Good afternoon! The town has launched the dates for farmers markets, Style of Chicago and different summer season staples. Right here’s what else that you must know as we speak.
1. Accused teen serial killer Antonio Reyes allegedly murdered whole strangers and shut associates
Prosecutors say suspected serial killer Antonio Reyes selected victims at random: A father along with his youngsters, searching for a pet; a younger UPS driver ready to select up a good friend; a person on his technique to a gasoline station.
However Reyes’ associates had been additionally amongst his targets, in keeping with the mom of one among his alleged victims and information in a associated case.
As my Chicago Solar-Occasions colleagues Andy Grimm and Rosemary Sobol report, Reyes is suspected of asking two associates to kill a witness in opposition to him, a success he allegedly ordered whereas in juvenile detention.
Reyes was arrested in 2020 in connection to a homicide and a capturing, however police thought-about him a suspect in a number of murders — all dedicated over a nine-month span when he was 16 or 17.
Throughout the subsequent 4 years, police mentioned they constructed up different instances — via ballistics and social media messages — and charged Reyes with 5 extra killings. [Chicago Sun-Times]
2. President Donald Trump’s funding cuts are hitting early-career researchers the toughest
The tried cuts from the Trump administration are hitting UIC researchers who’re simply beginning their careers particularly onerous.
They’re uncertain of whether or not or not federal grants, a key supply of funding for public well being analysis, will exist to help their work, my colleague Lisa Kurian Philip studies for WBEZ.
Though a court docket has quickly blocked the administration’s drastic cuts to funding for analysis establishments, the stream of grants from federal companies just like the Nationwide Institutes of Well being and the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention has slowed to a trickle.
The administration has notably targeted on defunding analysis in any method associated to range, fairness and inclusion, which some scientists and well being researchers say has develop into integral to an growing variety of federal grants.
The uncertainty has made budgeting for particular person researchers and establishments very tough. Some universities have paused graduate college admissions or taken down job postings as a result of they don’t know if they may have funding to tackle new college students or researchers, together with graduate assistants. [WBEZ]
3. The present Illinois state flag overwhelmingly gained a redesign contest
Illinoisans have spoken, and so they desire the present flag over any of the opposite choices offered to them, Kaitlin Washburn studies for the Chicago Solar-Occasions.
The general public had an opportunity to vote for a brand new design from one among 12 selections or hold the present one. After 5 weeks of voting, the present flag gained — by loads.
Of the practically 385,000 votes solid, greater than 165,000 went to the present flag — receiving greater than the following 5 prime designs mixed. Second place earned 32,898 votes, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias introduced as we speak.
“Some might name it an SOB — a seal on a bedsheet — and the vexillological neighborhood might hate it, however folks overwhelmingly desire our present state flag,” Giannoulias mentioned in an announcement. “Thanks to everybody who made their voice heard on the way forward for this vital image of state satisfaction.” [Chicago Sun-Times]
4. Opioid and different drug overdose deaths in Illinois dropped for the primary time since 2018
The state recorded an 8.3% lower in total drug overdose deaths in 2023, exceeding a nationwide decline of 4%, in keeping with the Illinois Division of Public Well being. Opioid overdose deaths dropped 9.7%, in comparison with 3% nationally.
Officers mentioned they assume elevated naloxone distribution all through the state, neighborhood outreach via hurt discount organizations and drug overdose prevention packages, the supply of fentanyl check strips, and improved entry to remedy and medication-assisted restoration have contributed to the lower in deaths.
A pilot program between the Illinois Division of Human Providers and the Illinois State Police that started in 2020 can be permitting state troopers to attach these charged with drug crimes with case managers. [Chicago Sun-Times]
5. A brand new Uber Shuttle service will provide followers leaving the United Middle $5 rides
Getting away from post-event chaos on the area simply received somewhat simpler, Cindy Hernandez studies for the Chicago Solar-Occasions.
As a substitute of ready to discover a trip, riders will have the ability to reserve a seat on a shuttle utilizing the Uber app as much as two days earlier than an occasion, a spokesperson mentioned. Riders can guide as much as 4 seats at a time.
Followers can board the shuttle on the Uber Zone, positioned in Lot E, at their designated time.
The buses, which seat as much as 23 passengers, will ferry passengers to the Magnificent Mile, Ogilvie Transportation Middle, Union Station and Outdated City — although routes might change. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Right here’s what else is occurring
- President Trump will delay most tariffs on items from Mexico and Canada for 4 weeks amid financial fears. [AP]
- The variety of Individuals submitting for jobless advantages fell final week, in keeping with the Labor Division. [AP]
- European Union leaders held emergency Ukraine talks after Trump suspended U.S. support. [AP]
- A WBEZ reporter received a glance behind the scenes at Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s congressional grilling. [WBEZ]
Oh, and yet one more factor …
Chicago musician and activist Ric Wilson’s is impressed by “the cool tradition” of South London and the “over-the-top” vogue of East London, although he informed my Vocalo colleagues he doesn’t have a set type.
As a substitute, he takes inspiration from completely different folks he’s encountered throughout eras of his life, whether or not channeling type components of the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat or inheriting heirlooms from shut associates.
Wilson stopped by Vocalo’s studios to speak about his secrets and techniques for a tour wardrobe, honing his type and his time spent in London. You’ll be able to pay attention and skim highlights of the interview within the hyperlink. [Vocalo]
Inform me one thing good …
I’ve received some lengthy aircraft rides arising and a stack of books able to go, however I’m curious, what are your favourite methods to cross the time on an extended flight or automotive trip?
Kelly writes:
“My husband is Australian, and we’re very aware of lengthy aircraft rides. Now that my children are sufficiently old to entertain themselves I can do my very own stuff, and whereas most of it’s typical telephone video games and films, one actually cool factor I discovered is a reverse coloring guide. I don’t have the will to carry a bunch of stuff for an everyday grownup coloring state of affairs, however with this, I simply want two black pens, one thick, one skinny, and a white gel pen and I’m set. It’s SO stress-free and beautiful.”
Becky writes:
“My daughter gave me a cross sew package for Christmas, embarrassingly 2023. I’m nonetheless engaged on it. The excellent news is lengthy aircraft rides have time and good mild for such an exercise.”
Be at liberty to electronic mail me, and your response could also be included within the publication this week.
