US President Donald Trump has now announced that he will be sending federal troops to more cities amid the black lives matter protest. Watch report.

Trump to send federal troops to Chicago amid BLM protests

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler joined large crowds of protesters near the Justice Center in Portland Wednesday night.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Joins BLM protests

US President Donald Trump has now announced that he will be sending federal troops to more cities amid the black lives matter protest

Trump to deploy hundreds of federal troops to Chicago to quell BLM protests

Fourteen people were injured after gunfire erupted outside a funeral home on Chicago’s South Side, police officials said Tuesday.

One person was in custody and additional suspects were being sought after the operation was done with.

Mourners outside a funeral home were fired upon from a passing SUV, police said, and several targets of the shooting returned fire. The SUV later crashed and the occupants fled in several directions. One person of interest has been taken into custody.

All the victims were adults, and were taken by the Chicago Fire Department to nearby hospitals in serious condition.

At least 60 shell casings were found at the scene of the shooting. It wasn’t immediately known if anyone other than attendees of the funeral were victims, nor if anyone in the SUV had been wounded.

The shooting comes as the Department of Homeland Security is planning to deploy dozens of federal agents to Chicago to deal with an uptick in violent crime in the city.

The Trump administration had earlier sent federal officers to Portland, Oregon, after weeks of protests there over police brutality and racial injustice that followed the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Trump has framed such protests in the nation’s large cities as a failure by “liberal Democrats” who run them, praised the officers’ actions and said he was looking to send agents to other cities.

(with inputs from agencies)

Fourteen people were injured after gunfire erupted outside a funeral home on Chicago’s South Side, police officials said Tuesday. One person was in custody and additional suspects were being sought after the operation was done with.

Fourteen people were injured after gunfire erupted outside a funeral home on Chicago’s South Side, police officials said Tuesday. One person was in custody and additional suspects were being sought after the operation was done with. Mourners outside a funeral home were fired upon from a passing SUV, police said, and several targets of the shooting returned fire. The SUV later crashed and the occupants fled in several directions. One person of interest has been taken into custody. All the victims were adults, and were taken by the Chicago Fire Department to nearby hospitals in serious condition. At least 60 shell casings were found at the scene of the shooting. It wasn’t immediately known if anyone other than attendees of the funeral were victims, nor if anyone in the SUV had been wounded. The shooting comes as the Department of Homeland Security is planning to deploy dozens of federal agents to Chicago to deal with an uptick in violent crime in the city. The Trump administration had earlier sent federal officers to Portland, Oregon, after weeks of protests there over police brutality and racial injustice that followed the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Trump has framed such protests in the nation’s large cities as a failure by “liberal Democrats” who run them, praised the officers’ actions and said he was looking to send agents to other cities. (with inputs from agencies)

Fourteen injured after shooting outside Chicago funeral home

The Chicago Pride Parade that traditionally happens the last Sunday in June was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thousand participates in march for Pride parade in Chicago

A wearable device the size of a postage stamp is being tested by researchers at Northwestern University and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab as a way to monitor and catch early signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

Small wearable device monitors virus symptoms

While Chicago's Shedd Aquarium is closed to the public due to coronavirus quarantine, animal care staff and veterinarians are onsite 24/7.

Penguins' field trip at Chicago Aquarium

In a horrific incident in the US, a girl of Indian-origin was brutally murdered after being raped on a university campus where she was pursuing her studies in medicine

The 19-year-old girl was raped in a car garage on the campus of the University of Illinois.&nbsp;

A 26-year-old man by the name of Donald Thurman has been arrested in connection with the case. The man has confessed to the rape and murder.

Thurman was previously sentenced to 6 years in prison for robbery and was let off on parole last year. The victim's family originally belongs to Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Campus police chief Kevin booker said that the victim's family contacted them after not hearing from her since Friday evening.&nbsp;

Victim's phone was tracked to the parking garage, where her body was found in the car. An investigation into the case is still ongoing.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, chancellor of the university expressed condolences in a written statement. He said that the girl was a talented Kinesiology student with dreams and aspirations to become a health professional and help others. UIC senior Parind Petiwale said that students are scared to go outside.

In a horrific incident in the US, a girl of Indian-origin was brutally murdered after being raped on a university campus where she was pursuing her studies in medicine The 19-year-old girl was raped in a car garage on the campus of the University of Illinois.

In a horrific incident in the US, a girl of Indian-origin was brutally murdered after being raped on a university campus where she was pursuing her studies in medicine The 19-year-old girl was raped in a car garage on the campus of the University of Illinois. A 26-year-old man by the name of Donald Thurman has been arrested in connection with the case. The man has confessed to the rape and murder. Thurman was previously sentenced to 6 years in prison for robbery and was let off on parole last year. The victim's family originally belongs to Hyderabad. Campus police chief Kevin booker said that the victim's family contacted them after not hearing from her since Friday evening. Victim's phone was tracked to the parking garage, where her body was found in the car. An investigation into the case is still ongoing. Meanwhile, chancellor of the university expressed condolences in a written statement. He said that the girl was a talented Kinesiology student with dreams and aspirations to become a health professional and help others. UIC senior Parind Petiwale said that students are scared to go outside.

US: 19-year-old Hyderabad  girl raped and murdered in Chicago

70% of U.S to experience record-breaking temperatures. Over 1, 000 flights cancelled at Chicago.

Your Story: 70% of U.S to experience record-breaking temperatures

More than 32,500 teachers and other staff walked off the job Thursday in Chicago, cancelling classes for 300,000 students in nation's third-largest school district.

At the heart of the dispute is class sizes and resources rather than pay, with teachers saying they want more social workers, nurses and librarians for their students.

And they want a three-year contract instead of being locked into the current offer of a five-year deal.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she was disappointed the Chicago Teachers Union walked out despite the city's offer of what she called a "historic package."

The union had already spent a month negotiating with the mayor's team without an agreement, leading to the first teachers strike in the city since 2012.

One teacher on the South Side said having a nurse at school only one day a week was dangerous.

"Every school should have a nurse five days a week," said the teacher who asked to remain anonymous.

"Not having a nurse is dangerous for kids with asthma and other conditions."

Kathe Myers, who has been teaching in the third-largest US city for 24 years, said teachers did not have the expertise to take on more than one role.

"Our kids are traumatised. It's no secret that this is a violent city. So they bring all of that to school with them and we try to deal with that, but we aren't the experts in those fields," she added.

"Trying to do that and teach a full class is almost impossible."

Lightfoot has acknowledged schools need support staff, but the union wants to get an agreement in writing.

Teachers also say they are concerned about the lack of preparation time they get for writing lesson plans, grading assignments and administrative work.

The Chicago Public Schools district, which had been dealing with a budget crisis, was recently buoyed by significant new state funding of $1.9 billion.

The union says the cash has resolved the district's structural deficit, but the district says it is still carrying $8.4 billion in long-term debt and is forced to borrow to meet day-to-day obligations.

Lightfoot told a news conference she hoped for a short strike but had to keep the city's taxpayers in mind.

"We don't have unlimited resources," she said, and called the city's offer a "fair and generous compensation package." &nbsp;

The union said negotiations continued Thursday as members demonstrated outside schools and downtown.

Lightfoot said that while there would be no lessons, schools would be open during the action and staffed by non-union personnel.

More than 32,500 teachers and other staff walked off the job Thursday in Chicago, cancelling classes for 300,000 students in nation's third-largest school district.

More than 32,500 teachers and other staff walked off the job Thursday in Chicago, cancelling classes for 300,000 students in nation's third-largest school district. At the heart of the dispute is class sizes and resources rather than pay, with teachers saying they want more social workers, nurses and librarians for their students. And they want a three-year contract instead of being locked into the current offer of a five-year deal. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she was disappointed the Chicago Teachers Union walked out despite the city's offer of what she called a "historic package." The union had already spent a month negotiating with the mayor's team without an agreement, leading to the first teachers strike in the city since 2012. One teacher on the South Side said having a nurse at school only one day a week was dangerous. "Every school should have a nurse five days a week," said the teacher who asked to remain anonymous. "Not having a nurse is dangerous for kids with asthma and other conditions." Kathe Myers, who has been teaching in the third-largest US city for 24 years, said teachers did not have the expertise to take on more than one role. "Our kids are traumatised. It's no secret that this is a violent city. So they bring all of that to school with them and we try to deal with that, but we aren't the experts in those fields," she added. "Trying to do that and teach a full class is almost impossible." Lightfoot has acknowledged schools need support staff, but the union wants to get an agreement in writing. Teachers also say they are concerned about the lack of preparation time they get for writing lesson plans, grading assignments and administrative work. The Chicago Public Schools district, which had been dealing with a budget crisis, was recently buoyed by significant new state funding of $1.9 billion. The union says the cash has resolved the district's structural deficit, but the district says it is still carrying $8.4 billion in long-term debt and is forced to borrow to meet day-to-day obligations. Lightfoot told a news conference she hoped for a short strike but had to keep the city's taxpayers in mind. "We don't have unlimited resources," she said, and called the city's offer a "fair and generous compensation package." The union said negotiations continued Thursday as members demonstrated outside schools and downtown. Lightfoot said that while there would be no lessons, schools would be open during the action and staffed by non-union personnel.

School out for 300,000 Chicago students as teachers strike

American boxer Patrick Day died on Wednesday in Chicago as a result of the traumatic brain injury he suffered during his fight on Saturday, where he was knocked out by Charles Conwell in the 10th round.

Day, 27, had been in a coma for four days following his defeat and, despite having emergency brain surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, doctors were unable to save the junior middleweight.

"Patrick Day passed away today, October 16, 2019, succumbing to the traumatic brain injury he suffered in his fight this past Saturday, October 12, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL," his promoter Lou DiBella said in a statement

"He was surrounded by his family, close friends and members of his boxing team, including his mentor, friend and trainer Joe Higgins."

"On behalf of Patrick's family, team, and those closest to him, we are grateful for the prayers, expressions of support and outpouring of love for Pat that have been so obvious since his injury."

Day was rushed to the hospital on a stretcher after Conwell landed a flurry of punches that left him motionless on the canvas.

Before turning professional, Day was a highly decorated amateur who won two nationals titles.

He turned pro in 2013 and became a world-rated super welterweight contender, capturing the WBC Continental Americas championship in 2017 and the IBF Intercontinental championship in 2019. In June he was rated in the top-10 by both the WBC and IBF.

