Welcome to the Reader‘s morning briefing for Thursday, March 31, 2016.
- Weather: A strong thunderstorm and lots of rain
March is going out with a bang. A big thunderstorm, with possible damaging winds and flooding, is headed our way around midday. The weather should clear up by the late afternoon, and it will then be warm, with a high of 64 and a low of 40. [AccuWeather]
- Chicago State University has employees turn in building keys
Chicago State University has been one of the most visible victims of the state’s ongoing budget impasse. With no solution in sight, the school is preparing for layoffs to begin as soon as April 30 and has asked employees to turn in their keys to campus buildings. [Tribune]
- Rauner slams Chicago Teachers Union one-day strike
It’s no surprise that Governor Bruce Rauner is unhappy about the Chicago Teachers Union’s plans to strike Friday. The governor slammed the union, saying that the students should come first. CTU president Karen Lewis has been a vocal critic of Rauner, even calling him a “sociopath” in November. The feud isn’t over—Rauner says he’ll have more to say about the controversial walkout Friday. [CBS Chicago]
- Should Blackhawks fans be worried after Duncan Keith’s suspension?
Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith was suspended indefinitely after hitting Minnesota Wild player Charlie Coyle in the face with his hockey stick. Although the team’s already qualified for the playoffs, experts are concerned that Keith may not be back in the lineup for the beginning of the postseason. [ESPN]
- Drew Peterson appeal goes to the Illinois Supreme Court
Haven’t heard about Bolingbrook’s most famous ex-resident, Drew Peterson, in a while? He’s back in the news as the Illinois Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal of his 2012 murder conviction. His legal issues don’t end there—he’s also facing charges for allegedly asking a fellow inmate to kill Will County state’s attorney James Glasgow. [NBC Chicago]
- Photos: New renderings of Jeanne Gang’s Wanda Vista Tower
To spark sales of its 400 luxury condominiums, the developers behind the Studio Gang-designed Wanda Vista Tower have released some new renderings of the spectacular 93-story high-rise set to be built at 381 E. Wacker Drive. The opening is slated for 2019. [DNAinfo Chicago]