The latest news updates from Springfield Watch cover a range of topics. In Maine, a man has been sentenced to life in prison for committing murders and carrying out a shooting spree. Meanwhile, Tennessee has passed a law allowing the death penalty for child rapists. Ripple effects from the ongoing border crisis in Rio are being felt across the United States, while the Karen Read murder trial continues to be deliberated upon.
In local news, Springfield’s approach to homelessness is unlikely to change despite a recent Supreme Court ruling. Freelance workers now have new protections under a law that took effect on July 1st. The US Supreme Court has declined to review cases related to Illinois’ assault weapons ban, and some cities have begun banning outdoor sleeping, sparking mixed reactions. Officials hope that a new apartment complex will help boost the economy of downtown Springfield.
On the national and world stage, a new book honors the women who influenced Theodore Roosevelt. NEA members are pushing for an Israel boycott at their annual meeting, despite ignoring education priorities. Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm, is heading towards Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and has already resulted in six deaths. The Biden White House staff’s payroll has reached a record number at $225 million, while Temu’s alleged data collection practices have attracted attention from states across the US.