Day's death comes after 23-year-old Argentine super lightweight Hugo Santillan died in July from injuries suffered in the ring and 28-year-old Russian Maxim Dadashev passed away two days earlier from brain injuries during his fight.

"It becomes very difficult to explain away or justify the dangers of boxing at a time like this," DiBella said.

"This is not a time where edicts or pronouncements are appropriate, or the answers are readily available. It is, however, a time for a call to action.

"While we don't have the answers, we certainly know many of the questions, have the means to answer them and have the opportunity to respond responsibly and accordingly and make boxing safer for all who participate.

"This is a way we can honour the legacy of Pat Day. Many people live much longer than Patrick's 27 years, wondering if they made a difference or positively affected their world. This was not the case for Patrick Day when he left us.

"Rest in peace and power, Pat, with the angels."

American boxer Patrick Day died on Wednesday in Chicago as a result of the traumatic brain injury he suffered during his fight on Saturday, where he was knocked out by Charles Conwell in the 10th round.

American boxer Patrick Day died on Wednesday in Chicago as a result of the traumatic brain injury he suffered during his fight on Saturday, where he was knocked out by Charles Conwell in the 10th round. Day, 27, had been in a coma for four days following his defeat and, despite having emergency brain surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, doctors were unable to save the junior middleweight. "Patrick Day passed away today, October 16, 2019, succumbing to the traumatic brain injury he suffered in his fight this past Saturday, October 12, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL," his promoter Lou DiBella said in a statement "He was surrounded by his family, close friends and members of his boxing team, including his mentor, friend and trainer Joe Higgins." "On behalf of Patrick's family, team, and those closest to him, we are grateful for the prayers, expressions of support and outpouring of love for Pat that have been so obvious since his injury." Day was rushed to the hospital on a stretcher after Conwell landed a flurry of punches that left him motionless on the canvas. Before turning professional, Day was a highly decorated amateur who won two nationals titles. He turned pro in 2013 and became a world-rated super welterweight contender, capturing the WBC Continental Americas championship in 2017 and the IBF Intercontinental championship in 2019. In June he was rated in the top-10 by both the WBC and IBF. Day's death comes after 23-year-old Argentine super lightweight Hugo Santillan died in July from injuries suffered in the ring and 28-year-old Russian Maxim Dadashev passed away two days earlier from brain injuries during his fight. "It becomes very difficult to explain away or justify the dangers of boxing at a time like this," DiBella said. "This is not a time where edicts or pronouncements are appropriate, or the answers are readily available. It is, however, a time for a call to action. "While we don't have the answers, we certainly know many of the questions, have the means to answer them and have the opportunity to respond responsibly and accordingly and make boxing safer for all who participate. "This is a way we can honour the legacy of Pat Day. Many people live much longer than Patrick's 27 years, wondering if they made a difference or positively affected their world. This was not the case for Patrick Day when he left us. "Rest in peace and power, Pat, with the angels."

American boxer Patrick Day dies following brutal knockout

American boxer Patrick Day was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-fighter-patrick-day-in-coma-after-vicious-knockout-report-255589">fighting for his life</a> in critical condition in hospital on Sunday night after lapsing into a coma following a vicious knockout by Charles Conwell the night before.

The 27-year-old Day suffered a "traumatic injury" and underwent emergency brain surgery Saturday night after being knocked out by Conwell in a super welterweight bout on the card at Chicago's Winstrust Arena.

"Patrick is in a coma caused by the injury and is in extremely critical condition," said fight promoter Lou DiBella. "We appreciate the outpouring of support, prayers and offers of assistance from all corners of the boxing community."

Day is in intensive care in Northwestern Memorial hospital. No specific details of Day's injuries were provided by the promoter.

Conwell asked his social media followers to pray for Day's recovery. "Keep him in your prayers!! #prayforpatrickday," he wrote on his Twitter page.&nbsp;

"Pat Day makes any room he is in a better place. Never saw him greet someone without a big smile," DiBella wrote on Twitter. "Life doesn't seem fair sometimes. Please keep Pat in your prayers, thoughts and hearts."

Day was unconscious when he was taken from the ring in a stretcher and loaded onto a waiting ambulance. He suffered a seizure in the ambulance and needed a breathing tube once he arrived at the hospital.

Conwell, a 2016 American Olympian, was dominating the fight dropping Day in the fourth and eighth rounds and then landing a right hand in the 10th which caused Day to stumble.&nbsp;

Seconds later he rocked Day with a massive left hook that resulted in Day falling backwards and his head bouncing off the canvas. Referee Celestino Ruiz called off the fight at one minute, 46 seconds of the round.

Day lay on the canvas for several minutes while receiving medical treatment before being removed from the ring.&nbsp;

Day was coming off a loss in June to Carlos Adames in New York. He has 17 wins and four losses and one draw in his pro career which began in 2013.

Day was fighting on the undercard of Russian Dmitry Bivol's successful World Boxing Association light-heavyweight world title defence over Lenin Castillo.

American boxer Patrick Day was fighting for his life in critical condition in hospital on Sunday night after lapsing into a coma following a vicious knockout by Charles Conwell the night before.

American boxer Patrick Day was fighting for his life in critical condition in hospital on Sunday night after lapsing into a coma following a vicious knockout by Charles Conwell the night before. The 27-year-old Day suffered a "traumatic injury" and underwent emergency brain surgery Saturday night after being knocked out by Conwell in a super welterweight bout on the card at Chicago's Winstrust Arena. "Patrick is in a coma caused by the injury and is in extremely critical condition," said fight promoter Lou DiBella. "We appreciate the outpouring of support, prayers and offers of assistance from all corners of the boxing community." Day is in intensive care in Northwestern Memorial hospital. No specific details of Day's injuries were provided by the promoter. Conwell asked his social media followers to pray for Day's recovery. "Keep him in your prayers!! #prayforpatrickday," he wrote on his Twitter page. "Pat Day makes any room he is in a better place. Never saw him greet someone without a big smile," DiBella wrote on Twitter. "Life doesn't seem fair sometimes. Please keep Pat in your prayers, thoughts and hearts." Day was unconscious when he was taken from the ring in a stretcher and loaded onto a waiting ambulance. He suffered a seizure in the ambulance and needed a breathing tube once he arrived at the hospital. Conwell, a 2016 American Olympian, was dominating the fight dropping Day in the fourth and eighth rounds and then landing a right hand in the 10th which caused Day to stumble. Seconds later he rocked Day with a massive left hook that resulted in Day falling backwards and his head bouncing off the canvas. Referee Celestino Ruiz called off the fight at one minute, 46 seconds of the round. Day lay on the canvas for several minutes while receiving medical treatment before being removed from the ring. Day was coming off a loss in June to Carlos Adames in New York. He has 17 wins and four losses and one draw in his pro career which began in 2013. Day was fighting on the undercard of Russian Dmitry Bivol's successful World Boxing Association light-heavyweight world title defence over Lenin Castillo.

US boxer Patrick Day 'extremely critical' after devastating knockout

American Patrick Day was in a coma after suffering a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-fighter-patrick-day-hospitalized-after-big-knockout-by-charles-conwell-255546">serious head injury</a> Saturday night following a vicious knockout by unbeaten Charles Conwell during a boxing card in Chicago, US media reported.

The 27-year-old Day was unconscious when he was taken from the ring in a stretcher and loaded onto a waiting ambulance at the Wintrust Arena. Fight broadcaster DAZN said Day suffered a seizure in the ambulance and needed a breathing tube once he arrived at the hospital.

US sports broadcaster ESPN reported that Day had emergency brain surgery and went into a coma, but did not say whether he fell into the coma or it was induced by the doctors.&nbsp;

No details of the head injury were given and the promoter, Matchroom Boxing, did not issue a statement on Saturday night other than to say Day was transported to a local hospital.

"Please pray for Pat!! Come home safe!," Conwell wrote on his social media Twitter account following the fight.

Conwell, a 2016 American Olympian, was dominating the super welterweight fight dropping Day in the fourth and eighth rounds and then landed a right hand in the 10th which caused Day to stumble.&nbsp;

Seconds later he rocked Day with a massive left hook that resulted in Day falling backwards and his head bouncing off the canvas. Referee Celestino Ruiz called off the fight at one minute, 46 seconds of the round.

Day lay on the canvas for several minutes while receiving medical treatment before being removed from the ring.&nbsp;

Day was coming off a loss in June to Carlos Adames in New York. He has 17 wins and four losses and one draw in his pro career which began in 2013.

Day was fighting on the undercard of Russian Dmitry Bivol's World Boxing Association light-heavyweight world title defence against Lenin Castillo.

American Patrick Day was in a coma after suffering a serious head injury Saturday night following a vicious knockout by unbeaten Charles Conwell during a boxing card in Chicago, US media reported.

American Patrick Day was in a coma after suffering a serious head injury Saturday night following a vicious knockout by unbeaten Charles Conwell during a boxing card in Chicago, US media reported. The 27-year-old Day was unconscious when he was taken from the ring in a stretcher and loaded onto a waiting ambulance at the Wintrust Arena. Fight broadcaster DAZN said Day suffered a seizure in the ambulance and needed a breathing tube once he arrived at the hospital. US sports broadcaster ESPN reported that Day had emergency brain surgery and went into a coma, but did not say whether he fell into the coma or it was induced by the doctors. No details of the head injury were given and the promoter, Matchroom Boxing, did not issue a statement on Saturday night other than to say Day was transported to a local hospital. "Please pray for Pat!! Come home safe!," Conwell wrote on his social media Twitter account following the fight. Conwell, a 2016 American Olympian, was dominating the super welterweight fight dropping Day in the fourth and eighth rounds and then landed a right hand in the 10th which caused Day to stumble. Seconds later he rocked Day with a massive left hook that resulted in Day falling backwards and his head bouncing off the canvas. Referee Celestino Ruiz called off the fight at one minute, 46 seconds of the round. Day lay on the canvas for several minutes while receiving medical treatment before being removed from the ring. Day was coming off a loss in June to Carlos Adames in New York. He has 17 wins and four losses and one draw in his pro career which began in 2013. Day was fighting on the undercard of Russian Dmitry Bivol's World Boxing Association light-heavyweight world title defence against Lenin Castillo.

US fighter Patrick Day in coma after vicious knockout: Report

Rapper Kanye West is all set to take his Sunday Service to his home town, Chicago. West is scheduled to bring his choir and band to Chicago on September 8. 
 
