Hello there! The latest trailer for Joker 2 finally gives us a glimpse of Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, and today we’re here with what else you need to know.
1. Illinois saw a 110% increase in domestic violence deaths last year, sparking calls for the passage of Karina’s Bill.
The Illinois Coalition to Prevent Domestic Violence typically releases its annual report in October, but was so concerned by its findings that it decided to release its 2023 report several months early, reports Sophie Shelley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
The group said there were 94 domestic violence cases in 2023 resulting in 120 deaths.
“This increase makes it clear that we must step up our efforts to reduce preventable homicides in Illinois,” Vicki Smith, a former executive director and consultant for the coalition, told the Post. “If we’re seeing this much of an increase in just one year, what will the next few years hold?”
About half of those killed were the attacker’s intimate partners, others included relatives and children, and firearms were used in 68 percent of the killings.
Karina’s Bill, named after Karina Gonzalez, who was shot and killed just weeks after she called police about her husband’s threatening behavior, would require law enforcement to quickly confiscate firearms while enforcing a judge-ordered protective order. [Chicago Sun-Times]
2. Kamala Harris kicks off her reelection campaign in Wisconsin
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee spoke about affordable health care and child care, paid family leave, safety from gun violence and restoring reproductive freedom, my colleague Tina Sfondeles reports for the Chicago Sun-Times.
Many attendees who spoke to the Sun-Times hailed the historic significance of Harris potentially becoming the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead a presidential candidate.
“It was exciting before, but now it almost feels personal. It’s like my sister is running for president of the United States,” said Derrick Jenkins, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the “fraternal” organization of Harris’ Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
Last night’s rally came on the heels of her raising a record-breaking $81 million just 24 hours after announcing her candidacy. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is scheduled to speak about his decision not to seek reelection at 7pm tonight, and the speech will be broadcast live on 91.5 and WBEZ.org.
3. CPS is counting on hundreds of vacant positions to balance its budget.
Next year’s spending plan also includes $220 million in savings from filling vacancies, but as my colleague Sarah Karp reports for WBEZ, teachers unions and some parents say the proposal gives districts an incentive to leave seats open.
Carrie Glaspie told the station that after her grandson’s seventh-grade teacher retired, there was no replacement teacher and the classes became too easy, causing his academic performance to decline.
“We want to know if these savings are coming at the expense of our children’s education,” she said. “We want transparency about how schools are handling these vacancies. What options do schools like ours have? The decisions they’re making now will impact the learning environment for our children, so it’s important for everyone to know, especially parents and the community.”
The vacancy reductions have been in the budget since the 2017 fiscal crisis and were increased by $70 million this year. But CPS human resources chief Ben Felton said the district has never postponed hiring to cut costs and has no plans to do so in the future, adding that instead the demand for new employees is outstripping the supply of candidates. [WBEZ]
4. The Chicago area tornado record was broken earlier this month.
According to the National Weather Service, the 27 tornadoes on July 15 were the most ever recorded in a single storm in the Chicago area, and the record could grow as the weather service continues to assess storm damage and identify additional tornadoes.
Meteorologists blame the combination of warm, moist air near the surface and cooler air higher up — a so-called “ring of fire” — for the storm.
The storm downed thousands of trees, crushed parked cars and left thousands without power for days. [Chicago Sun-Times]
5. Things to watch out for at the Paris Summer Olympics starting this weekend
The Games will kick off on Friday with an opening ceremony on the Seine River, marking the first time the event will be held outside a stadium, NPR reports.
Competitions will also be held in the river, despite concerns about whether the sewage-polluted water is safe for swimming.
Katie Ledecky and Caleb Dressel are mainstays of the U.S. women’s and men’s swimming teams, respectively.
Away from the river, keep an eye on the return of gymnast Simone Biles, who withdrew from the 2020 Olympics.
And breaking, also known as “breakdancing,” will make its Olympic debut. [NPR]
What else is going on?
The Winter Olympics will return to Salt Lake City in 2034. [NPR Utah]A plane crashes shortly after takeoff in Nepal, killing 18 people. [AP]The man who attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump was also investigating the assassinations of other prominent figures, including President John F. Kennedy, the director of the FBI has revealed. [Washington Post]Will you be one of the thousands of Cook County property owners who will receive a tax refund? [Chicago Sun-Times]
Oh, and one more thing…
Looking for a retreat in or near the city? WBEZ contributor Zachary Nauth has compiled a list of 10 places where you can get into nature without leaving Chicago.
These places offer an escape from the noise and heat and include well-thought-out city parks and tree-lined hiking trails.
I am especially interested in visiting Palmisano Park in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago. I love spending time in city parks and visiting areas outside of my own neighborhood, and I have heard great things about “Mt. Bridgeport.” [WBEZ]
For more suggestions of things to do this summer, text “FUN” to 312312 to get weekly recommendations from our Summer Guide.
Please tell me something good…
Where do you go in town when you want to reset?
Ariane writes:
“When we need a change of pace in the summer, we head to Wilson Avenue Dog Beach. We don’t have dogs. We set up an awning on the hill overlooking the beach and watch the dogs play. It’s one of the happiest places on earth.”
Michael writes:
“The Art Institute of Chicago has the power to transport me to another time, place and perspective without the need for a train or plane ticket. I particularly love the Ando Gallery in the museum’s Asia Pavilion, an oasis of meditation that always brings me peace.”
And Antonia writes:
“There are wonderful forest preserves in Cook County and the surrounding county lines. It’s so relaxing to walk the trails and listen to the sounds of nature. In many places, you can forget about the traffic and sirens and just breathe.”
Feel free to email us and your response could be featured in this week’s newsletter.
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