|
|
 |
|
Mayor Brandon Johnson addresses the news media on May 3, 2024. (WTTW News) |
|
Even as Mayor Brandon Johnson continued Tuesday to resist calls to ban teens from downtown after 8 p.m. following several violent incidents, the prohibition on teens in Millennium and Maggie Daley parks after 6 p.m. on weekends is set to enter its fourth summer.
Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward), who has regularly demanded that Johnson ban teens from downtown after 8 p.m. in recent years, renewed those calls after two high-profile shootings in Streeterville, a neighborhood popular with tourists and wealthy Chicagoans, in the past three weeks. The city’s curfew starts at 10 p.m. seven days a week and applies to everyone 17 years old and younger.
But banning teens from downtown after 8 p.m. would only shift the problem to other communities, rather than addressing the root cause of the problem, Johnson said Tuesday at a City Hall news conference.
What the mayor says:
“Working to relocate or displace the problem is not how we solve the problem,” Johnson said. “Of course, we’re going to continue to make sure that there are accountability mechanisms in place to keep people safe.”
“I haven’t really thought much about curfews to be honest with you, but I think I spend more time thinking about how we actually can invest in young people and create more healthy safe spaces for them to be able to, you know, exercise their hearts’ desires and do it in a constructive way,” Johnson said.
More context:
Between 1992 and 2022, the city’s curfew allowed teens to stay out until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and only covered those 16 and younger. Lightfoot’s changes, which Johnson has not moved to reverse, mean the curfew starts at 10 p.m. seven days a week and applies to everyone 17 years old and younger.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
A man received a shot in his arm (Renata Hamuda / iStock) |
|
Illinois’ public health funding is set to take a hit. State officials say the Trump administration is pulling back $477 million aimed at preventing infectious disease and treating mental health and substance abuse issues. The funding is part of roughly $1.8 billion the state is expecting to receive from the federal government but remains in limbo.
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced this week the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is taking back $125 million allocated to IDPH and 97 local health departments for infectious disease prevention. Another $324 million appropriated by Congress for “future use” in preventing and treating infectious disease also is being blocked.
What IDPH says:
“We knew that the federal government was looking at budgetary cuts,” Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. “However, this was funding that, although we got during the height of the pandemic, had received notices to be able to continue spending on critical issues to prepare for future emergencies, issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, with end dates spread between the end of fiscal year, July 2025, ‘26 and ‘27. We did not get any notice until last week that those extensions wouldn’t be honored.”
Vohra says the grants allow local health departments to work on a variety of areas including respiratory surveillance technological improvements and expanding laboratory capabilities. Both will be affected by the cuts. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(WTTW News) |
|
Warning notices are being issued at 16 new speed camera locations in the city starting Tuesday and through the end of this month, before fine citations are scheduled to begin. After the 30-day warning period without fines and a 14-day blackout period, citations will begin being issued to the registered owners of vehicles going over the speed limit by six miles per hour or more. Drivers traveling six to 10 mph over the speed limit will be fined $35. Those traveling 11 mph or more over the limit will be fined $100. Click here for the locations of the new cameras, which are installed near schools and parks. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Back in the Day: April 2, 1975 - Late-Season Snowstorm Shocks Chicago |
|
If there’s one rule about Chicago weather, it’s “don’t assume that just because it’s April, snow season is over.” On this day 50 years ago, 9.8 inches of snow rained down on the city, shocking commuters and residents. The north and northwest suburbs tallied totals higher than a foot. For that year, despite being later in the spring, the storm was the biggest snowfall of the season. What’s worse? It took until April 11 for the powder to fully melt. According to legendary weatherman Tom Skilling, “At least eight people died of heart attacks brought on by shoveling the slushy snow.” In an average season, Chicago can expect 38.4 inches of snow. Compared to the whopping 52.2 inches in 1975, this season has been light at 22.2 inches. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local Live Music Recommendations for Apr. 2-Apr. 8 |
|
Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see concerts from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.
Wednesday, April 2:
Astrid Sonne, Samba Jean-Baptiste at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
The Danish artist behind this newsletter producer’s favorite album of 2024 headlines the Ukrainian Village mainstay,
Thursday, April 3:
Macie Stewart, Honestly, Same at Constellation. Tickets.
The talented Chicago musician celebrates the release of her new album “When the Distance Is Blue.”
The Hard Quartet, Sharp Pins at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
Multiple generations of indie rock lifers team up in Pilsen.
Friday, April 4:
Daniel Lanois at Epiphany Center for the Arts. Tickets.
The iconic producer behind hits by U2 and Bob Dylan plays a rare ambient set in Chicago.
Saturday, April 5:
Lucky Cloud, Lake J, Shoulderbird at Schubas. Tickets.
A talented guitarist in bands like Minor Moon and Hannah Frances celebrates the release of his debut solo album.
Monday, April 7:
Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas at Thalia Hall. Tickets.
The legendary Ghanaian guitarist, composer, and producer Taylor is joined by the Ghanaian vocalist Thomas.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Baseball is back. The NHL, NBA, MLS, NWSL and college basketball are still playing too. What's your favorite Chicago sports memory? |
|
|
|
Email DailyChicagoan@wttw.com with your responses and your answers might be published.
|
|
|
|
 |
-
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon on the increase in requests for birth certificates and marriage licenses.
-
The latest on the Chicago Teachers Union's progress in passing their tentative contract agreement with CPS.
|
|
5:30 PM | 10:00 PM |
|
|
|
|
Want more WTTW News content? Follow WTTW on Instagram to check in with us daily, go behind-the-scenes, and more. |
|
Newsletter Producer: Josh Terry |
|
|
|
|