Previous Sunday Services performances back in April consisted of rousing medleys of spirituals and re-worked West originals, including 'Ultralight Beam,'&nbsp;&nbsp;which has been a standard in his setlist since he began hosting Sunday Service earlier this year. 
 
It will be the first concert of the rapper since the announcement of his upcoming album&nbsp;'Jesus Is King'&nbsp;which will be released on September 27.

According to the tracklist shared by his wife Kim Kardashian on social media, the album will feature material he's performed and debuted during past Sunday Services. 
 
The Chicago service, which is scheduled to begin at 9am CST, will take place at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island.

Rapper Kanye West is all set to take his Sunday Service to his home town, Chicago. West is scheduled to bring his choir and band to Chicago on September 8. Previous Sunday Services performances back in April consisted of rousing medleys of spirituals and re-worked West originals, including 'Ultralight Beam,' which has been a standard in his setlist since he began hosting Sunday Service earlier this year.

Rapper Kanye West is all set to take his Sunday Service to his home town, Chicago. West is scheduled to bring his choir and band to Chicago on September 8. Previous Sunday Services performances back in April consisted of rousing medleys of spirituals and re-worked West originals, including 'Ultralight Beam,' which has been a standard in his setlist since he began hosting Sunday Service earlier this year. It will be the first concert of the rapper since the announcement of his upcoming album 'Jesus Is King' which will be released on September 27. According to the tracklist shared by his wife Kim Kardashian on social media, the album will feature material he's performed and debuted during past Sunday Services. The Chicago service, which is scheduled to begin at 9am CST, will take place at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island.

Rapper Kanye West taking sunday service to Chicago

Two southern sea otter pups rescued last month off the coast of Monterey Bay, California, were introduced to the media on Thursday at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium. The male pups - known as 870 and 872 until they're named - are not biologically related.

Rescued otter pups debut at Chicago aquarium

The remains of a teenage mother who was pregnant with another child on the way were discovered at a home in southwest Chicago, officials confirmed on Wednesday, and her unborn child was ripped from her womb.&nbsp;

Chicago police say several people have been taken into custody following the discovery Wednesday of the remains of a missing pregnant teen&nbsp;mother at a home on the southwest side of the city.

Her body was discovered with her unborn child reportedly ripped from her womb.

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She was purportedly lured to a home under the pretence that she was picking up clothes for her unborn child, a local CBS station reported.

She had been strangled and left in a trash can.

The baby was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

The remains of a teenage mother who was pregnant with another child on the way were discovered at a home in southwest Chicago, officials confirmed on Wednesday, and her unborn child was ripped from her womb.

The remains of a teenage mother who was pregnant with another child on the way were discovered at a home in southwest Chicago, officials confirmed on Wednesday, and her unborn child was ripped from her womb. Chicago police say several people have been taken into custody following the discovery Wednesday of the remains of a missing pregnant teen mother at a home on the southwest side of the city. Her body was discovered with her unborn child reportedly ripped from her womb. × She was purportedly lured to a home under the pretence that she was picking up clothes for her unborn child, a local CBS station reported. She had been strangled and left in a trash can. The baby was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Brutal murder shocks Chicago, teen mom's baby cut from womb

Murder charges have been filed on a woman and her daughter against the death of a pregnant Chicago woman whose baby was cut from her womb. Watch this video to know more.

Brutal murder shocks Chicago, Baby was cut from womb

Uber and Lyft drivers in New York and Chicago participated in a series of multi-city strikes on Wednesday to protest the disparity between gig-economy conditions and the sums that investors are likely to make in Friday's blockbuster stock market debut of Uber. Watch this video to know more.

WION Wallet: Uber, Lyft drivers hold protest

Chicago will sue actor Jussie Smollett for the costs of police overtime spent investigating his claims that he was the victim of a hate crime, which prosecutors say were false, a city lawyer said on Thursday. 
 
The lawsuit was being prepared after Smollett, 36, refused a demand by the city for $130,000, said Bill McCaffrey, a spokesman for the city`s Department of Law. 
 
"Mr. Smollett has refused to reimburse the City of Chicago for the cost of police overtime spent investigating his false police report on January 29, 2019, McCaffrey said. "The Law Department is now drafting a civil complaint that will be filed in the Circuit Court of Cook Country."&nbsp; 
 
Smollett, who is black and gay, touched off a social media fire storm by telling police on Jan. 29 that two apparent supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump struck him, put a noose around his neck and poured bleach over him.&nbsp; 
 
But the actor, best known for his role as a gay musician on the Fox Television hip-hop drama “Empire,” was charged in February with staging the incident himself and filing a false police report.&nbsp; 
 
Last week prosecutors dropped all charges against Smollett, infuriating police and outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The case file was sealed by a Chicago judge, which critics suggested was evidence of a cover-up. 
 
The actor`s criminal defense attorney, Mark Geragos, could not be reached for comment. 
 
On Monday, some 300 people, including off-duty Chicago police officers, took to the streets to protest, calling on Cook County State`s Attorney Kim Foxx to resign over her handling of the case. 
 
Foxx, who recused herself from the case before charges were filed, citing conversations she had with one of his relatives, has defended her actions and those of her prosecutors. 
 
Smollett was written out of the final two episodes of 'Empire'&nbsp;this season after he was charged with staging the hate crime. Fox executives have not said if he will return should the show be renewed for another year.

Chicago will sue actor Jussie Smollett for the costs of police overtime spent investigating his claims that he was the victim of a hate crime, which prosecutors say were false, a city lawyer said on Thursday.

Chicago will sue actor Jussie Smollett for the costs of police overtime spent investigating his claims that he was the victim of a hate crime, which prosecutors say were false, a city lawyer said on Thursday. The lawsuit was being prepared after Smollett, 36, refused a demand by the city for $130,000, said Bill McCaffrey, a spokesman for the city`s Department of Law. "Mr. Smollett has refused to reimburse the City of Chicago for the cost of police overtime spent investigating his false police report on January 29, 2019, McCaffrey said. "The Law Department is now drafting a civil complaint that will be filed in the Circuit Court of Cook Country." Smollett, who is black and gay, touched off a social media fire storm by telling police on Jan. 29 that two apparent supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump struck him, put a noose around his neck and poured bleach over him. But the actor, best known for his role as a gay musician on the Fox Television hip-hop drama “Empire,” was charged in February with staging the incident himself and filing a false police report. Last week prosecutors dropped all charges against Smollett, infuriating police and outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The case file was sealed by a Chicago judge, which critics suggested was evidence of a cover-up. The actor`s criminal defense attorney, Mark Geragos, could not be reached for comment. On Monday, some 300 people, including off-duty Chicago police officers, took to the streets to protest, calling on Cook County State`s Attorney Kim Foxx to resign over her handling of the case. Foxx, who recused herself from the case before charges were filed, citing conversations she had with one of his relatives, has defended her actions and those of her prosecutors. Smollett was written out of the final two episodes of 'Empire' this season after he was charged with staging the hate crime. Fox executives have not said if he will return should the show be renewed for another year.

Chicago will sue actor Jussie Smollett after he refuses to pay for police overtime

Chicago on Tuesday elected a black gay woman as its mayor and becomes the biggest city in the US to do so.

Lori Lightfoot will be the first openly gay mayor as well as the first African America woman to hold the post.&nbsp;

"We were up against powerful interests," Lightfoot said in a victory speech, with her wife and young daughter by her side.&nbsp;

"Today, you did more than make history, you created a movement for change," she told a cheering crowd.&nbsp;

The 56-year-old formal federal prosecutor and practising lawyer won the Midwestern city's mayoral race in a one-sided victory. She was standing against Toni Preckwinkle, also a black and won by a huge margin of 74 to 26 per cent with most ballots counted.&nbsp;

Chicago on Tuesday elected a black gay woman as its mayor and becomes the biggest city in the US to do so. Lori Lightfoot will be the first openly gay mayor as well as the first African America woman to hold the post.

Chicago on Tuesday elected a black gay woman as its mayor and becomes the biggest city in the US to do so. Lori Lightfoot will be the first openly gay mayor as well as the first African America woman to hold the post. "We were up against powerful interests," Lightfoot said in a victory speech, with her wife and young daughter by her side. "Today, you did more than make history, you created a movement for change," she told a cheering crowd. The 56-year-old formal federal prosecutor and practising lawyer won the Midwestern city's mayoral race in a one-sided victory. She was standing against Toni Preckwinkle, also a black and won by a huge margin of 74 to 26 per cent with most ballots counted.

Black, gay woman elected Chicago mayor in historic vote

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/r-kellys-girlfriends-claim-their-parents-are-lying-for-money-201873">Singer R Kelly</a> was released from jail Saturday after paying child support following previous detention on sex abuse charges.

The R&amp;B superstar was taken into custody Wednesday after failing to come up with the $161,000 he owed in payments to his ex-wife and their three children.

"I promise you we're going to straighten all this stuff out," Kelly, 52, told journalists as he left prison.

It was the second time Kelly was freed from the Cook County jail in his hometown Chicago.

He also exited the prison on February 25 after taking several days to arrange payment of a $100,000 bail for a separate case that saw him accused of sexually abusing four women, including three teenagers.

Kelly is due back in court in both cases later this month.

The abuse in the criminal case is alleged to have occurred between May 1998 and January 2010.

The details of the case echoed previous accusations of sexual misconduct that have dogged the artist for the last two decades.&nbsp;

In 2002, he was criminally charged for allegedly filming himself having sex with a 14-year-old girl. He was tried in that case and acquitted of child pornography charges in 2008.

A 2017 BuzzFeed report later alleged he had kept women as virtual sex slaves at homes he owns in Chicago and Atlanta.

And in January, a six-part documentary called "Surviving R Kelly" was released. It said he had engaged in sexual, mental and physical abuse of girls and women.

Singer R Kelly was released from jail Saturday after paying child support following previous detention on sex abuse charges. The R&B superstar was taken into custody Wednesday after failing to come up with the $161,000 he owed in payments to his ex-wife and their three children.

