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Stories by Josh Terry

Local Live Music Recommendations for April 30-May 6

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

April 29, 2025 - Full Show

A new plan aims to rein in large teen gatherings. And what proposed changes could mean for endangered species in Illinois.

Plan to Allow Chicago Police to Impose ‘Snap Curfews’ to Stop Teen Gatherings Faces Test

A proposal to allow Chicago Police Department officials to impose a curfew anywhere in the city with just 30 minutes notice is set to face a key test Wednesday amid growing concern the measure is unworkable and unconstitutional.

The Trump Administration Plans to ‘Upend’ the Endangered Species Act. Here’s What That Could Mean for Illinois

A proposed change to the United States’ Endangered Species Act could threaten not only to reverse decades of progress but accelerate the pace of loss, experts said.

Chicago May Day Rally Planned as Trump Ramps Up Attacks on Immigrants, Sanctuary Cities

More than 1,100 protest events are scheduled in nearly 1,000 cities across the country for May Day.

Driver Likely Did Not Target After-School Camp in Crash That Killed 3 Kids, 1 Teen in Downstate Illinois: Police

The car left a road, crossed a field and smashed into the side of the building in the small city of Chatham on Monday afternoon, Illinois State Police said in a statement. It traveled through the building, striking numerous people before exiting the other side.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Real ID? With a Week Until Enforcement Begins, Here’s What to Know

Starting May 7, most adults catching a flight in the U.S. will be required to present a valid passport or a state-issued identification card that meets federal Real ID standards.

Feds Claim Ex-Speaker Michael Madigan Lied Repeatedly on Witness Stand, Ask Judge to Reject Request to Toss Convictions

Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to reject Michael Madigan’s request for his convictions to be tossed out, claiming the former House speaker repeatedly lied on the witness stand when he testified in his own defense at his landmark corruption trial earlier this year.

Donald Trump to Offer Automakers Some Relief on His 25% Tariffs, After Worries They Could Hurt US Factories

Automakers and independent analyses have indicated that the tariffs could raise prices, reduce sales and make U.S. production less competitive worldwide.

April 28, 2025 - Full Show

Renewed debate over how to address antisemitism on college campuses. And how business owners in Chinatown are being impacted by President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Cook County Circuit Court Clerk on Department Oversight, Increased Access to Public Records

The Cook County Circuit Court clerk may not be a political office you’re familiar with. The office is charged with managing court records and court orders — serving more than 400 judges across Chicago and suburban Cook County.

Chinatown Business Owners Brace for Impact of Trump’s Ongoing Trade War With China

The U.S.-China trade war has been ratcheting up for nearly a month now. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on almost all U.S. trading partners April 2 in what he declared “Liberation Day,” with China becoming the main target.

Chicago-Area Jewish Community Reacts to Trump Administration’s Focus on College Campuses

While there is skepticism among some in the Jewish community over the sincerity of the Trump administration’s policies, some others are welcoming the actions as a positive step forward and the nation’s most aggressive push against anti-Jewish hate yet.

Illinois Veterans, VA Employees Rally Ahead of Expected Trump Administration Cuts

Across Illinois, protests have been gaining strength since the proposed cuts were revealed. They range from veterans protesting last month at the Capitol in Springfield to demonstrations by nurses and staff at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago.

Top Cop Defends Proposal That Would Allow Officers to Make Traffic Stops to Find Evidence of Unrelated Crimes

Mayor Brandon Johnson Johnson declined Monday to say whether Chicago police officers should continue making traffic stops for minor violations to find evidence of an unrelated crime.

Conclave to Elect the New Pope to Start May 7 as Cardinals From Across the Globe Get to Know One Another

The cardinals set the date after arriving for the first day of informal meetings following Pope Francis’ funeral Saturday. In a chaotic scene, journalists shouted questions about the mood inside and whether there was unity.

Tuition, Fees Rising at Illinois Universities as State Funding Lags Inflation Pace

The cost of tuition and fees for statewide undergraduates on average has risen 10% higher since FY09 than if it had simply kept pace with inflation. For graduate students, that discrepancy is 16%.

Duckworth Endorses Lt. Gov. Stratton for US Senate Seat to Replace Durbin

With no other Democratic candidates announcing campaigns for the 2026 primary by Monday morning, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton secured the endorsement of two of the state’s top Democrats before fielding any competition.

Rat Birth Control Trial Coming This Summer to Lincoln Park

The latest tactic in Chicago's ongoing war against rats is to attack the problem at the source — with birth control instead of poison.

Federal Prosecutors No Longer Seeking $3.1M Forfeiture From Convicted Ex-Speaker Michael Madigan

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois late last week filed a motion informing U.S. District Judge John Blakey that it will not move forward with a planned forfeiture trial following the speaker’s conviction in February.

After Objections, CPD Agrees to Rule Revision That Would Ban Stops and Searches Based on Race: Reform Groups

City officials agreed in June 2023 to expand the consent decree to include when officers can stop and search Chicagoans, which are officially known as investigatory stops.

Week in Review: Dick Durbin Passing the Torch; Highland Park Gunman Sentenced

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announces he won’t seek another term — setting off a scramble for the rare open seat. And Mayor Brandon Johnson is sounding the alarm on city finances.

Stratton Secures Pritzker’s Backing in Senate Bid, Positions Herself as ‘Fighter’ of Trump

Just one day into her campaign to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin in the U.S. Senate, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Friday received a key endorsement from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, nearly eight years after he first tapped her to be his running mate.

Illinois Community-Based Foster Homes Face Insurance Crisis

In Illinois, DCFS contracts with community-based foster agencies in order to house and provide services for children in state care. The department reported that the state had about 20,000 foster children in 2024, with more than 4,000 of them in the care of community-based foster or group homes.

Chicago Man Facing Arson, Murder Charges After CFD Fire Captain Killed in Blaze

Charles Green, 44, was charged Friday with two counts of murder and one count of aggravated arson after he allegedly started the fire that led to Meyer’s death.

ICE is Reversing Termination of Legal Status for International Students Around US, Lawyers Say

The federal government is reversing the termination of legal status for international students around the U.S. after many filed court challenges against the Trump administration crackdown, government lawyers said Friday.
 

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