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Ben Crump discusses hazing lawsuit against Northwestern Monday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:40:30 GMT

CHICAGO — The first lawsuit from prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump and other Chicago-based attorneys against Northwestern University in the midst of a hazing scandal has been filed on Monday. He along with Chicago-based attorneys Steven M. Levin and Margaret Battersby Black of Levin and Perconti were joined by former Northwestern football player Lloyd Yates at a Monday afternoon news conference to discuss this litigation against the university.This is the latest lawsuit among a few that have been filed in the wake of major hazing allegations against the football program that have been revealed over the past few weeks. Attorneys Patrick Salvi II & Parker Stinar have four different lawsuits filed against Northwestern along with others in the university - three football players and one member of the volleyball program. WGN News Now will provide live coverage of the news conference in downtown Chicago at 12:30 p.m. central time.

Man charged after driving through children's triathlon in Wauconda

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:40:30 GMT

WAUCONDA, Ill. — A man is facing charges after driving through a crowded children's thriathlon in north suburban Wauconda, according to police.Jack Hazen is charged with aggravated assault and reckless driving — and has had his vehicle seized by the Wauconda Police Department.The incident happened around 8:35 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Garland and Bonner Roads. Police said officers were blocking the intersection for the village's annual children's triathlon, when Hazen accelerated through the barricades, a marked squad vehicle with emergency lights and an officer yelling for him to stop. First lawsuit filed on behalf of female Northwestern University athlete as hazing scandal widens Hazen continued driving southbound, winding between traffic cones at a high-rate of speed, police said. He sped past another officer and was eventually stopped by officers at Garland Road and Winding Lane.Police said Hazen was taken into custody and charged accordingly. No one was injure...

Vice President Kamala Harris returns to Chicago, will speak at UnidosUS conference

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:40:30 GMT

CHICAGO — For the second time in as many weeks, Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit the city of Chicago.Harris' return to Chicago will see her deliver remarks on the final day of UnidosUS’ 2023 Annual Conference at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago. UnidosUS is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at Rainbow PUSH Coalition convention The Vice President will return to Chicago on Aug. 11 to speak at the Everytown for Gun Safety’s Gun Sense University 2023.Last Sunday, Harris spoke at The Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s Annual Convention. There, she welcomed the organization's next leader, Dallas-based Rev. Frederick Haynes, who was set to replace Rev. Jesse Jackson following his announcement that he would be stepping down from the Chicago-based civil rights group he founded more than 50 years ago.Read more: Latest Chicago news headlinesThe White House said the vis...

Search underway for suburban man missing after going for swim

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:40:30 GMT

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. -- Rescue efforts are underway after a Mount Prospect man went missing after jumping off a boat to take a swim in Lake Catherine. The 52-year-old man from Mount Prospect jumped off his son's pontoon boat Saturday to swim in Lake Catherine. He briefly resurfaced then went underwater and was not seen again. Woman in grave condition after house fire in Logan Square The water in the area is reported of being about 30 feet deep. Officials are using sonar scans of the lake to try to find him. WGN is actively following this incident and will update as more information is recovered.

Hammond to vote on proposal to close gas stations overnight to curb crime

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:40:30 GMT

HAMMOND, Ind. — The fate of a proposed ordinance in Hammond that would close gas stations overnight in an effort to combat violent crime will be decided Monday night.Backed by Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr., the ordinance would mandate the closure of any gas station in city limits between midnight and 5 a.m. Citing reoccurring crimes at gas stations late at night and early in the morning — carjackings, robberies, batteries, shootings, and homicide — McDermott said that he would support the City of Hammond Common Council proposal and would sign the ordinance into law if it is passed. MORE NORTHWEST INDIANA NEWS: Person struck and killed by hit-and-run driver on interstate in Northwest Indiana"My job as mayor is to ensure the public’s safety and this ordinance removes a place where, unfortunately, violent incidents continue to take place," the mayor said in a July 6 statement.The ordinance would allow any gas station to petition for an exception to the midnight t...