Singer R Kelly was released from jail Saturday after paying child support following previous detention on sex abuse charges. The R&B superstar was taken into custody Wednesday after failing to come up with the $161,000 he owed in payments to his ex-wife and their three children. "I promise you we're going to straighten all this stuff out," Kelly, 52, told journalists as he left prison. It was the second time Kelly was freed from the Cook County jail in his hometown Chicago. He also exited the prison on February 25 after taking several days to arrange payment of a $100,000 bail for a separate case that saw him accused of sexually abusing four women, including three teenagers. Kelly is due back in court in both cases later this month. The abuse in the criminal case is alleged to have occurred between May 1998 and January 2010. The details of the case echoed previous accusations of sexual misconduct that have dogged the artist for the last two decades. In 2002, he was criminally charged for allegedly filming himself having sex with a 14-year-old girl. He was tried in that case and acquitted of child pornography charges in 2008. A 2017 BuzzFeed report later alleged he had kept women as virtual sex slaves at homes he owns in Chicago and Atlanta. And in January, a six-part documentary called "Surviving R Kelly" was released. It said he had engaged in sexual, mental and physical abuse of girls and women.

Singer R Kelly released from jail after paying child support

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/r-kelly-facing-sex-abuse-charges-gets-1-million-bail-199240">R&amp;B superstar R&nbsp;Kelly</a> was freed from jail Monday after posting bail and pleading not guilty to 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse against four victims, three of them minors.

The 52-year-old, who did not speak to reporters, was released from custody after spending three nights behind bars during which time his associates and family members worked to gather the $100,000 necessary to bail him out.

Hours earlier, Kelly stood in a Chicago courtroom wearing an orange jumpsuit as his lawyer entered a not-guilty plea. The musician had turned himself in three days earlier.

The star's bail had been set at $1 million, of which he was required to pay 10 per cent.

His lawyer Steve Greenberg -- who has called his client's finances "a mess" -- maintained the chart-toppers innocence.

"Mr Kelly's done absolutely nothing wrong," he told reporters at the courthouse.

Michael Avenatti, the high-profile lawyer representing at least two of the alleged victims, said his team had turned over a second, 55-minute-long tape to prosecutors that depict the artist "engaged in an illegal sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl."

"The conduct in the tape can be described as nothing short of outrageous and illegal," the lawyer told reporters.

Avenatti earlier this month gave Chicago prosecutors approximately 40 minutes of previously unreleased footage of Kelly allegedly having sex with a teenager.

He said his team was in the process of obtaining the third tape of a similar nature, and that additional witnesses had come forward over the weekend.

"This reign of abuse and assault by Mr Kelly is about to come to an abrupt and permanent end," Avenatti said.

Kelly, best known for hits such as "I Believe I Can Fly," is next due in court on March 22.

Checkered past&nbsp;

Kelly surrendered to Chicago police Friday after a documentary series refocused attention on decades of accusations against him, including possession of child pornography, sex with minors, operating a sex cult and sexual battery.

After a dramatic trial, Kelly was acquitted in 2008 of child pornography charges, also in Chicago. The new 10-count indictment included three people who were minors aged between 13 and 16 when the alleged abuse occurred.

Kim Foxx -- the state's attorney for Cook County, which includes Chicago -- told journalists the alleged crimes occurred between 1998 and 2010. The charges carry three to seven years of prison time each.

Kelly's lawyer has said the charges are based on old and false accusations, adding that "all of the women are lying."

Lizzette Martinez -- who detailed allegations against Kelly in the docu-series and is now a client of prominent women's rights lawyer Gloria Allred -- lashed out against Greenberg's comments, calling them "irresponsible."

"I'm a mother and I have a daughter," said the 41-year-old, who claims Kelly abused her between 1995 and 1999.

"I felt like I had to be transparent and vocal about what happened to me, to save others," Martinez said when asked by journalists in Los Angeles why she came forward.

"I was hurt when I was young."

Kelly is known for marrying his protege Aaliyah in 1994 when the late R&amp;B star was 15.

Kelly, then 27, had produced the teenage singer's debut album titled "Age Ain't Nothing But a Number." Their marriage was later annulled, and Aaliyah died in a plane crash in 2001.

Despite the slew of disturbing claims against him, the award-winning musician continued to perform for years and maintained a solid fan base.

Last month's release of the "Surviving R. Kelly" series once again brought accusations against him to the fore. A #MuteRKelly movement -- aimed at preventing his music from airing -- has gained steam.

Lisa VanAllen, who spoke out against Kelly in the 2008 criminal trial and again in the recent documentary, wrote in The New York Times that she had feared no vindication would come for "a young, struggling, black girl victim like me."

"It's been a long time coming, but here we are," she wrote. "More than 10 years after I nervously faced Rob in court, I know one thing: This will not end the way it did before. It cannot."

R&B superstar R Kelly was freed from jail Monday after posting bail and pleading not guilty to 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse against four victims, three of them minors.

R&B superstar R Kelly was freed from jail Monday after posting bail and pleading not guilty to 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse against four victims, three of them minors. The 52-year-old, who did not speak to reporters, was released from custody after spending three nights behind bars during which time his associates and family members worked to gather the $100,000 necessary to bail him out. Hours earlier, Kelly stood in a Chicago courtroom wearing an orange jumpsuit as his lawyer entered a not-guilty plea. The musician had turned himself in three days earlier. The star's bail had been set at $1 million, of which he was required to pay 10 per cent. His lawyer Steve Greenberg -- who has called his client's finances "a mess" -- maintained the chart-toppers innocence. "Mr Kelly's done absolutely nothing wrong," he told reporters at the courthouse. Michael Avenatti, the high-profile lawyer representing at least two of the alleged victims, said his team had turned over a second, 55-minute-long tape to prosecutors that depict the artist "engaged in an illegal sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl." "The conduct in the tape can be described as nothing short of outrageous and illegal," the lawyer told reporters. Avenatti earlier this month gave Chicago prosecutors approximately 40 minutes of previously unreleased footage of Kelly allegedly having sex with a teenager. He said his team was in the process of obtaining the third tape of a similar nature, and that additional witnesses had come forward over the weekend. "This reign of abuse and assault by Mr Kelly is about to come to an abrupt and permanent end," Avenatti said. Kelly, best known for hits such as "I Believe I Can Fly," is next due in court on March 22. Checkered past Kelly surrendered to Chicago police Friday after a documentary series refocused attention on decades of accusations against him, including possession of child pornography, sex with minors, operating a sex cult and sexual battery. After a dramatic trial, Kelly was acquitted in 2008 of child pornography charges, also in Chicago. The new 10-count indictment included three people who were minors aged between 13 and 16 when the alleged abuse occurred. Kim Foxx -- the state's attorney for Cook County, which includes Chicago -- told journalists the alleged crimes occurred between 1998 and 2010. The charges carry three to seven years of prison time each. Kelly's lawyer has said the charges are based on old and false accusations, adding that "all of the women are lying." Lizzette Martinez -- who detailed allegations against Kelly in the docu-series and is now a client of prominent women's rights lawyer Gloria Allred -- lashed out against Greenberg's comments, calling them "irresponsible." "I'm a mother and I have a daughter," said the 41-year-old, who claims Kelly abused her between 1995 and 1999. "I felt like I had to be transparent and vocal about what happened to me, to save others," Martinez said when asked by journalists in Los Angeles why she came forward. "I was hurt when I was young." Kelly is known for marrying his protege Aaliyah in 1994 when the late R&B star was 15. Kelly, then 27, had produced the teenage singer's debut album titled "Age Ain't Nothing But a Number." Their marriage was later annulled, and Aaliyah died in a plane crash in 2001. Despite the slew of disturbing claims against him, the award-winning musician continued to perform for years and maintained a solid fan base. Last month's release of the "Surviving R. Kelly" series once again brought accusations against him to the fore. A #MuteRKelly movement -- aimed at preventing his music from airing -- has gained steam. Lisa VanAllen, who spoke out against Kelly in the 2008 criminal trial and again in the recent documentary, wrote in The New York Times that she had feared no vindication would come for "a young, struggling, black girl victim like me." "It's been a long time coming, but here we are," she wrote. "More than 10 years after I nervously faced Rob in court, I know one thing: This will not end the way it did before. It cannot."

Singer R Kelly freed on bail, denies sexually abusing children

A US judge set $1 million bail for R&amp;B superstar R Kelly on Saturday after prosecutors laid out graphic details of charges that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/r-kelly-charged-with-sex-abuse-including-against-minors-199081">he sexually abused four victims</a>, three of them minors.&nbsp;

Kelly, known for hits like "I Believe I Can Fly," surrendered to police late Friday after decades of allegations of sexual abuse, especially of underage girls, led to the first sexual assault charges against him.&nbsp;

Kelly was acquitted in a child porn trial more than a decade ago, and had maintained a steady fan base and continued to perform.&nbsp;

But his fortunes changed after a docuseries last month led Chicago prosecutors to publicly seek out any potential victims.&nbsp;

A Chicago grand jury on Friday charged him with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse against four females, the youngest 14 years old at the time of the alleged crimes, which spanned between 1998 and 2010.&nbsp;

The charges carry three to seven years of prison per count.

A grave-faced Kelly appeared in a packed courtroom in a black hooded sweatshirt with his hands handcuffed behind his back.&nbsp;

Two women who had previously publicly accused him of abuse came to court to observe the proceedings.&nbsp;

In setting bail, Cook County Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke Jr. ordered Kelly to have no contact with anyone under 18 years old, and to have no contact with any of the alleged victims or witnesses.&nbsp;

The singer also was required to relinquish his passport.

"He's devastated," Kelly's attorney Steve Greenberg said. "Here is someone who at one point was a huge star. Now he is sitting behind bars."

Victims said to be 14, 16&nbsp;

In the bail hearing, prosecutors offered new details of their case -- including a shocking accusation that Kelly met one underage victim while giving autographs during his 2008 trial.&nbsp;

They described a video showing Kelly repeatedly having sex with a 14-year-old, DNA evidence from another victim's shirt that they said matched Kelly's and semen from yet another victim's clothes that preliminary tests showed appeared to be his.

Prosecutor Kimberly Foxx told reporters that a witness, not publicly identified, had provided the video showing Kelly having oral and vaginal sex with the youngest girl sometime between 1998 and 2001, when he would have been in his early 30s.

"In the video," the prosecutor said, "the victim repeatedly, repeatedly, says she is 14 years old."

In 1998, Kelly allegedly met another girl at a restaurant where she was celebrating her 16th birthday party, invited her to his studio knowing her age, and had sex with her several times after that, each time giving her an envelope with "a large amount of money," Foxx said.&nbsp;

In 2008, he allegedly met a girl who was under 17 years old while giving autographs during his criminal trial on child pornography charges, and had sex with her multiple times until 2010.&nbsp;

"At times, Robert Kelly would spit on her, slap her on her face and choke her," the prosecution alleged in court.&nbsp;

Illinois outlaws sex with those under 17 when the partner is at least five years older. Kelly is now 52 and was 31 at the time of the earliest alleged abuse.

