Stories by Associated Press
Opioid Settlement Would Divide Money Based on Local Impact
| Associated Press
The multibillion-dollar settlement that the maker of OxyContin is negotiating to resolve a crush of lawsuits over the nation’s opioid crisis contains formulas for dividing up the money among state and local governments across the country, The Associated Press has learned.
Suit Settled in Teen Suicide that Led to Illinois Law Change
| Associated Press
The suicide of Corey Walgren, a suburban honor-roll student, raised sensitive questions about how to confront students suspected of recording and sharing sexual images and helped spur changes in Illinois law.
Gov. Pritzker Pardons Army Vet Deported to Mexico
| Associated Press
“I recognize this pardon is not a perfect solution, but it is the most just action to take to allow a U.S. veteran the opportunity to be treated fairly by the country he served,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said.
Jeff Award Nominations a Reminder of the Season Spotlighted as ‘Year of Chicago Theater’
| Hedy Weiss
Porchlight Music Theatre tops this year’s list with 17 nominations while the Paramount Theatre earns 16 and Court Theatre garners 15. Here are the 2019 Jeff nominees in the major categories.
FBI: West Texas Gunman ‘Was on a Long Spiral of Going Down’
| Associated Press
The gunman in a West Texas rampage “was on a long spiral of going down” and had been fired from his oil services job the morning he killed seven people, calling 911 both before and after the shooting began, authorities said Monday.
Death Toll in West Texas Shooting Rampage Rises to 7
| Associated Press
A police spokesman said that at least one person who was shot remained in life-threatening condition Sunday. Authorities say the gunman was a white male in his 30s, but police have not released a name or possible motive.
The Week in Review: Lightfoot Identifies Chicago’s Massive Budget Shortfall
| Evan Garcia
Mayor Lightfoot unveils an $838 million budget gap. Chicago Public Schools approves its budget despite threats of a teachers strike. The Bears begin the countdown to opening night against the Packers.
‘Voices of the City’ Project Captures Chicagoans’ Favorite Spots
| Kristen Thometz
From iconic Chicago landmarks to neighborhood parks, 350 Chicago-area residents share their favorite local places in the “Voices of the City” art project. Add your voice to the mix.
African Festival of the Arts Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Labor Day Weekend
| Angel Idowu
“Africa is here and it’s a good thing,” says Patrick Saingbey-Woodtor, founder of Chicago’s African Festival of the Arts, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this weekend in Washington Park.
New Initiative Aims to Bring Solar Energy, Jobs to Chicago’s South Side
| Alex Ruppenthal
Chicago nonprofit Blacks in Green is partnering with Sunrun, the country’s largest residential solar company, to expand access to solar opportunities on the city’s South Side.
E-Cigarette Maker Juul Facing Mounting Scrutiny by State AGs
| Associated Press
E-cigarette giant Juul Labs is facing mounting scrutiny from state law enforcement officials, with the attorneys general in Illinois and the District of Columbia investigating how the company’s blockbuster vaping device became so popular with underage teens.
EPA Moves to Revoke Rules on Oil Industry Methane Leaks
| Associated Press
The step by the Trump administration would be the latest in a series unwinding the Obama administration’s efforts to cut climate-changing emissions from the oil, gas and coal industries.
Ravinia’s Production of ‘Candide’ Brings Bernstein Celebration to a Glittering Close
| Hedy Weiss
This was an exceedingly elaborate production for what was a one-night-only event, and it brought together performers fully at ease with the show’s demonically difficult score and wildly witty lyrics.
Video: Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s ‘State of the City’ Address
| WTTW News
Watch the mayor’s full speech outlining “where we are, where we’ve come, and what we see as a path forward.” With commentary by our own Paris Schutz and Becky Vevea of WBEZ.
Trump’s Dream of Space Force Moves One Step Closer to Reality
| Paul Caine
As society becomes increasingly dependent on space-based systems, there’s a growing need for protection from potential adversaries. But is the U.S. Space Command – and eventually a Space Force – the answer?
Mars Wrigley Internship a Sweet Gig, but Not All Goodies and Gumdrops
| Brandis Friedman
Cindy Mancilla spent her summer working at the headquarters of candy magnate Mars Wrigley. And though the company hires hundreds of interns across its various departments, this internship takes the cake – and gives back.
5 Chicago Teens Charged with Murder Under Controversial Illinois Law
| Tonia Hill
Just what is the felony murder law? Critics say it is broad and unjust, especially when it involves juveniles. Proponents say it deters crime. Chicago defense attorney Brandon Brown weighs in.
The ‘State of the City’: Chicago’s $838M Budget Gap and the Path Ahead
| Alexandra Silets
A day after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot marked her 100th day in office, she delivered her first “State of the City” address at Harold Washington Library. Our panel reacts to the speech and offers analysis.
Lightfoot Outlines $838M Budget Deficit in ‘State of the City’ Address
| Paris Schutz
The number that had been kept under wraps for weeks is finally out in the open. “If it sounds like a large number, that’s because it is,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Thursday during her first “State of the City” address.
Amid Lax Enforcement, New Bill Aims to Crack Down on Negligent Animal Dealers
| Alex Ruppenthal
Legislation proposed by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi seeks to reverse a trend of declining enforcement of animal welfare laws under the Trump administration.
Deep Frydays: Chicago-Style Hot Dogs
| Erica Gunderson
Before they say goodbye for the summer, Nick and Erica have a frying finale befitting our fair city: a teeny-wiener version of the Chicago-style hot dog.
Health Officials Report 5 More Cases of Hospitalizations Linked to Vaping
| Kristen Thometz
Nearly a week after an Illinois resident died following hospitalization for a severe respiratory illness linked to vaping, health officials are reporting an additional five cases in the state.
Watchdog: Comey Violated FBI Policies in Handling of Memos
| Associated Press
The Justice Department’s inspector general says James Comey broke FBI rules by giving one memo containing unclassified information to a friend with instructions to share the contents with a reporter.
Farmers’ Loyalty to Trump Tested Over New Corn-Ethanol Rules
| Associated Press
The Trump administration granted waivers to 31 oil refineries so they don’t have to blend ethanol into their gasoline. Since roughly 40% of the U.S. corn crop is turned into ethanol, it was a fresh blow to corn producers already struggling.
McDonald’s Offering Harassment Training to All US Workers
| Associated Press
The Chicago-based company said Wednesday that its franchisees have committed to provide the training — a combination of online work and in-person discussions — to 850,000 employees.
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