Stories by Associated Press

Shootings Across Chicago Kill 3 Kids; Cops Ask Public’s Help

Activists and local leaders called for more state and federal support Sunday as weekend shootings across Chicago left three children dead, including a 10-year-old who was struck by a stray bullet that came through an apartment window. 

‘Reclaim Pride’ March Honors Roots of LGBTQ Movement, Sets Goals for Future

Chicago’s 51st annual Pride Parade was canceled, but LBGTQ activists and allies took over the streets of Boystown on Sunday for a community-driven march organizers described as a “protest, not a party.”

Care Kits for COVID-19 Patients Aim to Ease Anxiety

A local health center is giving COVID-19 patients tools to monitor their blood oxygen levels as they recover at home. 

Young Novice Protest Leaders Help Drive US Wave of Dissent

Many are new to organizing, but have seen a drumbeat of deaths of police-brutality cases captured on video since they were children. 

Lightfoot’s Emergency Powers to End Tuesday

In another sign that Chicago has passed the peak of the pandemic, Mayor Lori Lightfoot will not move to extend the emergency powers she used to respond to the coronavirus without the approval of the City Council. 

US Health Officials Estimate 20M Americans Have Had Virus

U.S. officials estimate that 20 million Americans have been infected with the coronavirus since it first arrived in the United States, meaning that the vast majority of the population remains susceptible. 

US Officials Change Virus Risk Groups, Add Pregnant Women

The nation’s top public health agency on Thursday revamped its list of which Americans are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness, adding pregnant women and removing age alone as a factor.

Coronavirus Task Force Briefs — But Not at White House

The Friday briefing at the Department of Health and Human Services was held as the number of confirmed new coronavirus infections per day in the U.S. soared to an all-time high of 40,000 — higher even than during the deadliest stretch in April and May. 

The Week in Review: CPS Board Vote Keeps Cops in Schools

The Chicago Board of Education votes to keep police in schools for now. Chicago and the state enter phase four of reopening. Rumors the city’s top cop is leaving amid spikes in gun violence. 

Cook County Facing Largest Budget Gap in a Decade

The economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic has blown a $280 million hole in Cook County’s budget for 2020, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Friday.

Walmart to Reopen 7 Chicago Stores Closed After Unrest: CEO

"We believe in the future of Chicago," Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said.

Summer Job Program for Teens, Young Adults to Focus on Pandemic

Chicago’s annual summer jobs program will include a new youth service corps charged with helping the city respond to the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Friday.

American Airlines Will Book Flights to Full Capacity

American Airlines will start booking flights to full capacity next week, ending any effort to promote social distancing on its planes while the United States sets records for new reported cases of the coronavirus.

2 Brothers Change Minds, Will Cooperate in Smollett Case

Two brothers who admitted helping actor Jussie Smollett stage a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago last year are again willing to help in the case after initially saying they were done cooperating with prosecutors, their attorney said Thursday.

No Bond For Chicago Man Accused of Gunning Down 2 High Schoolers

“He is a clear and present danger to all of society and all members of the community,” Judge Susana Ortiz said before denying bond Friday for 19-year-old Laroy Battle.

Swarm of Locusts, ‘Godzilla’ Dust Cloud: 2020 Just Keeps on Giving

Forty million locusts are winding their way through Argentina and a massive dust cloud has crossed the Atlantic from the Sahara. What else could 2020 possibly have in store for us?

New Contract for Chicago Police Brass Allows Anonymous Complaints: Lightfoot

Those who believe they have witnessed misconduct by Chicago Police Department sergeants, lieutenants and captains can submit a complaint anonymously under the city’s new contract with their union, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said.

Judge Tosses Second Lawsuit Brought on Behalf of Murdered Scholar Yingying Zhang

A Champaign County judge dismissed the lawsuit against a pair of University of Illinois social workers, each of whom interviewed Brendt Christensen weeks before he kidnapped Zhang and killed her inside his Champaign apartment in June 2017.

Broadcaster Bruce DuMont Celebrates 40 Years on the Air

His radio show that looks at politics from the inside is about to mark it’s 40th anniversary. And he was one of the creators of “Chicago Tonight” in 1984. Bruce DuMont reflects on 40 years of “Beyond the Beltway” and more.

As City Enters Phase 4, COVID-19 Positivity Rate Remains High in 60639 ZIP Code

An analysis of city data shows the majority of Chicago ZIP codes have positivity rates at or below those needed move into phase four, but one has a rate of 15.3%. We discuss metrics and reopening with Chicago’s top doctor.

COVID-19 Across Chicago: Chinatown

It was the first neighborhood to feel the economic impact of COVID-19. Months later, on the eve of the city’s move into phase four, the enduring message is that Chinatown is still here, and it is open for business.

Ask Geoffrey: The Weird, Wild and Wacky Days of the WTTW Auction

Longtime viewers might remember a time when for one wild week a year, they could buy everything from spark plugs to mink coats right here at our studios. Geoffrey Baer revisits that era.

Illinois EPA Issues Permit Allowing General Iron to Move to Southeast Side

Over the objections of environmental activists, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday issued a construction permit to General Iron, allowing the company to move its metal-shredding operation from Lincoln Park to the Southeast Side. 

Landlords Sue Pritzker Over Illinois’ Ban on Evictions

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is again facing legal action for allegedly exceeding his executive authority in reaction to the coronavirus crisis. 

After City Truck Hits Cyclist, Advocates Warn of Wider Safety Issues

A crash involving a city-owned vehicle and a cyclist this week in Avondale points to larger problems within the city’s biking infrastructure, cycling advocates say.

Forest Preserves to Loosen Restrictions in a Big Way, But Not Until After July 4th

The Forest Preserves of Cook County announced it will reopen Swallow Cliff Stairs, nature centers and bathrooms, plus allow grilling and lift restrictions on parking lots at popular sites — but not until after the Fourth of July.
 

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