In the only case not involving minors, Kelly is accused of trying to force a 24-year-old hairdresser to provide him with oral sex in 2003. When she resisted, he "ejaculated onto the victim and spit in her face several times," Foxx said.

DNA on the hairdresser's shirt, tested by police, was found to match Kelly's DNA profile, prosecutors said.

Finances 'a mess'&nbsp;

Although his bail was set at $1 million, Kelly needs to put up only a tenth that amount, or $100,000, to be let out of jail. But Kelly's attorney was unsure when the singer would be able to pay.&nbsp;

"His finances are a mess," Greenberg told the judge in court.

After the hearing, he told reporters Kelly would likely put up bail by Monday at the latest and poked holes in the prosecution's case. &nbsp;

"He's entitled to a presumption of innocence," Greenberg said. &nbsp;

"He did not force anyone to have sex. He's a rock star. He doesn't have to have non-consensual sex."

Kelly is next due in court Monday, at which time a trial judge will be assigned to his case. He is scheduled for a March 8 arraignment, when he will have an opportunity to enter a plea.

Allegations of child pornography, sex with minors and sexual battery have dogged Kelly for decades, yet he still managed to enjoy a successful music career.

The musician's fortunes turned after last month's broadcast of the docu-series "Surviving R. Kelly," which once again brought accusations against him to the fore.

High-profile lawyer Michael Avenatti and prominent women's rights attorney Gloria Allred are representing clients linked to Kelly.

Kelly married his protege Aaliyah in 1994, when the late R&amp;B star was 15 and Kelly was 27. He had produced the teenage singer's debut album titled "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number."&nbsp;

Their marriage was later annulled, and Aaliyah died in a plane crash in 2001.

A US judge set $1 million bail for R&B superstar R Kelly on Saturday after prosecutors laid out graphic details of charges that he sexually abused four victims, three of them minors.

A US judge set $1 million bail for R&B superstar R Kelly on Saturday after prosecutors laid out graphic details of charges that he sexually abused four victims, three of them minors. Kelly, known for hits like "I Believe I Can Fly," surrendered to police late Friday after decades of allegations of sexual abuse, especially of underage girls, led to the first sexual assault charges against him. Kelly was acquitted in a child porn trial more than a decade ago, and had maintained a steady fan base and continued to perform. But his fortunes changed after a docuseries last month led Chicago prosecutors to publicly seek out any potential victims. A Chicago grand jury on Friday charged him with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse against four females, the youngest 14 years old at the time of the alleged crimes, which spanned between 1998 and 2010. The charges carry three to seven years of prison per count. A grave-faced Kelly appeared in a packed courtroom in a black hooded sweatshirt with his hands handcuffed behind his back. Two women who had previously publicly accused him of abuse came to court to observe the proceedings. In setting bail, Cook County Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke Jr. ordered Kelly to have no contact with anyone under 18 years old, and to have no contact with any of the alleged victims or witnesses. The singer also was required to relinquish his passport. "He's devastated," Kelly's attorney Steve Greenberg said. "Here is someone who at one point was a huge star. Now he is sitting behind bars." Victims said to be 14, 16 In the bail hearing, prosecutors offered new details of their case -- including a shocking accusation that Kelly met one underage victim while giving autographs during his 2008 trial. They described a video showing Kelly repeatedly having sex with a 14-year-old, DNA evidence from another victim's shirt that they said matched Kelly's and semen from yet another victim's clothes that preliminary tests showed appeared to be his. Prosecutor Kimberly Foxx told reporters that a witness, not publicly identified, had provided the video showing Kelly having oral and vaginal sex with the youngest girl sometime between 1998 and 2001, when he would have been in his early 30s. "In the video," the prosecutor said, "the victim repeatedly, repeatedly, says she is 14 years old." In 1998, Kelly allegedly met another girl at a restaurant where she was celebrating her 16th birthday party, invited her to his studio knowing her age, and had sex with her several times after that, each time giving her an envelope with "a large amount of money," Foxx said. In 2008, he allegedly met a girl who was under 17 years old while giving autographs during his criminal trial on child pornography charges, and had sex with her multiple times until 2010. "At times, Robert Kelly would spit on her, slap her on her face and choke her," the prosecution alleged in court. Illinois outlaws sex with those under 17 when the partner is at least five years older. Kelly is now 52 and was 31 at the time of the earliest alleged abuse. In the only case not involving minors, Kelly is accused of trying to force a 24-year-old hairdresser to provide him with oral sex in 2003. When she resisted, he "ejaculated onto the victim and spit in her face several times," Foxx said. DNA on the hairdresser's shirt, tested by police, was found to match Kelly's DNA profile, prosecutors said. Finances 'a mess' Although his bail was set at $1 million, Kelly needs to put up only a tenth that amount, or $100,000, to be let out of jail. But Kelly's attorney was unsure when the singer would be able to pay. "His finances are a mess," Greenberg told the judge in court. After the hearing, he told reporters Kelly would likely put up bail by Monday at the latest and poked holes in the prosecution's case. "He's entitled to a presumption of innocence," Greenberg said. "He did not force anyone to have sex. He's a rock star. He doesn't have to have non-consensual sex." Kelly is next due in court Monday, at which time a trial judge will be assigned to his case. He is scheduled for a March 8 arraignment, when he will have an opportunity to enter a plea. Allegations of child pornography, sex with minors and sexual battery have dogged Kelly for decades, yet he still managed to enjoy a successful music career. The musician's fortunes turned after last month's broadcast of the docu-series "Surviving R. Kelly," which once again brought accusations against him to the fore. High-profile lawyer Michael Avenatti and prominent women's rights attorney Gloria Allred are representing clients linked to Kelly. Kelly married his protege Aaliyah in 1994, when the late R&B star was 15 and Kelly was 27. He had produced the teenage singer's debut album titled "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number." Their marriage was later annulled, and Aaliyah died in a plane crash in 2001.

Singer R Kelly, accused of sexually abusing minor girls, gets $1 million bail

An investigation into an alleged attack on an openly gay black actor has "shifted" and police are now seeking a follow-up interview with the 'Empire' cast member, a spokesman said Sunday.

Jussie Smollett, 36, reported to police on January 29 that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/assault-on-empire-actor-jussie-smollett-investigated-as-hate-crime-193785">two men beat him, yelled racial and homophobic slurs, poured bleach on him and tied a rope around his neck</a> while he walked downtown in the third-largest American city.

The announced change in direction came two days after police said that the two "potential suspects" in the attack had been released without charge and as US media outlets reported that the attack may have been staged.

"The information received from the individuals questioned by police earlier in the Empire case has in fact shifted the trajectory of the investigation," Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement.

"We've reached out to the Empire cast member's attorney to request a follow-up interview," he added.

Multiple US media outlets reported the two men are brothers who were arrested at Chicago's O'Hare airport upon their return from a trip to Nigeria.&nbsp;

At least one of the men reportedly worked on "Empire," a TV series about the fortunes of a hip-hop mogul and his family battling over control of a multi-million-dollar music company.&nbsp;

In an emotional interview with ABC's 'Good Morning America' broadcast Thursday, Smollett gave details of the purported attack and said he was angry at doubts about its veracity.

Smollett said a masked man yelled 'Empire' as the actor was walking through an intersection after a late-night stop at a sandwich shop.

After he ignored the man, Smollett said the attacker yelled out a racial slur and used President Donald Trump's campaign slogan acronym 'MAGA,' which stands for 'Make America Great Again.'

Smollett said the man called Chicago 'MAGA country' and then punched him in the face, at which point the actor fought with the attacker, and was kicked by a second man he had not noticed earlier.

"It felt like minutes, but it was probably like 30 seconds, honestly," Smollett said.&nbsp;

Initial reports of the attack shocked the entertainment industry and brought waves of support from advocacy groups and senior politicians, including Democratic presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Kirsten Gillibrand.

An investigation into an alleged attack on an openly gay black actor has "shifted" and police are now seeking a follow-up interview with the 'Empire' cast member, a spokesman said Sunday.

An investigation into an alleged attack on an openly gay black actor has "shifted" and police are now seeking a follow-up interview with the 'Empire' cast member, a spokesman said Sunday. Jussie Smollett, 36, reported to police on January 29 that two men beat him, yelled racial and homophobic slurs, poured bleach on him and tied a rope around his neck while he walked downtown in the third-largest American city. The announced change in direction came two days after police said that the two "potential suspects" in the attack had been released without charge and as US media outlets reported that the attack may have been staged. "The information received from the individuals questioned by police earlier in the Empire case has in fact shifted the trajectory of the investigation," Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement. "We've reached out to the Empire cast member's attorney to request a follow-up interview," he added. Multiple US media outlets reported the two men are brothers who were arrested at Chicago's O'Hare airport upon their return from a trip to Nigeria. At least one of the men reportedly worked on "Empire," a TV series about the fortunes of a hip-hop mogul and his family battling over control of a multi-million-dollar music company. In an emotional interview with ABC's 'Good Morning America' broadcast Thursday, Smollett gave details of the purported attack and said he was angry at doubts about its veracity. Smollett said a masked man yelled 'Empire' as the actor was walking through an intersection after a late-night stop at a sandwich shop. After he ignored the man, Smollett said the attacker yelled out a racial slur and used President Donald Trump's campaign slogan acronym 'MAGA,' which stands for 'Make America Great Again.' Smollett said the man called Chicago 'MAGA country' and then punched him in the face, at which point the actor fought with the attacker, and was kicked by a second man he had not noticed earlier. "It felt like minutes, but it was probably like 30 seconds, honestly," Smollett said. Initial reports of the attack shocked the entertainment industry and brought waves of support from advocacy groups and senior politicians, including Democratic presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Investigation into alleged racial attack on actor Jussie Smollett has 'shifted': Police

Five people were killed and multiple police officers shot Friday when a gunman opened fire in an industrial area on the outskirts of Chicago, the latest mass shooting to hit the United States.

The shooting took place at approximately 1:28 pm, at a giant manufacturing complex in Aurora, Illinois -- a small suburb 65 kilometres west of central Chicago.

Police said officers engaged in a firefight with the suspect, thought to be an employee before he was shot dead. He was identified as 45-year-old Gary Martin.&nbsp;

Aurora police chief Kristen Ziman said five police officers were shot. Two were airlifted to Chicago-area trauma centres.&nbsp;

"The other officers on the scene located gunshot victims inside the building," Ziman told a news conference, putting the death toll at five people.&nbsp;

Police did not release information on the officers' conditions or identify the victims.

