A test for progressive prosecutors

Plus, the Jan. 6 panel will make its case to the public. Here's what you need to know today.

To view this email as a web page, click here. Today's Rundown is brought to you by WBEZ members and   by Hunter Clauss   Good afternoon, it’s Monday, And happy Pride Month to all those who celebrate. Here’s what you need to know today. 1. A recall election in San Francisco could be a bellwether for progressive prosecutors like Kim Foxx   Political observers this week will be closely watching the Tuesday recall election of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Critics say Boudin’s criminal justice reforms have jeopardized public safety at a time when San Francisco, like many cities, faces an increase in crime. Boudin and his supporters counter that San Francisco has not seen as big of a spike compared to similarly sized cities. Boudin has been seen as a leader in the national movement for criminal justice reforms, and some politicos say his recall election could have ramifications for like-minded prosecutors. But there are several reasons why this thinking is off the mark, says Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Foxx says Boudin is not campaigning against an opponent, which would provide voters with the opportunity to compare policies from the candidates.  And Foxx points to her own reelection two years ago as an indication that voters have not turned on criminal justice reforms. “We’ve seen so-called progressive prosecutors get reelected even in these challenging times of rising violence across the country,” Foxx said. [Chicago Sun-Times] That said, I have a hard time believing that if Boudin wins, progressives wouldn’t point to his victory as some sort of vindication.  2. At least 15 people were killed in mass shootings in the U.S. over the weekend   The nation suffered another violent weekend, with at least 15 people dead and more than 60 others wounded in eight states, reports NPR.  This latest string of gun violence comes amid a national debate over gun control following mass shootings at a supermarket in Buffalo, N.Y., and an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. [NPR] Over the weekend, key senators said a deal was within reach to toughen gun laws for the first time in a generation, reports The Washington Post.  But the deal, when in hand, will likely fall short of President Joe Biden’s call for expanding background checks and banning assault weapons. [WaPo] In Chicago, six people were killed and 27 other wounds in shootings over the weekend. A police officer was also seriously wounded in a shooting during a traffic stop in the city’s Englewood neighborhood. [Chicago Sun-Times] 3. The Jan. 6 panel will begin holding primetime hearings this week   Lawmakers on the select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol will present their case to the public almost a year since the House formed the panel. After conducting more than 1,000 interviews and reviewing more than 100,000 documents, the committee will hold televised prime-time hearings beginning on Thursday at 7 p.m. CT. WBEZ will provide live coverage of the hearing. It remains to be seen what new information the committee will present and whether it will be enough to break through a wall of disinformation that some of former President Donald Trump’s supporters have built to dismiss the attack. [AP] As the committee prepares for its hearings, more information surrounding the insurrection is coming to light. The New York Times reports that aides to then-Vice President Mike Pence saw the potential for danger and warned the Secret Service. [NYT] 4. Lightfoot will formally announce she will run for reelection   Mayor Lori Lightfoot is expected to make her reelection campaign official on Wednesday.  She will appear with a handful of Black City Council members representing areas of the West Side, which underscores “deep divisions among African-American elected officials,” reports veteran Sun-Times reporter Fran Spielman.  “No matter how many alderpersons stand with Lightfoot, it will be fewer than half of the 20 African Americans now serving in the City Council,” Spielman reports. “Many of the South Siders are expected to support one of their own: Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th) or Ald. Sophia King (4th), who is mulling a mayoral campaign of her own.” With Lightfoot’s formal announcement, the mayoral race will include four Black candidates, including state Rep. Kam Buckner and millionaire businessman Willie Wilson. [Chicago Sun-Times] 5. Top Gun: Maverick has a shot at making $1 billion at the box office   And if that happens, it would be the first film starring Tom Cruise to reach that benchmark in the actor’s 40-year career, reports The Hollywood Reporter. The film is estimated to rake in more than $900 million globally, sources told the Reporter. The sequel is already Cruise’s highest-grossing film in the U.S., not adjusted for inflation. War of the Worlds previously held that title, collecting more than $240 million. Worldwide, his biggest film is Mission: Impossible — Fallout, which made $791 million. [THR] SPONSORED BY UNITED WAY OF METRO CHICAGO Juneteenth Virtual Storytelling Event Join United Way of Metro Chicago as we celebrate community voices and stories this Juneteenth on Friday, June 17 at 8:30 a.m. Moderated by social justice artist and creator of the Folded Map Project Tonika Lewis Johnson, this free virtual event will feature Chicago-area community leaders of small, local nonprofits sharing their stories of driving positive change in historically disinvested neighborhoods. We invite you to join us for what is sure to be a moving and thoughtful conversation. Visit us online to learn more and RSVP today. Here's what else is happening An attempt to fire four Chicago police officers marks a significant departure from the city’s historically feeble police accountability apparatus. [WBEZ] A federal judge today cleared the way for the potential trial of  Chicago Ald. Edward Burke. [Chicago Sun-Times] Environmental activists warn large coal ash repositories from a Waukegan plant could lead to toxic spills and groundwater contamination. [WBEZ] Lake Michigan’s levels are dropping, showing how much repair work is needed to restore Chicago’s eroded beaches. [Chicago Tribune] Oh, and one more thing... The fate of Roe v. Wade could be revealed any day now as the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether to overturn the landmark decision establishing a constitutional right to abortions. And my colleague Kristen Schorsch wants to talk to people whose lives would be directly impacted if Roe is overturned. She also wants to hear from Illinois residents helping people from out of state connect with abortion services. You can find a survey in the link, and your name would not be used in future reports without being contacted first. [WBEZ] Tell me something good I’m thinking of taking a little weekend vacation, and I wanted to know if you had any recommendations for places that aren’t terribly far and perfect for a quick getaway from the city. I’ve got a soft spot for Lake Geneva. My sister and brother-in-law got married up there, and it’s also the birthplace of Dungeons & Dragons. I’m reading a history of the role-playing game and learned that Lake Geneva at one point was home to a Playboy club.   Feel free to email or tweet me, and your response might be shared in the newsletter this week. therundown@wbez.org | @whuntah Thanks for reading and have a nice night! I'll see you tomorrow.  — Hunter Clauss P.S. Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up to receive The Rundown in your inbox. VIEW OUR BROADCAST SCHEDULE ©Chicago Public Media Inc 848 East Grand Ave, Navy Pier Chicago, IL 60611 Please do not reply to this email. If you need assistance, you may contact us here. 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