Anti-violence programs could be seeing more federal dollars. Exploring country music’s roots in Black culture. And the ex-chair of the state Prisoner Review Board speaks out after a tragic death.
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Former Chair of Prisoner Review Board Pushes Back Against Pritzker’s Criticism Following Killing of 11-Year-Old Boy
Apr 3, 2024 | Paul Caine
“It’s one thing to say that I think the judgment was in error,” Donald Shelton said in an exclusive interview with WTTW News. “It’s another thing to say that there was a lack of concern for a victim of domestic violence.”
In Chicago Speech, US Attorney General Merrick Garland Says Feds ‘Doubling Down’ on Funding for Violence Intervention Programs
Apr 3, 2024 | Matt Masterson
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on Wednesday announced his department’s plan to spend $78 million to support community violence intervention programs and research in Chicago and across the country.
Frankie Knuckles Remembered as ‘Guiding Force’ of House Music as 5,000 Vinyl Records Digitized
Apr 3, 2024 | Angel Idowu
Members of Theaster Gates’ Rebuild Foundation have been working to restore Frankie Knuckles’ vinyl record collection for the last eight years.
Traveling This Summer? Avoid Packing These Items in Your Carry-On to Steer Clear of Delays, TSA Says
Apr 3, 2024 | Eunice Alpasan
Get to the airport early and do your research ahead of time about what you can pack, TSA officials said.
Lawsuit Seeks to Force Ban on Menthol Cigarettes After Months of Delays by Biden Administration
Apr 3, 2024 | Associated Press
The lawsuit is the latest effort to force the government to ban menthols, which are disproportionately used by Black smokers and young people. It comes amid growing concerns from advocates that the federal plan could be derailed by election-year politics.
Johnson Picks 4 Developments to Launch Effort to Transform Chicago’s Financial District
Apr 3, 2024 | Heather Cherone
“Like many cities, we are in the process of recovering from the impact of the pandemic, resulting in vacancies, particularly our storefronts and offices,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “We have to respond to these changes. As a city, we have to do it in a creative and collaborative way.”
Prosecutors in Donald Trump’s Classified Documents Case Sharply Rebuke Judge’s Unusual and ‘Flawed’ Order
Apr 3, 2024 | Associated Press
In an unusual order, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon had asked prosecutors and defense lawyers to formulate proposed jury instructions for most of the charges even though it remains unclear when the case might reach trial.
Severe Storms and Tornadoes Leave a Path of Destruction From Georgia to Kankakee County in Illinois
Apr 3, 2024 | CNN
Sixteen tornadoes were reported Tuesday and Wednesday morning across Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia, along with dozens of damaging wind reports, including gusts topping 100 mph in Kentucky. The Illinois tornado was reported by a trained weather spotter Tuesday near Manteno in Kankakee County, according to the National Weather Service.
State Lawmakers Call for Prisoner Review Board Reform After Fatal Stabbing of 11-Year-Old Chicago Boy
Apr 2, 2024 | Amanda Vinicky
The killing of 11-year-old Jayden Perkins is drawing attention to a small state board responsible for deciding when prisoners can be released on parole.
April 2, 2024 - Full Show
Apr 2, 2024 | WTTW News
Johnson makes a change to his administration. A meeting of two WWII veterans more than 80 years in the making. And we explore the surge of interest in women’s basketball.
Pen Pals for More Than 60 Years, WWII Veterans Linked by Deadly Ship Explosion Meet for First Time
Apr 2, 2024 | Paris Schutz
Two local WWII veterans associated with a deadly ship explosion off the coast of Japan met in person for the very first time last week in Evanston. Myron Petrakis is just shy of his 102nd birthday; Marvin Elman is 97.
Johnson Taps Cristina Pacione-Zayas as Chief of Staff
Apr 2, 2024 | Heather Cherone
Since Mayor Brandon Johnson took office, Cristina Pacione-Zayas has served as his first deputy chief of staff, charged with overseeing the city’s response to the arrival of nearly 38,500 migrants from the southern border.