Police said they do not know the motive for the shooting, but witnesses told local media that the gunman was a disgruntled employee.&nbsp;

Witnesses said they locked themselves into nearby buildings as the gunman began firing off rounds.

The aerial TV footage showed dozens of police cars, ambulances and fire trucks at the scene as officers with shields entered the complex.

John Probst, who was in the building as the shooting began but was able to escape, told the local ABC TV affiliate he recognized the gunman as a co-worker.&nbsp;

"What I saw was the guy running down the aisles with a pistol with a laser on it," he said. "We were just scared."

Nancy Caal, an employee of a nearby repair workshop, told the Daily Herald newspaper she and three others had heard numerous emergency sirens, and so "went and shut the front gate and locked all of the doors."&nbsp;

37 mass shootings in 2019&nbsp;

The local school district put campuses on lockdown, but students were released later in the day.&nbsp;

The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police lauded the wounded police officers who "willingly ran into harm's way to protect their fellow citizens and very nearly paid the ultimate price." &nbsp;

The White House said President Donald Trump had been monitoring the situation.&nbsp;

"Great job by law enforcement in Aurora, Illinois. Heartfelt condolences to all of the victims and their families. America is with you!" Trump tweeted.&nbsp;

The shooting comes just a day after the first anniversary of Valentine's Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a former pupil killed 14 students and three staff.&nbsp;

Nearly 1,200 children lost their lives to gun violence in the year since and there have been 37 mass shootings -- those with at least four victims, not including the assailant -- recorded already in the US this year.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, said Friday's shooting was part of an epidemic of gun violence.&nbsp;

"Tomorrow, the families of the victims will be less than the whole. They join a group that should not exist, and yet continues to grow," Pritzker said.&nbsp;

"There are no words I can offer to lessen the pain."

A coalition of gun control advocacy groups also condemned the shooting, saying it was the 198th mass shooting in the last 10 years.&nbsp;

"This is a horrifying reminder of how hard we have to work to prevent gun violence. Our hearts go out to every family affected by this shooting," Holly Blastic with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, said in a statement.&nbsp;

In a presidential message Thursday to mark the Parkland anniversary, Trump had recommitted to "ensuring the safety of all Americans."

"Let us declare together, as Americans, that we will not rest until our schools are secure and our communities are safe," Trump said.&nbsp;

Five people were killed and multiple police officers shot Friday when a gunman opened fire in an industrial area on the outskirts of Chicago, the latest mass shooting to hit the United States.

Five people were killed and multiple police officers shot Friday when a gunman opened fire in an industrial area on the outskirts of Chicago, the latest mass shooting to hit the United States. The shooting took place at approximately 1:28 pm, at a giant manufacturing complex in Aurora, Illinois -- a small suburb 65 kilometres west of central Chicago. Police said officers engaged in a firefight with the suspect, thought to be an employee before he was shot dead. He was identified as 45-year-old Gary Martin. Aurora police chief Kristen Ziman said five police officers were shot. Two were airlifted to Chicago-area trauma centres. "The other officers on the scene located gunshot victims inside the building," Ziman told a news conference, putting the death toll at five people. Police did not release information on the officers' conditions or identify the victims. Police said they do not know the motive for the shooting, but witnesses told local media that the gunman was a disgruntled employee. Witnesses said they locked themselves into nearby buildings as the gunman began firing off rounds. The aerial TV footage showed dozens of police cars, ambulances and fire trucks at the scene as officers with shields entered the complex. John Probst, who was in the building as the shooting began but was able to escape, told the local ABC TV affiliate he recognized the gunman as a co-worker. "What I saw was the guy running down the aisles with a pistol with a laser on it," he said. "We were just scared." Nancy Caal, an employee of a nearby repair workshop, told the Daily Herald newspaper she and three others had heard numerous emergency sirens, and so "went and shut the front gate and locked all of the doors." 37 mass shootings in 2019 The local school district put campuses on lockdown, but students were released later in the day. The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police lauded the wounded police officers who "willingly ran into harm's way to protect their fellow citizens and very nearly paid the ultimate price." The White House said President Donald Trump had been monitoring the situation. "Great job by law enforcement in Aurora, Illinois. Heartfelt condolences to all of the victims and their families. America is with you!" Trump tweeted. The shooting comes just a day after the first anniversary of Valentine's Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a former pupil killed 14 students and three staff. Nearly 1,200 children lost their lives to gun violence in the year since and there have been 37 mass shootings -- those with at least four victims, not including the assailant -- recorded already in the US this year. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, said Friday's shooting was part of an epidemic of gun violence. "Tomorrow, the families of the victims will be less than the whole. They join a group that should not exist, and yet continues to grow," Pritzker said. "There are no words I can offer to lessen the pain." A coalition of gun control advocacy groups also condemned the shooting, saying it was the 198th mass shooting in the last 10 years. "This is a horrifying reminder of how hard we have to work to prevent gun violence. Our hearts go out to every family affected by this shooting," Holly Blastic with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, said in a statement. In a presidential message Thursday to mark the Parkland anniversary, Trump had recommitted to "ensuring the safety of all Americans." "Let us declare together, as Americans, that we will not rest until our schools are secure and our communities are safe," Trump said.

Five dead, multiple wounded in US mass shooting: Police

In pictures: Polar vortex descends on US Midwest, makes it colder than Antarctica

Tens of millions of people in the United States are bracing for a potentially life-threatening deep arctic chill forecast to hit swaths of the country on Wednesday.

Companies have told their workers to stay home, schools are closed and hundreds of flights have been cancelled.

The US Postal Service — known for its commitment to bringing the mail whatever the weather — has even reportedly suspended deliveries in Iowa due to the severe cold.

Temperatures in almost a dozen states stretching more than 1,200 miles (1,930 kilometres) from the Dakotas to Ohio were forecast to be the coldest in a generation, if not on record.

"One of the coldest arctic air mass intrusions in recent memory is surging south into the Upper Midwest before spreading across much of the eastern two-thirds of the country," the National Weather Service said.

"Expect frigid temperatures, bitterly cold and life-threatening wind chills, likely leading to widespread record lows and low maximum temperatures from the Upper Midwest to the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley."

The cause is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-is-the-polar-vortex-and-why-is-it-so-cold-193834">a swirl of arctic air that broke away from the polar vortex that usually encircles the North Pole</a>.&nbsp;

The National Weather Service forecast temperatures between -10 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-23 to -40 °C) by Wednesday across the Midwest, with wind chills making it seem as cold as -65 degrees Fahrenheit in one area of Minnesota.

Chicago, America's third largest city, was expected to be colder than parts of Antarctica.

Authorities in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin put emergency measures in place to handle the frigid weather.&nbsp;

"We need everyone to do your part and make sure you and your families are prepared," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Frostbite warnings

&nbsp;Americans were asked to stay home if possible Wednesday when temperatures are expected to be at their coldest.&nbsp;

Scores of schools, businesses and government agencies announced closures in multiple states.

"People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes," warned the NWS.&nbsp;

Lawrence Gottlieb of the University of Chicago Medical Center said the threat was significant "when temps fall below zero, especially when there is a strong wind."

Some 160 warming centres were opened in Chicago, where temperatures could potentially equal or exceed the all-time record of -27 degrees Fahrenheit. With the wind chill, it would feel like -40 °C or -50 °C, officials said.&nbsp;

"They are life-threatening conditions and temperatures," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel told a news conference.&nbsp;

In Minneapolis, officials allowed residents to stay on public buses and trains for warmth.&nbsp;

<img alt="Midwest cold" data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="856af3ba-b8b6-47da-88a4-bebf417fdeb3" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2878%29.jpg" />

<img alt="Midwest cold2" data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="db659949-7986-4c03-95c4-27d13475df01" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2877%29.jpg" />

(A man walks along the Chicago River (top) and a pedestrian stops to take a picture of the river. Photos: Reuters)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Snow storm

In the northeastern and southern United States, snow was falling.

A cold emergency was declared in the US capital Washington, with additional services put on for the homeless.

In Atlanta, some 300 flights were cancelled Tuesday as the city prepares for the Super Bowl and more than 400 were cancelled in Chicago, a major regional hub for US airlines.&nbsp;

In Canada, the icy temperatures — stretching from Manitoba in the western Prairies region to the Atlantic seaboard — prompted a rare "hazardous" cold warning from the government.&nbsp;

Environment Canada reported record-breaking snowfall at the Ottawa airport, where some 50 flights were cancelled, with an accumulation of nearly a meter (more than three feet).

An additional 200 flights were cancelled at Toronto's airport.&nbsp;

Global warming?

Scientists say climate change is causing more extreme weather, and one theory for polar vortex chills is that arctic air currents usually trapped around the North Pole are weakened and dislodged by a warming climate.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump used the occasion to again voice skepticism about climate change, tweeting: "What the hell is going on with Global Warming? (sic) Please come back fast, we need you!"

But the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which operates NWS, tweeted, "Winter storms don't prove that global warming isn't happening," with a link to a 2015 explanatory article.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tens of millions of people in the United States are bracing for a potentially life-threatening deep arctic chill forecast to hit swaths of the country on Wednesday.

