Stories by Aida Mogos
Journalist Natalie Moore’s New Play Set in Chicago Tackles Debate Over Abortion Rights
| Aida Mogos
“The Billboard,” a book-turned-play, follows a fictional health clinic in Englewood at the center of a political race and fight for reproductive rights. It was written by WBEZ reporter Natalie Moore.
Cook County Restorative Justice Program Holds First Graduation: ‘We’re Also Here to Let You Know We Value You’
| Aida Mogos
A total of 29 people graduated from Cook County’s Restorative Justice Program in Englewood. County leaders say the program lasts an average of six to nine months and focuses on education, accountability and job training designed to address non-violent crime and prevent recidivism.
The Week in Review: Pritzker Gets Opponent He Wanted in Trump-Backed Bailey
| Paul Caine
Darren Bailey routs the Republican field to take on Gov. Pritzker in the general election. Recapping all the other winners and setting the scene for November. Plus, could Google buy the Thompson Center?
Pre-Pandemic Sized Crowds Descend on US Airports for Holiday
| Associated Press
AAA predicts that nearly 48 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home over the weekend, slightly fewer than in 2019. AAA says car travel will set a record even with the national average price for gasoline hovering near $5.
Shootings, Homicides Down This Year, But Chicago Still on Pace to Top 600 Killings in 2022: Police
| Matt Masterson
Data published Friday by the Chicago Police Department shows there have been 310 homicides and 1,255 shootings in the city through the end of June. Both those figures are below the pace set through the first six months of 2021 and 2020.
Chicago Police Officer in Serious Condition After Being Shot on Near West Side
| Matt Masterson
The officer was shot multiple times and was rushed to Stroger Hospital, police said.
Lawsuits Filed Days After Deadly Missouri Amtrak Crash
| Associated Press
The first lawsuits have been filed only days after an Amtrak train collision and derailment in rural Missouri that left four people dead and injured up to 150 others.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Morgan Park
| Acacia Hernandez
More and more communities are turning to private security to help combat higher crime. In the Morgan Park community on the city's far south side, a new pilot program employs private security guards to watch over local businesses. Morgan Park is located just south of Beverly and just north of suburbs like Blue Island on the southern edge of the city.
June 30, 2022 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Live from Morgan Park for “ In Your Neighborhood.” How restorative justice works. Meet one of the country's top teachers. The state's attorney general joins us. And to the theater with Hedy Weiss.
Theater Critic Hedy Weiss on 3 Must-See Productions Running This Month
| Marc Vitali
Local stages are heating up this summer. While there may be plenty of worthwhile options, Hedy Weiss joins “Chicago Tonight” to give a rundown of some of her must-see productions.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Abortion Rights, New Firearm Tracing Database
| Jennifer Cotto
Incumbent Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination. In November, he will face Republican Tom DeVore, an attorney who successfully fought against Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s mask mandates in public schools.
First Graduates of Cook County Restorative Justice Program Recognized
| Alexandra Silets
Participants in the the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Restorative Justice Community Court spent six to nine months learning conflict resolution and job skills, as well as receiving emotional support.
National Education Association President on Plans for the Future of Schools
| Amanda Vinicky
Thousands of educators from across the country are coming to Chicago to discuss and debate public education policies. The National Education Association is holding its annual meeting here. Amanda Vinicky spoke to the union president about her plan for the future of schools, including emotional learning, standardized testing, and addressing mass shootings in schools.
Illinois Parts Ways With Supreme Court on Climate Change: ‘Illinois Leaders Must Resist These Calls To Go Backward’
| Patty Wetli
Illinois environmental groups were quick to condemn the Supreme Court’s limits on the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, and placed the state in opposition to the justices’ stance.
Federal Judge Won’t Toss Charges or Sever Cases in R. Kelly’s Upcoming Chicago Trial
| Matt Masterson
A day after R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison following his racketeering conviction in New York, a federal judge has denied a request to throw out additional charges against the R&B singer ahead of his upcoming trial in Chicago.
Back To Nature: How a Tiny Nonprofit Is Rewinding the Clock on 300 Acres of Illinois Farmland That Wants To Be Wetland
| Patty Wetli
Climate change and the alarming trends of species extinction and habitat loss demand that conservation organizations think big. So The Land Conservancy of McHenry County stepped up its game.
Supreme Court Limits EPA in Curbing Power Plant Emissions
| Associated Press
By a 6-3 vote, with conservatives in the majority, the court said that the Clean Air Act does not give the Environmental Protection Agency broad authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants that contribute to global warming.
Ketanji Brown Jackson Sworn In, Becomes 1st Black Woman on Supreme Court
| Associated Press
Ketanji Brown Jackson, a federal judge since 2013, is joining three other women — the first time four women will serve together on the nine-member court. President Joe Biden nominated Jackson in February, a month after Stephen Breyer, 83, announced he would retire.
Supreme Court: Biden Properly Ended Trump-Era ‘Remain in Mexico’ Asylum Policy
| Associated Press
President Joe Biden suspended the program on his first day in office in January 2021. But lower courts ordered it reinstated in response to a lawsuit from Republican-led Texas and Missouri. The current administration has sent far fewer people back to Mexico than did the Trump administration.
Illinois Advocates Call for Universal Child Care, Say Current System is ‘Unaffordable, Unavailable’
| Kristen Thometz
The Illinois Child Care for All Coalition is calling for publicly-funded universal child care, saying it is unavailable and unaffordable for many in the Prairie State.
One-on-One With Gov. J.B. Pritzker as the Incumbent Shifts Focus to the General Election
| Amanda Vinicky
The day after Illinois Republicans handily selected farmer and state Sen. Darren Bailey as his general election opponent, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker unveiled glimpses of what’s to come
Spotlight Politics: Trump-Backed Bailey to Face Pritzker in Fall
| Paul Caine
Our Spotlight Politics team has much more on last night's primaries, and how the key races are shaping up for November. We'll also get their take on yet more explosive revelations from the Jan. 6 hearings in Washington.
Contemporary Artist Paints Chicagoans ‘Wearing’ Local Landmarks
| Angel Idowu
Whether it be catching the wind on the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier or dancing to the hums of waters splashing at Buckingham Fountain, contemporary artist Paul Brourman is eager to pay tribute to a city he’s called home for the last 30 years, and some of his favorite landmarks with his new series “Chicago Looks Good On You.”
Fritz Kaegi to Face Nico Tsatsoulis in November Election
| Jennifer Cotto
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi was able to fight off challenger Kari Steele, putting him one step closer to a second term in office.
Republican Tom DeVore to Face Incumbent Attorney General Kwame Raoul
| Jennifer Cotto
Republican Tom DeVore won yesterday and is looking to replace incumbent Kwame Raoul, who is seeking reelection. DeVore, an attorney, has been behind several lawsuits against the state over mask and other COVID-19 mandates, leading to some tough words from the governor.
Delia Ramirez Wins Democratic Primary in 3rd Congressional District
| Alexandra Silets
Should she prevail against her Republican challenger, Justin Burau, in the general election in November, Ramirez wants to focus on environmental issues as well as Medicare for All and immigration reform.
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