The Women’s NCAA Tournament Had Center Stage. The Stars, and the Games, Delivered in a Big Way
Apr 2, 2024 | Associated Press
Millions of people — 12.3 million, the most to ever watch a women’s basketball game, according to ESPN — tuned in across America to watch the opener of an NCAA Tournament doubleheader that captivated fans like never before.
MWRD Primary Results Are in: Waller Defeats Pogorzelski, Moves on to General Election
Apr 2, 2024 | Patty Wetli
Challenger Sharon Waller has bested incumbent Daniel “Pogo” Pogorzelski in the Democratic race to claim a seat on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s board of commissioners, according to unofficial results from the Chicago Board of Elections released Tuesday evening.
Amazon is Removing ‘Just Walk Out’ Technology From Its Fresh Grocery Stores in the US
Apr 2, 2024 | Associated Press
The company’s well-known technology lets customers pay for items without standing in line and sends them receipts afterwards.
28-Year-Old Finnish Conductor Klaus Mäkelä Chosen as New Music Director of Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Apr 2, 2024 | Eunice Alpasan
Klaus Mäkelä has been called “perhaps the fastest-rising conductor of his generation” by The New York Times. He will be the 11th music director in the ensemble’s 133-year history.
ATF Investigating After Overnight Fire at Southwest Side Truck Yard Involving About 8 Tractor-Trailers
Apr 2, 2024 | Matt Masterson
A spokesperson for the ATF confirmed it has responded to the scene of the fire at 6850 W. 63rd St. following a request from Chicago’s fire and police departments.
Chicago Public Schools Collecting Community Feedback on School Safety as District Prepares to Remove Resource Officers
Apr 2, 2024 | Matt Masterson
Parents, students and community stakeholders have until this week to complete the school district’s whole school safety survey and voice their opinions as CPS prepares a new holistic approach to school safety districtwide.
The Great American Eclipse: Your Guide to the Upcoming Solar Show in Chicago, Downstate Illinois and Everywhere Else
Apr 2, 2024 | Patty Wetli
The Great American Eclipse is almost here. Here’s how to make the most of the experience in Illinois and the Chicago area.
April 1, 2024 - Full Show
Apr 1, 2024 | WTTW News
An alderman faces backlash for appearing at a rally where an American flag was burned. A look at the CTA’s reliance on overtime — and years of incorrect records. And a new book on the Lightfoot years.
Chicago Tribune Reporter’s New Book Explores Lori Lightfoot’s Tumultuous Tenure Leading the City
Apr 1, 2024 | Eunice Alpasan
“The City is Up for Grabs: How Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Led and Lost a City in Crisis” by Chicago Tribune reporter Gregory Pratt offers an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look into Lightfoot's tumultuous tenure in office.
Friends of the Parks Encourage Thoughtful Approach as Bears Prepare Proposal for New Lakefront Stadium
Apr 1, 2024 | Emily Soto
While the team hasn’t yet released plans, Bears president Kevin Warren stated they would commit over $2 billion to transform the Museum Campus and revamp the surrounding infrastructure — all of which Warren hopes could begin as soon as this year.
Defamation Case Linked to Former Michael Madigan Aide Sent Back to Illinois From Puerto Rico
Brian Hynes seeks damages after being sued in false claims case
Apr 1, 2024 | Peter Hancock — Capitol News Illinois
The case involves Brian Hynes, a Chicago-based lawyer and one-time protégé of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who maintains a residence in Puerto Rico. Hynes has operated lobbying and business entities over the years that work with the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago.
City Council Votes 16-29 to Reject Effort to Punish Sigcho-Lopez for Speaking at Protest Where American Flag Was Burned
Apr 1, 2024 | Heather Cherone
The Chicago City Council voted 16-29 Monday to reject an effort to punish Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez for speaking at a protest in front of City Hall where an American flag was burned.
Shota Imanaga Stars in Major League Debut as Cubs Beat Rockies 5-0 in Wrigley Field Opener
Apr 1, 2024 | Associated Press
Working in short sleeves on a cold, gray afternoon, Imanaga struck out nine in Chicago’s home opener. The Japanese left-hander, who signed a $53 million, four-year contract with the Cubs in January, allowed two singles and walked none.