Illinois legislature passes assault weapon ban, a new tool for Metra riders and more in your Chicago news roundup

State Rep. Denyse Wang Stoneback receives a standing ovation from activists from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America during an Illinois House Judiciary Criminal Committee meeting on the state’s proposed assault weapon ban at the Bilandic Building in the Loop on Dec. 20, (Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times file)

Good afternoon. Here’s the latest news you need to know in Chicago. It’s about a five-minute read that will brief you on today’s biggest stories.

This afternoon will be sunny with a high near 48 degrees. Tonight will be mostly cloudy with a low near 35. Tomorrow will also be mostly cloudy, with a high near 47.