Stories by Associated Press
Chicago Police: 52 shot, 8 Fatally in Weekend Violence
| Associated Press
Two people were also stabbed to death, bringing the total number of homicides over the weekend to 10. In a Monday morning press conference, Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson called the violence “despicable.”
US Aims to Help More Cancer Patients Try Experimental Drugs
| Associated Press
Thousands of gravely ill cancer patients each year seek “compassionate use” access to treatments that are not yet on the market but have shown some promise in early testing and aren’t available to them through a study.
May 2019 Sets Record as Chicago’s Wettest
| Associated Press
The National Weather Service says the 8.25 inches of rain that fell in May was the highest total for the month since records started being kept in 1871.
‘Consequential’ Session Comes to a Close; Pritzker Takes a Victory Lap
| Amanda Vinicky
During a whirlwind week in Springfield, Illinois lawmakers voted for a host of measures that left rookie Gov. J.B. Pritzker claiming triumph for the progressive agenda he’d promised.
Lawmakers Vote for Chicago Casino, Plus Gas and Cigarette Taxes
| Amanda Vinicky
By Saturday night, Republican representatives joined with Democrats who control the General Asssembly to agree to a massive package of bills comprising a $40 billion budget.
The Week in Review: Legal Pot Advances, Ald. Burke Indicted
| Evan Garcia
It’s been a tumultuous week in local politics. We break down the Burke indictment and address the fallout. Plus: Mayor Lightfoot’s dramatic first City Council meeting, the deadline dash in Springfield and more.
Kim Foxx: False Rumor Caused Recusal in Jussie Smollett Case
| Matt Masterson
As she releases 2,000 pages of documents related to the high-profile case, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx claims she recused herself because of a false rumor that she was related to the “Empire” actor.
Illinois Welcomes Weed, Waits on a Budget with Another Extended Session
| Amanda Vinicky
Six months from now, when Illinois residents ring in the New Year, they need not settle for a swig of champagne. They’ll be legally able to toke up.
Woman Identifies Herself as Alleged R. Kelly Victim
| Associated Press
Jerhonda Pace has come forward to say publicly that 11 new sex-related felony counts against R. Kelly stem from allegations she made about the R&B singer.
Mayor Lightfoot: Letter Being Sent to Ask Burke to Resign
| Associated Press
Mayor Lori Lightfoot questions whether Ald. Ed Burke, the 50-year veteran of the City Council, can effectively represent his ward while under indictment on racketeering and other charges.
Judge to Decide if Special Prosecutor Needed In Jussie Smollett Case
Ruling date scheduled for June 21
| Matt Masterson
A Cook County judge will decide next month whether a special prosecutor is needed to review the handling of the Jussie Smollett case by the state’s attorney’s office.
Uptown Clinic Owner Gets 6 Years in Prison for Illegally Selling Opioids
| Kristen Thometz
Prosecutors say Mohammed Shariff, who illegally dispensed hundreds of thousands of opioid pills, “showed an abject disregard of patients and perverted his companies into engines of unlawful profit.”
6 Weekend Ideas for a Summer Road Trip or Chicago Staycation
| Kristen Thometz
In need of a vacation, but don’t want to travel too far? We share our favorite local activities and weekend getaways for a last-minute road trip or a city staycation.
Companies Report Progress on Blood Tests to Detect Cancer
| Associated Press
Many companies are trying to develop early detection “liquid biopsy” tests that capture bits of DNA that cancer cells shed into blood.
Illinois National Guard Members Deployed Amid Flooding
| Associated Press
Noting Thursday that many rivers in Illinois are flooded, Gov. J.B. Pritzker says there’s a multi-agency effort underway to address the “grave” situation.
With a Full Slate, Time is Running Out for Illinois Lawmakers
| Amanda Vinicky
A $39 billion budget. A public works program. Casinos. Legalized recreational marijuana. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers have a single day – until 11:59 p.m. Friday – to wrap up all of that, and more.
Ald. Ed Burke Indicted on 14 Counts of Racketeering, Extortion, Attempted Bribery
| Paris Schutz
The U.S. attorney’s office returns a sweeping indictment against longtime 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke. Mayor Lori Lightfoot calls the allegations “alarming” and says Burke “must resign immediately.”
Beach Season is Here, and Water Safety Advocates Say They’re Worried
| Nicole Cardos
Are Chicagoans getting the information they need to stay safe at the beach – and in the lake? A new task force has some recommendations for Chicago beaches.
Burke Indictment Highlights City Hall Power Shift
| Paul Caine
Four Chicago aldermen weigh in on the new power dynamics at City Hall as Mayor Lori Lightfoot takes control – and a longtime alderman is indicted.
Read: Chicago Police Release First Wave of Jussie Smollett Documents
| Matt Masterson
A new trove of documents is shedding light on the Chicago Police Department’s investigation into “Empire” star Jussie Smollett’s “false report” that he was the victim of a hate crime.
Chicago Theater Recommendations: 5 New Shows to See This Spring
| Marc Vitali
From the wives of Henry VIII to Frankenstein’s monster, there is plenty to see on local stages right now. Theater critic Hedy Weiss shares her take on five shows currently on stage.
R. Kelly Facing New Criminal Sexual Abuse Charges
| Matt Masterson
The R&B superstar is facing 11 new charges, three months after he was initially hit with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse for allegedly assaulting multiple women between the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Thompson Center on National Endangered Places List
| Associated Press
The 17-story, curved-glass structure opened in May 1985 to house state offices. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a measure in April authorizing the sale of the building, which has been hailed for its architecture but derided for its functionality.
Chicago Police Struggle to Solve Gangland Reporter’s Killing, Others
| Associated Press
Zachary Stoner was killed on May 30, 2018 in a drive-by shooting. A year later his death remains unsolved and no arrests have been made. Around 80% of homicides in Chicago go unsolved within the year they occur.
Computer Algorithm Helps Reopen Dozens of Chicago Cold Cases
| Associated Press
Since 2001, dozens of women have been strangled or suffocated and their bodies discarded in some of Chicago’s most derelict places. Now a national nonprofit group and a computer algorithm are helping detectives review the cases.
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