles Confirmed in 3 of 4 Nests in Will County Forest Preserves
Apr 13, 2024 | Patty Wetli
Sharp-eyed observers have now confirmed hatchlings in three of the four bald eagle nests being monitored on Will County forest preserve property.
Week in Review: Video of Dexter Reed Shooting Raises Questions on CPD Use of Force; Biden Fundraises in Chicago
Apr 12, 2024 | Paul Caine
Chicago roiled by the release of video showing the fatal police shooting of Dexter Reed. President Joe Biden hits town to raise big bucks. And a special sendoff for Paris Schutz.
Robert MacNeil, Creator and First Anchor of PBS ‘NewsHour’ Nightly Newscast, Dies at 93
Apr 12, 2024 | Associated Press
Robert MacNeil first gained prominence for his coverage of the Senate Watergate hearings for the public broadcasting service and began his half-hour “Robert MacNeil Report” on PBS in 1975 with his friend Jim Lehrer as Washington correspondent.
Breach Between Top Cop, Misconduct Agency Widens Amid Probe of Shooting Death of Dexter Reed
Apr 12, 2024 | Heather Cherone
Superintendent Larry Snelling’s remarks come nearly two months after the first sign of deep tension between CPD and COPA emerged, and reflect a widening breach between the two agencies, sources told WTTW News.
Illinois Senate Advances Changes to State’s Biometric Privacy Law After Business Groups Split
Apr 12, 2024 | Hannah Meisel — Capitol News Illinois
Illinois is the only state that grants residents the right to sue over businesses’ improper collection and mishandling of biometric data — whether they are an employee or a customer. Business groups have been clamoring for changes as upwards of 2,000 lawsuits have been filed under the law since roughly 2018.
Lighting Upgrades Will Create Mini-Blackout on Museum Campus, Lakefront Path This Weekend
Apr 12, 2024 | Patty Wetli
Lights will be out in parking lots and along portions of the lakefront bike and pedestrian trails from 7 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Chicago Police Touting ‘Focused’ Approach to Stopping, Solving Armed Robberies
Apr 12, 2024 | Matt Masterson
“These robberies have created trauma for the victims and fear in our communities,” Superintendent Larry Snelling said. “We want everyone in this city to not only feel safe, but to actually be safe.”
Advocates Push for Expanded Work Permits for Long-Term Undocumented Immigrants
Apr 12, 2024 | Sean Keenehan
“Here to Work” advocates say extending legal work permits to long-term undocumented residents will help unite communities, stabilize the workforce and promote fair wages. Opponents argue that could come at a cost to taxpayers and drive down wages for legal citizens.
Suicide Rates Rising Among Black and Latino Chicagoans, Study Finds
Apr 12, 2024 | Emily Soto
Mental health resources and early intervention can play a crucial role in preventing suicides, but researchers say those services are becoming harder to access.
Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, April 11, 2024 - Full Show
Apr 11, 2024 | WTTW News
Johnson is preparing to call on City Council for additional funds for migrant care. What’s behind increasing suicide rates among Black and Latino Chicagoans. And grab your popcorn — the Chicago Latino Film Festival kicks off today.
For 25 Years, Guest House Has Provided Temporary Medical Lodging to Patients and Families in Need
Apr 11, 2024 | Eunice Alpasan
The Chicago nonprofit helps patients access advanced care or specialized treatment often only found in major cities at a limited number of hospitals or academic medical centers. A 25th anniversary celebration is planned for Monday.
Chicago Latino Film Festival Celebrates 40 Years
Apr 11, 2024 | Joanna Hernandez
This year’s lineup includes 50 feature films and 35 short films from artists in Latin America, the U.S., Spain and Portugal.
Mayor Brandon Johnson Asks Chicago City Council to Fill $70M Gap to Care for Migrants
Apr 11, 2024 | Heather Cherone
The City Council’s Budget Committee is set to consider the request at a meeting Monday, six weeks after the mayor pointedly declined to join Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle when they announced an agreement to set aside an additional $250 million to care for migrants.
Great Lakes Beaches Might Look Clean, But They’re Littered With Tiny Plastics, New Report Says
Apr 11, 2024 | Patty Wetli
Alliance for the Great Lakes has collected 20 years’ worth of data from beach cleanups. Tiny plastic trash is a huge problem.