Mayor Lori Lightfoot refuses to quarantine after appearing at a Wednesday press conference with Ald. Michael Scott Jr. who tested COVID-19-positive the next day. While Lightfoot has tested negative, epidemiologists recommend she test again up to nine days later to see if she was exposed to the virus.

With more COVID-19 cases in the state, Gov. J.B. Pritzker issues an emergency rule that includes a three strikes and you’re fined policy for businesses and schools that don’t enforce the state’s mask mandate. 

Chicago Public Schools and Lightfoot announce the district will start the year with remote learning and claim science – not the Chicago Teacher’s Union's threats to strike — made a difference. Meanwhile, Chicago Catholic schools are planning for in-person instruction.

The Chicago Police Department has already spent nearly $85 million — almost its entire annual overtime budget — on policing protests as the number of shootings of children and police explode. After a rapper and reported gang member is fatally shot in the Gold Coast, his mother pleads for peace as the CPD fears retaliation.

ComEd pleads not guilty to bribery charges. Now, six progressive aldermen have now joined the small chorus calling for Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, who was identified as “Public Official A” in the prosecution’s deal with the utility, to step down.

Finally, in national news, former Vice President Joe Biden says he won’t go to Wisconsin for the Democratic National Convention. President Trump floats the idea of giving his Republican National Convention speech from White House. And, the battle over vote-by-mail rages. 

Guests

Jessica D’Onofrio, ABC 7 News | @DonofrioABC7
Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times | @NaderDIssa
Laura Washington, Chicago Sun-Times and ABC 7 Chicago | @MediaDervish
Kelly Bauer, Block Club Chicago | @BauerJournalism

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