Illinois sees surge in traffic deaths as pandemic trends evolve

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Good morning, Chicago —

Here's the latest news from around the area following the weekend.

Nationwide motor vehicle traffic fatalities reached a 20-year high during the first three months of 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and that trend has been even worse in Illinois, where there's been an estimated 24% jump in traffic deaths compared to 2021. Experts say the pandemic forces driving the surge aren't showing signs of slowing down soon, either. Manny Ramos has more on the spike in traffic deaths nationally and in our state.

In other news, our Michael Sneed has learned that "a petition for an ordinance rejecting any taxpayer financing of the new Bears stadium will be presented to the Arlington Heights Village Board" later today. Americans for Prosperity, a conservative group, will propose the ordinance ahead of the Bears' unveiling of conceptual plans for their stadium at a community meeting in two days. Read Sneed's latest column here.

And this fall, Illinois Republicans' 53-year string of political futility regarding the state Supreme Court could end if GOP candidates win two open seats that cover big swathes of suburban Chicago. Democrats still hold the advantage in those races, but the down-ballot elections hold enormous stakes for the state's laws on abortion, gun rights and labor rights should Republicans take control of the court. WBEZ's Dave McKinney reports on the critical races in the 2nd and 3rd Districts.

Get even more news below, and thanks for reading.

Satchel Price, assistant audience engagement editor

Illinois traffic deaths spike as pandemic trends lead to more roadway tragedies

Deaths on Illinois roads jumped by about 24% in the first quarter of this year compared to the same time last year. Experts say the pandemic forces driving a nationwide increase aren't showing signs of slowing down soon.

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Advocacy group aims to block any taxpayer-funded subsidies to bring Bears to Arlington Heights

SNEED EXCLUSIVE: Americans for Prosperity will propose an ordinance that prevents Arlington Heights from using any government subsidies to lure the Bears.

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