This Thursday, WTTW News dives into a discussion on how to address gun violence, an indicted ex-alderperson might stand trial and Brookfield Zoo’s effort to save a near extinct bird population.
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File photo of seized guns (WTTW News)
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Earlier this week, WTTW News explained the state’s assault weapons ban and a day later on “Chicago Tonight,” we had three people who work in violence prevention on the show to discuss what is being done to address gun violence. Joining host Brandis Friedman were Christopher Amon, special agent in charge for the ATF Chicago Field Division, Cobe Williams, director of Cure Violence Global, and Kim Smith, director of national programs and external engagement at the University of Chicago Crime Lab.
Here’s a look at what they had to say.
Getting illegal guns off the street:
“I think we’re on track this year for more than 12,000 firearm recoveries here in the city of Chicago,” said Christopher Amon. “One of the things we do at ATF is collaborate on this problem, to try to stop that flow, but also to address the violent crime.”
Where are these guns coming from?
“When we look at the data, we see that 40% of illegal firearms actually originate from Illinois, a lot of them from suburban Cook County, but 60% are coming from other states, neighboring states,” said Kim Smith.
What should be done?
“I think we got to continue to invest more money into violence prevention programs,” said Cobe Williams. “[With] violence prevention, we see a big impact in reducing shooting and killing in the community.”
The conversation continued Wednesday at the City Club of Chicago where the group further delved into the topic at an event hosted by The Joyce Foundation in collaboration with WTTW.
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The sihek (also called Guam kingfisher or Micronesian kingfisher) has been extinct in the wild since 1988. (Michael Fitzsimmons / iStock)
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When you see a blue and orange bird like the one above, you might think it’s a native-to-Illinois belted kingfisher. However, the cute feathered friend is a distant cousin: It’s called a Guam kingfisher or a sihek (pronounced see-heck) and it’s been extinct in the wild since 1988. But now, thanks to the efforts of Brookfield Zoo and other conservationists, the population is slowly coming back. Brookfield currently has 21 siheks, which are among the 127 that exist in captivity, and nowhere else. Until now.
At the end of August, participants in the Sihek Recovery Program, of which Brookfield Zoo is a member, took the first small step toward one day bringing birds and birdsong back to Guam.
Here's what that means:
Nine siheks, including one from Brookfield, were flown to Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, a grouping of islets in the Pacific Ocean.
The birds will spend several weeks in aviaries while they acclimatize. Monitors will be watching for signs that the birds are able to hunt for food on their own before fully releasing them into the forest.
What happens next is anyone’s guess but only two other bird species have gone from “extinct in the wild” to “critically endangered” after reintroductions. So, a successful reintroduction would be close to miraculous.
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Former Ald. Carrie Austin (34th Ward) leaves the Dirksen Federal Courthouse on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. (WTTW News)
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Carrie Austin served for 29 years as an alderperson for what was then the 34th Ward on the Far South Side until she resigned last year. She was first indicted in June 2021 for allegedly taking bribes in the form of home improvements, including new kitchen cabinets and granite countertops from a developer and lying to federal agents.
However, it’s uncertain if the 75-year-old will ever face a jury: U.S. District Court Judge John F. Kness ordered Austin to undergo a physical examination by an expert doctor to determine whether she is too ill to stand trial, as her lawyers insist.
Some key background facts:
Austin has a long history of health issues, including heart disease, cancer and collapsing at a 2021 City Council meeting.
The first indication that Austin was under investigation came in 2019, when the FBI raided her ward office, hauling away boxes and files. Austin denied wrongdoing then.
Thirty-eight members of the City Council have been convicted of a crime since 1969.
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Back in the Day: September 12, 1984 - Bulls Sign Michael Jordan
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A commission of Michael Jordan by Studio Rotblatt Amrany. The 15-foot sculpture, titled “The Spirit,” stands inside the United Center. (Courtesy of the United Center)
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On June 19, 1984, the Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan with the third pick of the 1984 draft. Forty years ago today, Jordan visited Chicago to sign his rookie contract. The seven-year deal was guaranteed for five years and could be worth up to $6 million, making Jordan at the time the third highest-paid rookie in NBA history behind the Houston Rockets’ Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson. At the signing, Jordan told the media, "It's good to be in Chicago, an athletic city where all the teams are starting to win. If the Cubs, Bears and White Sox can do it, why not the Bulls?"
Nowadays, rookies in the NBA can make up to nearly $60 million on a four-year contract. We don’t need to tell you about the success Jordan had in Chicago: You already know what happened.
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With football season starting, where is your favorite place in the city to watch the Chicago Bears?
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Email DailyChicagoan@wttw.com with your responses and your answers might be published.
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Other News From Around Town:
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On the Artbeat with Marc Vitali
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Now that the presidential debate is in the rearview mirror, it’s time to hide your pets and have a concept of a plan for a weekend of culture. Here are five unimpeachable recommendations. Feel free to fact-check in real time.
“Edgar Miller: Anti-Modern” – Discover an amazing but little-known Chicago artist and maker. Edgar Miller was an endlessly creative polymath who flourished in mid-century Chicago. Opens today at DePaul University Art Museum.
“East Texas Hot Links” – The Tony Award-winning Court Theatre stages a suspenseful play set in a Texas café in the 1950s. Esteemed director Ron OJ Parson revisits his first Chicago production from 30 years ago. Opens this weekend.
Spoon River House Festival – Utterly unique presentation in a historic Hyde Park home. The house where Edgar Lee Masters wrote “Spoon River Anthology” plays host to cabaret, classical music, and poetic drama.
“Radical Craft” – A new show at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum features textiles, paintings, books and ceramics made by immigrant artists a century ago. Part of Art Design Chicago – a good indicator of a quality exhibition.
Queer Country Fest – To paraphrase an old slogan: “It’s here. It’s queer. Get used to it.” This inaugural festival of queer country music features The Kentucky Gentlemen, crooner Andrew Sa, and a tribute to pioneers Lavender Country.
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5:30 PM | 10:00 PM
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Newsletter Producer: Josh Terry
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