Stories by Associated Press
Mass Shootings and Violence Increase in the Summer. Why?
| Associated Press
The Gun Violence Archive, which tracks mass shootings involving four or more people regardless of whether they died, shows June, July, and August have had the highest total number of mass shootings over the past decade. The lowest totals were from December through March.
July 2, 2024 - Full Show
| WTTW News
The Supreme Court lets Illinois’ ban on assault weapons stand — for now. What the court’s decision on presidential immunity means for the upcoming election. And a new exhibit explores life along Route 66.
Judge Delays Donald Trump’s Hush Money Sentencing Until at Least September After Supreme Court Immunity Ruling
| Associated Press
The postponement sets the sentencing for Sept. 18 at the earliest — if it happens at all, since Trump’s lawyers are arguing that the Supreme Court ruling merits not only delaying the sentencing but tossing out his conviction.
Chicago’s Pension Debt Continues to Rise, Increasing $1.8B in 2023 to $37.2B: City Analysis
| Heather Cherone
In all, Chicago owes $37.2 billion to its four employee pension funds representing police officers, firefighters, municipal employees and laborers, according to the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
Illinois Finally Signs Agreement to Build $1B Invasive Carp Barrier, Now That the State Isn’t on the Hook for Entire Lifelong Maintenance Tab
| Patty Wetli
After months of negotiations, Illinois has finally signed onto a project partnership agreement with the state of Michigan and the Army Corps of Engineers to move forward with construction of what’s largely viewed as the last line of defense against invasive carp entering the Great Lakes.
Pritzker Signs Bill to Increase Party Power in Primary Elections
| Andrew Adams — Capitol News Illinois
Changes to primary election fundraising, the electoral college and the state’s voter registration database are now law after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a wide-ranging bill. The legislation, containing several unrelated election measures, passed near the end of the legislature’s spring session.
After 101 Years, Chicago’s American Academy of Art College to Close: ‘This Has Been a Heartbreaking Experience’
| Marc Vitali
Founded in 1923, the private for-profit school at 332 S. Michigan Ave. built a reputation on preparing graduates for careers in art and illustration.
Safety Officials Warn of Firework Dangers for Kids, Pets Ahead of 4th of July Celebrations
| Eunice Alpasan
Ahead of Fourth of July celebrations, local first responders and health care workers are reminding residents to practice firework safety by leaving fireworks to the professionals.
Laurie Metcalf Returns to Steppenwolf in Acclaimed New Drama ‘Little Bear Ridge Road’
| Marc Vitali
Steppenwolf Theatre commissioned a powerful new play receiving the strongest reviews of the summer on the Chicago stage. “Little Bear Ridge Road” stars Laurie Metcalf in her return to Steppenwolf after a 14-year absence.
How Two Chicago Women Are Helping Young People in Chicago Explore Careers in Aviation
| Angel Idowu
A Chicago educator is on a mission to take off with Chicago’s Black and Brown girls and explore the world of aviation.
FDA Approves a Second Alzheimer’s Drug That Can Modestly Slow Disease
| Associated Press
Eli Lilly’s Kisunla was approved for mild or early cases of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s. It’s only the second drug that’s been convincingly shown to delay cognitive decline in patients, following last year’s approval of a similar drug from Japanese drugmaker Eisai.
U.S. Supreme Court Won’t Take Up Challenge to Illinois’ Assault Weapons Ban — For Now
| Matt Masterson
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a series of challenges to Illinois’ assault weapons ban — for now — but a pair of justices indicated a willingness to take up the case in the future.
COPA Publishes Body Cam Video of Chicago Police Shooting That Left 1 Dead, 1 Injured After Altercation in South Austin
| Matt Masterson
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability on Tuesday released videos showing the fatal May 27 shooting of Tracey Watson, who was killed in the middle of the 300 block of South Cicero Avenue during an altercation with a second man.
Who’s Afraid of NASCAR Traffic? Downtown Museums and Parks Will Be Open During Chicago Street Race
| Patty Wetli
A long holiday weekend is a great opportunity for Chicagoans to play tourist in their hometown, but with the NASCAR Street Race set to circle Grant Park July 6-7, what’s even open to visit?
Chicago, Illinois Advocates Hope Impact of Supreme Court’s Homelessness Ruling Muted Locally
| Emily Soto
The decision is expected to have a sweeping impact on policies for the unhoused, but local advocates are hoping the effect will be muted in Chicago and Illinois.
July 1, 2024 - Full Show
| WTTW News
A new court ruling allows cities to ban homeless individuals from sleeping outside. What does it mean for Chicago? And the city’s piping plover family just got a bit bigger.
After Matteson Freight Train Derailment, Local Officials Look to Ensure Community’s Safety
| Shelby Hawkins
Residents of south suburban Matteson were in for a shock the morning of June 27 when a major freight train derailment caused nearly 25 cars to fall off the tracks, resulting in a temporary evacuation order for up to 300 people.
Which States Could Have Abortion on the Ballot in 2024?
| Associated Press
Voters in all seven states that have had abortion questions before voters since 2022 — California, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Ohio and Vermont — have sided with abortion rights supporters.
Noncitizen Illinois Residents Can Now Get a Standard Driver’s License: Here’s What You Need to Know
| Eunice Alpasan
Starting Monday, Illinois residents without U.S. citizenship can receive a standard driver’s license as part of a new law that aims to reduce instances of discrimination. The standard driver’s license replaces Temporary Visitor Driver’s Licenses, used by more than 300,000 Illinois residents.
Supreme Court Sends Trump Immunity Case Back to Lower Court, Dimming Chance of Trial Before Election
| Associated Press
In a historic 6-3 ruling, the justices said for the first time that former presidents have absolute immunity from prosecution for their official acts and no immunity for unofficial acts.
4 Piping Plover Chicks Hatch at Montrose, Meet Imani and Searocket's Adorable Offspring
| Patty Wetli
Piping plover chicks have also recently hatched at Illinois Beach State Park.
5 People Killed by Gunfire Over Weekend Across Chicago Including 3 Fatally Shot in Greater Grand Crossing: Police
| Matt Masterson
Five people were killed by gunfire over the weekend across Chicago, including a trio who were fatally shot Sunday morning in Greater Grand Crossing.
Chicago’s Visceral Dance Company Soars in ‘Carmen.maquia’: Review
| Hedy Weiss
The story of Carmen, that gypsy girl of southern Spain who set men on fire, began as a novella in 1845 and was turned into a beloved opera in 1875. “Carmen.maquia” is a dynamic interpretation on stage at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
What to Know About Water Safety Before Heading to the Lake or Pool This Summer
| Associated Press
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional death for children in the 5 to 14 age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
After 9 Months, State Data Begins to Detail New Pretrial Detention System
| Jerry Nowicki — Capitol News Illinois
The SAFE-T Act included a provision known as the Pretrial Fairness Act that ended the use of cash bail in Illinois, meaning a person cannot be jailed while awaiting trial simply because they can’t afford a dollar amount assigned by a judge.
Martin Mull, Hip Comic and Actor From ‘Fernwood Tonight’ and ‘Roseanne,’ Dies at 80
| Associated Press
Martin Mull, whose droll, esoteric comedy and acting made him a hip sensation in the 1970s and later a beloved guest star on sitcoms including “Roseanne” and “Arrested Development,” has died, his daughter said.
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