Tens of millions of people in the United States are bracing for a potentially life-threatening deep arctic chill forecast to hit swaths of the country on Wednesday. Companies have told their workers to stay home, schools are closed and hundreds of flights have been cancelled. The US Postal Service — known for its commitment to bringing the mail whatever the weather — has even reportedly suspended deliveries in Iowa due to the severe cold. Temperatures in almost a dozen states stretching more than 1,200 miles (1,930 kilometres) from the Dakotas to Ohio were forecast to be the coldest in a generation, if not on record. "One of the coldest arctic air mass intrusions in recent memory is surging south into the Upper Midwest before spreading across much of the eastern two-thirds of the country," the National Weather Service said. "Expect frigid temperatures, bitterly cold and life-threatening wind chills, likely leading to widespread record lows and low maximum temperatures from the Upper Midwest to the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley." The cause is a swirl of arctic air that broke away from the polar vortex that usually encircles the North Pole. The National Weather Service forecast temperatures between -10 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-23 to -40 °C) by Wednesday across the Midwest, with wind chills making it seem as cold as -65 degrees Fahrenheit in one area of Minnesota. Chicago, America's third largest city, was expected to be colder than parts of Antarctica. Authorities in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin put emergency measures in place to handle the frigid weather. "We need everyone to do your part and make sure you and your families are prepared," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Frostbite warnings Americans were asked to stay home if possible Wednesday when temperatures are expected to be at their coldest. Scores of schools, businesses and government agencies announced closures in multiple states. "People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes," warned the NWS. Lawrence Gottlieb of the University of Chicago Medical Center said the threat was significant "when temps fall below zero, especially when there is a strong wind." Some 160 warming centres were opened in Chicago, where temperatures could potentially equal or exceed the all-time record of -27 degrees Fahrenheit. With the wind chill, it would feel like -40 °C or -50 °C, officials said. "They are life-threatening conditions and temperatures," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel told a news conference. In Minneapolis, officials allowed residents to stay on public buses and trains for warmth. (A man walks along the Chicago River (top) and a pedestrian stops to take a picture of the river. Photos: Reuters) Snow storm In the northeastern and southern United States, snow was falling. A cold emergency was declared in the US capital Washington, with additional services put on for the homeless. In Atlanta, some 300 flights were cancelled Tuesday as the city prepares for the Super Bowl and more than 400 were cancelled in Chicago, a major regional hub for US airlines. In Canada, the icy temperatures — stretching from Manitoba in the western Prairies region to the Atlantic seaboard — prompted a rare "hazardous" cold warning from the government. Environment Canada reported record-breaking snowfall at the Ottawa airport, where some 50 flights were cancelled, with an accumulation of nearly a meter (more than three feet). An additional 200 flights were cancelled at Toronto's airport. Global warming? Scientists say climate change is causing more extreme weather, and one theory for polar vortex chills is that arctic air currents usually trapped around the North Pole are weakened and dislodged by a warming climate. President Donald Trump used the occasion to again voice skepticism about climate change, tweeting: "What the hell is going on with Global Warming? (sic) Please come back fast, we need you!" But the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which operates NWS, tweeted, "Winter storms don't prove that global warming isn't happening," with a link to a 2015 explanatory article.

Chicago colder than Antarctica: -40 °C temperatures forecast for US Midwest

Meteorologists have blamed a phenomenon called the polar vortex for the bitter cold that has descended on much of the central and eastern United States this week, forcing residents to huddle indoors, closing schools and businesses and cancelling flights.

The cold front was forecast to hit the Midwest especially hard, with the wind chill expected to plummet to minus 50F (minus 46C) in Chicago by Tuesday evening and two feet (60cm) of snow predicted for Wisconsin, according to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chicago-colder-than-antarctica-dangerous-arctic-chill-sweeps-over-us-midwest-193828">National Weather Service</a>.

As ominous as the term polar vortex sounds, meteorologists say the phenomenon is not new, nor despite its sound does it refer to a cyclone of cold or a freakishly dangerous storm.

"The term 'polar vortex' has become more commonly used in the past couple of years but the phenomenon has been around forever," National Weather Service meteorologist Mark Chenard told in an interview.

There is some debate among scientists about whether polar vortexes have become more frequent and, if so, what effect climate change might be having on them.

Chenard said a polar vortex refers to the upper-level jet stream that typically circulates around both the North and South Poles, keeping the coldest air there.

When that jet stream occasionally weakens and buckles, he said, it disrupts weather patterns - bumping warmer air into Alaska and pushing cold winds down into the US Midwest and East Coast, Chenard said.

"This (winter) happens to be a pretty extreme example of some of that cold arctic air making it down to us," he said.

Global warming&nbsp;

Though the potentially record-shatteringly low temperatures descending on a large swath of the country may touch off a political debate over global warming, Chenard said, the phenomenon is not related to climate change.

President Donald Trump, noting wind chill temperatures in the "beautiful Midwest" are setting records, said in a tweet Monday evening: "What the hell is going on with Global Warming? Please come back fast, we need you!"

Jennifer Francis, senior scientist and Arctic expert at the Woods Hole Research Center in Falmouth, Mass, said that while the latest move in the polar vortex "may unleash claims that global warming is a hoax", the mass of frigid air over North America is far outweighed by areas elsewhere that are warmer than usual.

Francis said modelling studies offer evidence the stratosphere over the Arctic is changing and so disruptions to polar vortexes are increasing.

"We are seeing this more often and there are a few studies suggesting that the melting and warming of the Arctic make these (stratospheric) disruptions more likely than they used to be," she said in a telephone interview.

Scientists say higher temperatures in the Arctic have led to historically low levels of ice there. That, in turn, has led changes in the jet stream, causing the polar vortex to buckle.

"What we think is going on - and this is a hot topic and by no means settled science - we think there is one area where ice is being lost more than anywhere else in the Barents Sea in Northwest Russia," Francis said.

"For whatever reason, the ice is disappearing there very fast."

Meteorologists have blamed a phenomenon called the polar vortex for the bitter cold that has descended on much of the central and eastern United States this week, forcing residents to huddle indoors, closing schools and businesses and cancelling flights.

Meteorologists have blamed a phenomenon called the polar vortex for the bitter cold that has descended on much of the central and eastern United States this week, forcing residents to huddle indoors, closing schools and businesses and cancelling flights. The cold front was forecast to hit the Midwest especially hard, with the wind chill expected to plummet to minus 50F (minus 46C) in Chicago by Tuesday evening and two feet (60cm) of snow predicted for Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service. As ominous as the term polar vortex sounds, meteorologists say the phenomenon is not new, nor despite its sound does it refer to a cyclone of cold or a freakishly dangerous storm. "The term 'polar vortex' has become more commonly used in the past couple of years but the phenomenon has been around forever," National Weather Service meteorologist Mark Chenard told in an interview. There is some debate among scientists about whether polar vortexes have become more frequent and, if so, what effect climate change might be having on them. Chenard said a polar vortex refers to the upper-level jet stream that typically circulates around both the North and South Poles, keeping the coldest air there. When that jet stream occasionally weakens and buckles, he said, it disrupts weather patterns - bumping warmer air into Alaska and pushing cold winds down into the US Midwest and East Coast, Chenard said. "This (winter) happens to be a pretty extreme example of some of that cold arctic air making it down to us," he said. Global warming Though the potentially record-shatteringly low temperatures descending on a large swath of the country may touch off a political debate over global warming, Chenard said, the phenomenon is not related to climate change. President Donald Trump, noting wind chill temperatures in the "beautiful Midwest" are setting records, said in a tweet Monday evening: "What the hell is going on with Global Warming? Please come back fast, we need you!" Jennifer Francis, senior scientist and Arctic expert at the Woods Hole Research Center in Falmouth, Mass, said that while the latest move in the polar vortex "may unleash claims that global warming is a hoax", the mass of frigid air over North America is far outweighed by areas elsewhere that are warmer than usual. Francis said modelling studies offer evidence the stratosphere over the Arctic is changing and so disruptions to polar vortexes are increasing. "We are seeing this more often and there are a few studies suggesting that the melting and warming of the Arctic make these (stratospheric) disruptions more likely than they used to be," she said in a telephone interview. Scientists say higher temperatures in the Arctic have led to historically low levels of ice there. That, in turn, has led changes in the jet stream, causing the polar vortex to buckle. "What we think is going on - and this is a hot topic and by no means settled science - we think there is one area where ice is being lost more than anywhere else in the Barents Sea in Northwest Russia," Francis said. "For whatever reason, the ice is disappearing there very fast."

What is the polar vortex and why is it so cold?

The US Midwest dug out Monday from a snowstorm that closed schools and businesses, as millions braced for dangerous sub-zero temperatures that could shatter records.&nbsp;

School districts in Minnesota and Wisconsin cancelled classes and government offices, universities and businesses shuttered, with the mercury expected to drop to a polar -40 Fahrenheit (-40 Celsius).&nbsp;

"Dangerously cold and potentially record-breaking temperatures and wind chills are expected by Tuesday and Wednesday," National Weather Service (NWS) said.&nbsp;

"The arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values." &nbsp;

In Wisconsin, where nearly a foot (30 centimetres) of snow was measured in one location, Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency, freeing up the Wisconsin National Guard for emergency work, if needed.

In North and South Dakota, peak wind gusts were measured at 60-70 miles (96-113 kilometres) per hour. &nbsp;

More than 1,000 flights were cancelled at two airports in Chicago, a major regional hub and America's third largest city, in nearby Illinois.&nbsp;

On the heels of the storm, nearly a dozen states braced for a blast of arctic air known as a polar vortex, which was expected to lower temperatures well below normal and far below zero.&nbsp;

The frigid air mass had veered from its usual path and was forecast to fall into the Midwest beginning Tuesday. The chill was expected to bring temperatures to extreme lows by Wednesday and last through Thursday.

Temperatures were expected to plummet to between -10 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit in a vast area stretching some 1,200 miles from the Dakotas to parts of Ohio.&nbsp;

Wind chill would make temperatures feel more like -30 to -65 degrees Fahrenheit, according to NWS.

On Tuesday, the snowstorm was expected to move to the northeast, where it could dump another 8 to 12 inches of snow in some areas.&nbsp;

In Wisconsin's biggest city, Milwaukee, downtown streets were virtually deserted Monday and every major highway in the state covered in ice or snow, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.&nbsp;

In Minnesota, numerous cities declared snow emergencies, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.&nbsp;

The US Midwest dug out Monday from a snowstorm that closed schools and businesses, as millions braced for dangerous sub-zero temperatures that could shatter records.

The US Midwest dug out Monday from a snowstorm that closed schools and businesses, as millions braced for dangerous sub-zero temperatures that could shatter records. School districts in Minnesota and Wisconsin cancelled classes and government offices, universities and businesses shuttered, with the mercury expected to drop to a polar -40 Fahrenheit (-40 Celsius). "Dangerously cold and potentially record-breaking temperatures and wind chills are expected by Tuesday and Wednesday," National Weather Service (NWS) said. "The arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values." In Wisconsin, where nearly a foot (30 centimetres) of snow was measured in one location, Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency, freeing up the Wisconsin National Guard for emergency work, if needed. In North and South Dakota, peak wind gusts were measured at 60-70 miles (96-113 kilometres) per hour. More than 1,000 flights were cancelled at two airports in Chicago, a major regional hub and America's third largest city, in nearby Illinois. On the heels of the storm, nearly a dozen states braced for a blast of arctic air known as a polar vortex, which was expected to lower temperatures well below normal and far below zero. The frigid air mass had veered from its usual path and was forecast to fall into the Midwest beginning Tuesday. The chill was expected to bring temperatures to extreme lows by Wednesday and last through Thursday. Temperatures were expected to plummet to between -10 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit in a vast area stretching some 1,200 miles from the Dakotas to parts of Ohio. Wind chill would make temperatures feel more like -30 to -65 degrees Fahrenheit, according to NWS. On Tuesday, the snowstorm was expected to move to the northeast, where it could dump another 8 to 12 inches of snow in some areas. In Wisconsin's biggest city, Milwaukee, downtown streets were virtually deserted Monday and every major highway in the state covered in ice or snow, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In Minnesota, numerous cities declared snow emergencies, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.