Ron Sexton, longtime member of 'The Bob & Tom Show' comedic radio program, has died

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:40:30 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS (WXIN) -- Ron Sexton, known as Donnie Baker on "The Bob & Tom Show," died Friday, show officials confirmed. The 52-year-old Indianapolis native and resident of Tampa, Florida, had been on tour with his stand-up comedy show in Ohio at the time of his death, the show said.Ron Sexton pictured in the show studio (The Bob & Tom Show)Sexton was known by millions of listeners for the comedic characters he played on air, including Donnie Baker, Kenny Tarmac Floyd the Trucker and his spot-on celebrity impersonations.His family released a statement about his passing in a Facebook post Saturday: "He was Donnie Baker to most of you, but Ron and Dad to us. Please respect our privacy at this time and pray for our family." Docs: ‘Bob & Tom’ comedian shot at after caught by husband while having affair in Indianapolis The show said in a statement on Facebook that Sexton was a longtime member of the ensemble cast. Ron was a much-loved colleague and friend, and we will miss ...

MedWatch Daily Digest: Watching TV as a kid linked to adult health issues

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:40:30 GMT

For Monday, July 24, WGN’s Dina Bair has the latest on new medical information, including: More Coverage: WGN's Medical Watch Statin for hear disease risk in HIV patients There is new hope for HIV patients who typically face double the risk of heart disease.  Scientists presented the findings of a Phase Three clinical trial to the International Aids Society in Australia this weekend. They say taking a statin could help the heart. Patients who took medication to lower high cholesterol were 35% less likely to suffer major heart complications, including heart attacks, heart failure and strokes. Pitavastatin was chosen for the HIV trial because it doesn't interact with anti-retroviral drugs. The drug is widely available and low cost. Watching TV as a kid linked to adult health issuesToo much TV time as a kid could lead to health problems as an adult. Researchers began tracking children in new zealand in 1973 and followed them until they turned 45. According to...

Community members address security concerns for street vendors

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:40:30 GMT

CHICAGO -- A presser is being held Monday morning with Alderman Sigcho-Lopez to address the community's growing security concerns for street vendors.Community members plan to discuss the challenges they face while running their businesses from crime to food licensing requirements. Over the past year, there have been a string of attacks on street vendors, some reporting they had been robbed at gunpoint multiple times.Street vendors are especially vulnerable because they work alone and usually only deal with cash. 16-year-old shot and killed over the weekend grandson of South Side pastor, activist Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot had suggested vendors go cashless to help diffuse the risk, but several vendors responded that it would not be feasible for them citing technological challenges as an obstacle. Aldermen and community leaders asked the 10th district police to step up patrol in early mornings. Volunteers also organized a citizen's patrol to provide more security. Food licensing a...

Man, 79, with dementia missing out of Irving Park, police say

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:40:30 GMT

CHICAGO — A man with dementia has been missing for more than 24 hours, according to an endangered missing person alert issued by Chicago police on Monday. SEE ALSO: Chicago police say missing West Ridge man was last seen April 17Carlos Fernandez, 79, was last seen leaving his home in the 3800 block of N. Sacramento Ave., around 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 23. The Hispanic male is 5'2", weighs 140 pounds, and has brown eyes and grey hair.According to police, Fernandez frequents the 2800-3000 block of W. Irving Park Rd. He is known to ride a bike loaded with trinkets. READ MORE: North Side teen missing since June 25Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or Chicago police at (312) 746-6554.

Chicago braces for summer's hottest weather

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:40:30 GMT

CHICAGO — Chicago could see the hottest weather of the summer this week. Tom Skilling reports heat indices could reach or exceed 100-degrees as steamy weather settles in. Tom Skilling: Hottest weather of the season on the way — and storms too The City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications is advising residents to be prepared for the hot weather.Cooling Centers Open in ChicagoThe city's six community service centers are activated. The are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all week. Englewood Center – 1140 W. 79th Street  Garfield Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave. (24 Hours) King Center – 4314 S. Cottage Grove  North Area Center – 845 W. Wilson Ave.  South Chicago Center – 8650 S. Commercial Ave.  Trina Davila Center – 4312 W. North Ave.  During hours of operation, residents can also find relief in one of the City’s Chicago Public Library locations and Chicago Park District fieldhouses as well as splash pads located throughout the city.Full forecast...