The latest news from Springfield Watch covers a range of topics, including a Maine man being sentenced to life for murders and a shooting spree, while Tennessee passes a law allowing the death penalty for child rapists. Ripple effects from the border crisis in Rio are also impacting the United States, and deliberations in the Karen Read murder trial are 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 the national and world stage, 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.