Snow wallops US Midwest as it braces for extreme cold

Four people were killed and two others critically wounded in a shooting at a Chicago hospital on Monday, and among the dead was the gunman who started shooting in the parking lot and then burst into the medical facility and opened fire, according to local media.

Chicago police officer has died after shooting at the hospital.

Police cars and ambulances swarmed the hospital after the shooting.

ABC7 Chicago and CBS Chicago, citing sources, reported that two people died in the shooting, including the gunman, and that two other people were wounded.

Police searched the hospital, said Anthony Guglielmi, a Chicago Police Department spokesman. The hospital said on Twitter the shooting was over and patients were safe.

Eyewitnesses told reporters the shooting began in the parking lot before moving into a clinic area inside the hospital.

Police have not commented on a possible motive for the shooting.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and police Superintendent Eddie Johnson were on their way to University of Chicago hospital, where the wounded police officer was being treated, according to local media.

Sue Jimenez, the manager of Kozy's Cyclery bike shop near the hospital, said she heard multiple gunshots separated by pauses. At one point, she heard five shots in quick succession, she said, but the shooting stopped after police arrived.

Four people were killed and two others critically wounded in a shooting at a Chicago hospital on Monday, and among the dead was the gunman who started shooting in the parking lot and then burst into the medical facility and opened fire, according to local media.

Four people were killed and two others critically wounded in a shooting at a Chicago hospital on Monday, and among the dead was the gunman who started shooting in the parking lot and then burst into the medical facility and opened fire, according to local media. Chicago police officer has died after shooting at the hospital. Police cars and ambulances swarmed the hospital after the shooting. ABC7 Chicago and CBS Chicago, citing sources, reported that two people died in the shooting, including the gunman, and that two other people were wounded. Police searched the hospital, said Anthony Guglielmi, a Chicago Police Department spokesman. The hospital said on Twitter the shooting was over and patients were safe. Eyewitnesses told reporters the shooting began in the parking lot before moving into a clinic area inside the hospital. Police have not commented on a possible motive for the shooting. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and police Superintendent Eddie Johnson were on their way to University of Chicago hospital, where the wounded police officer was being treated, according to local media. Sue Jimenez, the manager of Kozy's Cyclery bike shop near the hospital, said she heard multiple gunshots separated by pauses. At one point, she heard five shots in quick succession, she said, but the shooting stopped after police arrived.

Video: Four killed, including gunman and police officer, in shooting at Chicago hospital

When Scott Petracco graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in biology eight years ago, he thought he would quickly get a job in a laboratory and pay off $30,000 in student loans.

But the country was just emerging from the 2007-2009 recession, and he could not find a job related to his degree. Now, at age 30, he works part-time as a kidney dialysis technician in Chicago for $15 an hour. Since that does not pay the bills, he also has a second job loading freight.

“It’s nothing very exciting, but it pays well,” said Petracco, who does not think the money he spent on&nbsp;college&nbsp;was worth it. Tormented by his student loans, he has given up on going to medical school or working in his field, and is devoting “every dime I have into getting rid of the debt within six years.”

Petracco is not unusual. A study by the Federal Reserve published in May found that half of the people&nbsp;under 30 with bachelor's degrees wonder if the money they spent on&nbsp;college&nbsp;was worth it. It is a stunning finding in the Report on the Economic Well-Being of US&nbsp;Households in 2017, and evidence that the generation that finished&nbsp;college&nbsp;right after the Great Recession is turning into the “lost generation” some economists predicted a decade ago. https://reut.rs/2sJ4Ff9

Separate research by the St. Louis Federal Reserve has found that rather than bouncing back from bad economic times, the wealth of the millennial generation has decreased since 2010 and is far less than their parents’ generation at a similar stage in life.

“The generation born in the 1980s has not seen the&nbsp;college&nbsp;pay-off,” said William Emmons, an economist with the St. Louis Fed.

A key to this: Pay has not kept up with the cost of&nbsp;college&nbsp;borrowing.

Even though job opportunities have improved since the recession, Emmons thinks this year’s graduates could be weighed down by the same trends.

Although unemployment has declined to just 5.3 per cent for&nbsp;young&nbsp;college&nbsp;graduates, the New York Federal Reserve reported in April that 42.5 per cent of recent&nbsp;college&nbsp;graduates are underemployed, working in jobs that do not require&nbsp;college&nbsp;degrees.

While engineers are doing fine, with only 17 per cent of industrial engineers underemployed, some 57 per cent of liberal arts majors and 49 per cent of biological science majors are underemployed.

That suggests that Petracco’s problem finding a job stemmed not just from the recession. So many&nbsp;people&nbsp;now go to&nbsp;college&nbsp;that competition for jobs is intense. And because so&nbsp;many&nbsp;people with&nbsp;college&nbsp;degrees are available to employers, "We should not expect to go back to the 90s with big increases in salary,” for graduates, said Emmons.

GENERATION GAP

Buyer’s remorse over the big&nbsp;college&nbsp;purchase among 20-somethings fits the times. There has been a tremendous&nbsp;change in prosperity since baby boomers went to&nbsp;college.

For the generation born in the 1950s and 60s, when far fewer&nbsp;people&nbsp;went to&nbsp;college, graduating from&nbsp;college&nbsp;lifted incomes for&nbsp;young&nbsp;adults 57 per cent higher than&nbsp;people&nbsp;who did not go to college, according to the St. Louis Fed. Now it is just 43 per cent higher for&nbsp;people&nbsp;born in the 1980s, who now in their 30s or late 20s.

There has been an even worse drop-off in the ability to build wealth among&nbsp;people&nbsp;who went to college. Baby boomers born in the 1950s bought homes shortly after&nbsp;college&nbsp;and quickly built wealth in their 20s and 30s. Their wealth was 185 per cent more than peers who had not gone to college.

Today, after borrowing heavily for&nbsp;college&nbsp;and starting jobs with relatively stagnant pay, those born in the 1980s have wealth only 42 per cent above peers who did not go to&nbsp;college.

Housing – both rentals and buying – is unaffordable in&nbsp;many&nbsp;major metropolitan areas. Freddie Mac recently reported that less than half of&nbsp;college&nbsp;graduates could afford to live independently in cities. Fewer own homes.

Those who do buy often do so with help from a parent or grandparent said Dana Bull, a 29-year-old Boston real estate agent who caters to her generation.

Having a&nbsp;college&nbsp;degree has not helped some of her peers, who struggle to get jobs. Then, Bull said, they compound the problem by adding on more debt for master's degrees.

Even though job opportunities have improved since the recession, Emmons thinks this year’s graduates could be weighed down by the same trends

When Scott Petracco graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in biology eight years ago, he thought he would quickly get a job in a laboratory and pay off $30,000 in student loans. But the country was just emerging from the 2007-2009 recession, and he could not find a job related to his degree. Now, at age 30, he works part-time as a kidney dialysis technician in Chicago for $15 an hour. Since that does not pay the bills, he also has a second job loading freight. “It’s nothing very exciting, but it pays well,” said Petracco, who does not think the money he spent on college was worth it. Tormented by his student loans, he has given up on going to medical school or working in his field, and is devoting “every dime I have into getting rid of the debt within six years.” Petracco is not unusual. A study by the Federal Reserve published in May found that half of the people under 30 with bachelor's degrees wonder if the money they spent on college was worth it. It is a stunning finding in the Report on the Economic Well-Being of US Households in 2017, and evidence that the generation that finished college right after the Great Recession is turning into the “lost generation” some economists predicted a decade ago. https://reut.rs/2sJ4Ff9 Separate research by the St. Louis Federal Reserve has found that rather than bouncing back from bad economic times, the wealth of the millennial generation has decreased since 2010 and is far less than their parents’ generation at a similar stage in life. “The generation born in the 1980s has not seen the college pay-off,” said William Emmons, an economist with the St. Louis Fed. A key to this: Pay has not kept up with the cost of college borrowing. Even though job opportunities have improved since the recession, Emmons thinks this year’s graduates could be weighed down by the same trends. Although unemployment has declined to just 5.3 per cent for young college graduates, the New York Federal Reserve reported in April that 42.5 per cent of recent college graduates are underemployed, working in jobs that do not require college degrees. While engineers are doing fine, with only 17 per cent of industrial engineers underemployed, some 57 per cent of liberal arts majors and 49 per cent of biological science majors are underemployed. That suggests that Petracco’s problem finding a job stemmed not just from the recession. So many people now go to college that competition for jobs is intense. And because so many people with college degrees are available to employers, "We should not expect to go back to the 90s with big increases in salary,” for graduates, said Emmons. GENERATION GAP Buyer’s remorse over the big college purchase among 20-somethings fits the times. There has been a tremendous change in prosperity since baby boomers went to college. For the generation born in the 1950s and 60s, when far fewer people went to college, graduating from college lifted incomes for young adults 57 per cent higher than people who did not go to college, according to the St. Louis Fed. Now it is just 43 per cent higher for people born in the 1980s, who now in their 30s or late 20s. There has been an even worse drop-off in the ability to build wealth among people who went to college. Baby boomers born in the 1950s bought homes shortly after college and quickly built wealth in their 20s and 30s. Their wealth was 185 per cent more than peers who had not gone to college. Today, after borrowing heavily for college and starting jobs with relatively stagnant pay, those born in the 1980s have wealth only 42 per cent above peers who did not go to college. Housing – both rentals and buying – is unaffordable in many major metropolitan areas. Freddie Mac recently reported that less than half of college graduates could afford to live independently in cities. Fewer own homes. Those who do buy often do so with help from a parent or grandparent said Dana Bull, a 29-year-old Boston real estate agent who caters to her generation. Having a college degree has not helped some of her peers, who struggle to get jobs. Then, Bull said, they compound the problem by adding on more debt for master's degrees.

College pay-off seems elusive for many US young people

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