The latest updates from Springfield Watch bring news of a life sentence for a Maine man convicted of murders and a shooting spree, while Tennessee has passed a law allowing the death penalty for child rapists. The ripple effects of the border crisis in Rio are also being felt in the United States, and the Karen Read murder trial is ongoing.
In local news, Springfield’s approach to homeless issues is unlikely to change despite a Supreme Court ruling. Freelance workers now have new protections under a law that went into effect on July 1. The US Supreme Court has declined to review cases on Illinois’ assault weapons ban, and cities are now allowed to ban outdoor sleeping, which has sparked mixed reactions. Officials hope that a new apartment complex will boost the economy of downtown Springfield.
On a national level, a new book commemorates the women who influenced Theodore Roosevelt. NEA members are pushing for an Israel boycott at their annual meeting, ignoring education priorities. Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm, is closing in on Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and has already caused six deaths. The Biden White House staff has reached a record number with a $225 million payroll, and a shopping app called Temu’s alleged data collection practices have gained attention from states across the US.