Good afternoon! It’s Thursday, and Mayor Brandon Johnson as soon as once more stopped by WBEZ’s studios to reply listeners’ questions. Right here’s what else you could know immediately.
With Republican senators approving President Donald Trump’s plan to rescind $9.4 billion in federal support and public broadcasting funds, public radio and tv stations in Illinois are nearer to a worst-case funding situation that native media leaders are calling a “crucial intestine punch.”
The bundle, which permits the Senate to strip beforehand authorised spending with a easy majority, should nonetheless return to the Home, my Chicago Solar-Instances colleague Tina Sfondeles writes.
And there’s a time crunch: Congress has to get it to Trump’s desk by tomorrow or the administration can be pressured to launch the funds. In whole, the bundle rescinds $1.1 billion in funding for PBS, NPR and their member stations by way of the Company for Public Broadcasting. It was supposed to assist fund the stations for the following two years.
Public broadcasting stations have typically loved bipartisan assist, however Republicans are more and more accusing them of bias.
“Rural public broadcasting stations are sometimes the one supply of emergency alerts within the area. These native stations are also actually impartial,” mentioned U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Unwell. “They mirror the wants of their group and the individuals they serve. They exit of their strategy to be nonpartisan. I do know as a result of I’ve handled them for many years.”
At WTVP in central Illinois, greater than 390,000 households in 17 counties tune into native programming like “A Shot of AG,” a chat present hosted by Rob Sharkey, a farmer from Bradford. Jenn Gordon, president and CEO of WTVP, calls it “a Johnny Carson speak present” that humanizes the agricultural group in central Illinois. [Chicago Sun-Times]
2. Greater than 900 individuals now say they have been abused at Illinois youth prisons
Attorneys say greater than 900 survivors have now come ahead alleging they suffered little one sexual abuse at juvenile detention facilities in Illinois between 1995 and 2022, my colleague Lauren Frost reviews for WBEZ.
A brand new batch of complaints was filed Tuesday, and attorneys mentioned it consists of 107 new instances of abuse. Plaintiffs declare they have been raped, groped and threatened — all whereas within the custody of an Illinois Youth Middle or the Cook dinner County Juvenile Short-term Detention Middle, previously often called the Audy Residence.
“These survivors need justice, and so they need accountability and so they need sexual abuse within the Illinois juvenile justice system to finish,” mentioned legal professional Jerome Block.
At a information convention yesterday, grownup survivors shared tales of what they skilled as youngsters at youth detention amenities.
One lady recounted an alleged incident at Illinois Youth Middle Warrenville the place not less than 5 employees members entered her cell and took off her garments. Then, she mentioned, a male employees member sat on her bare physique and touched her inappropriately.
In an announcement, the Illinois Division of Juvenile Justice mentioned it’s conscious of the not too long ago filed lawsuits and can’t touch upon energetic litigation. [WBEZ]
3. The Metropolis Council didn’t override Mayor Johnson’s snap curfew veto
The Council fell six votes shy of overriding Johnson’s veto of an ordinance permitting the Chicago police superintendent to enact a curfew focusing on gatherings of younger individuals anyplace within the metropolis with half-hour’ discover, Fran Spielman reviews for the Chicago Solar-Instances.
Johnson continuously factors to the tangible progress being made by his “holistic” technique of getting police work with community-based “violence interrupters” whereas investing extra in younger individuals to confront the “root causes” of crime.
He reiterated that time yesterday, saying Chicago is coming off the “most secure Memorial Day weekend in 16 years” and the “least violent July Fourth weekend” in six years. [Chicago Sun-Times]
In the meantime, Metropolis Council adjourned for the summer time after approving one other spherical of ethics reforms and $35.2 million extra in police abuse settlements, however alderpersons punted on the thorny subject of whether or not to authorize “granny flats” citywide. [Chicago Sun-Times]
The go well with follows a Chicago Solar-Instances and WBEZ story detailing how the woman endured years of bullying as educators struggled and didn’t suppress it.
As my WBEZ colleague Sarah Karp writes, the mom of a 13-year-old pupil at Wildwood Elementary Faculty is suing Chicago Public Colleges, accusing Wildwood employees of “willful and wanton conduct” and negligence for permitting her daughter to be subjected to “excessive acts of race-based bullying, sexual harassment and sexual abuse.”
A CPS spokesperson mentioned officers don’t touch upon pending litigation however famous that the district “is dedicated to the protection and well-being of our college students.” [WBEZ]
Now in its 18th yr, the three-day avenue get together runs Friday to Sunday down Belmont Avenue from Damen to Oakley avenues, my colleague Stefano Esposito reviews for the Chicago Solar-Instances.
“We all the time ask them as distributors to be as inventive as potential. A number of them have enormous burger followings. A few of them are particular burgers you can solely get on the occasion,” mentioned Becca Girsch, the manager director of Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce.
With 13 distributors this yr, there are burgers tantalizing with tandoori spices; one manufactured from smoked alligator; one other a mix of bison, elk, wild boar and venison. There’s one from Cheesie’s Pub and Grub that celebrates the distinctive cravings of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll: The creation is named the “Smash Elvis” and consists of a 5-ounce patty, deep-fried peanut butter and jelly, and banana ketchup, all on a brioche bun. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Right here’s what else is going on
- Trump’s latest medical examination revealed a vein situation frequent in people over 70. [The Hill]
- The Trump administration handed over Medicaid recipients’ private information, together with addresses, to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. [AP]
- U.S. airport safety might start permitting extra liquids in carry-on baggage. [AP]
- The Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese might not be capable to play within the WNBA All-Star sport this weekend due to a leg harm. [Sports Illustrated]
Oh, and yet one more factor …
Site visitors circles stop automobiles from zooming by way of residential intersections. They might annoy drivers, however they’ve confirmed advantages, WBEZ contributor Shawn Allee reviews for Curious Metropolis.
Town has put in a whole bunch of neighborhood visitors circles to make streets safer.
However the upsides weren’t apparent earlier than the circles arrived within the early Nineties. In truth, the thought was imported and championed by a North Aspect alderperson fed up with visitors which had turned her ward’s residential streets into pedestrian hazards. [WBEZ]
Inform me one thing good …
What have been your favourite locations to buy, whether or not it’s native or a series and whether or not or not it nonetheless exists?
Cynthia writes:
“My favourite place to buy is Stella Boutique on Central Ave in Evanston. Proprietor Rachel has an incredible eye for enjoyable clothes and accessories with a bohemian aptitude, distinctive reward gadgets, and he or she offers THE BEST customer support. Plus, she’s a terrific ambassador for town of Evanston.”
Jill writes:
“The Cautious Peach Boutique in Oak Park is a unbelievable store that could be a toast to France. Fairly a variety of things together with jewellery, housewares, and wine to call just some. Pretty reward concepts! Near the el & Metra. Positioned in proximity to plenty of different terrific Oak Park shops & eating places.”
And Ariane writes:
“Again within the 80’s, The Century Mall was the best place to buy. The shops have been NOT chain shops, and had all types of bizarre stuff. I’ve specific fond recollections of Metropolis Soles sneakers, which was staffed by a bunch of sizzling rock guys who’s job was to inform you how nice you regarded. They might have purchase one, get one for a nickel, gross sales. I nonetheless have a pair of trainers I obtained for five cents, and proceed to get compliments about.”
Be happy to e mail me, and your response could also be included on this week’s publication.
