Chicago faith leaders and a few politicians are calling for a new approach to taking on gun violence, arguing that this effort would be more than just another layer of bureaucracy. WGN political editor Ben Bradley introduces the discussion, highlighting that local leaders are calling on the city to create a Department of Gun Violence Prevention. They argue this would move the work of reducing gun violence away from political dependency, making it a permanent responsibility of city government that spans multiple mayoral administrations.
Supporters believe this new department, which would replace the current Office of Community Safety, will provide a more stabilized and coordinated long-term strategy to address violence that has persisted for decades. This announcement follows a particularly violent weekend in Chicago where 30 people were shot, including a single incident in Roseland involving 12 victims. The violence drew attention from President Donald Trump, who suggested he could make the city safer in a month, leading to a back-and-forth exchange with Governor JB Pritzker regarding the effectiveness of local versus federal support.
A significant portion of the segment honors the legacy of Alan Greenspan, the former Federal Reserve chairman who passed away at the age of 100. The report details his storied career, from his early life in New York, his musical aspirations as a jazz clarinetist, and his pivot to economics. Greenspan served five terms as Fed chair under four presidents, guiding the U.S. through the 1987 stock market crash, two recessions, the Asian financial crisis, and the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. While he was celebrated as the ‘guardian angel of financial markets,’ he also faced criticism for policies that some believe contributed to the dot-com bubble and the later subprime mortgage crisis.
International developments take center stage as the Trump administration reports success in peace talks with Iran. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Iran has agreed to allow nuclear inspectors into their facilities, and negotiations continue in Switzerland to solidify a ceasefire and ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open. President Trump expressed optimism about the current flow of oil through the region, while some Democrats and Senators like Dick Durbin emphasized that any deal involving the lifting of sanctions must be subject to congressional review.
Finally, the program touches on a political shakeup in the United Kingdom, noting that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will resign following internal party pressure. Closer to home, the broadcast concludes by acknowledging the retirement of Illinois State Senator Linda Holmes, who is stepping down after 20 years in office due to the progression of multiple sclerosis. She plans to complete her term but will withdraw her name from the November ballot.
