Chicago police Officer Ella French is killed and her partner is wounded when a routine traffic stop turns deadly. Two brothers have been charged in connection with the slaying, which reveals a widening breach between Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago Police Department.

An Indiana man who allegedly acted as a straw purchaser to buy the firearm used to kill French is released from jail following his arrest on a federal charge earlier this week.

COVID-19

Chicago Public Schools announces a COVID-19 vaccine requirment for teachers and staff. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s school mask mandate is being challenged in court. Dr. Allison Arwady, commissioner of the Department of Public Health, says there is “no evidence” Lollapalooza was a superspreader event. Meanwhile, Illinois launches a website to check vaccination status. The Food and Drug Administration approves a booster shot for immunocompromised. And, despite rising COVID-19 cases, some state lawmakers refuse to get vaccinated.

Budget, census data

Chicago faces a projected $733 million budget shortfall in the 2022 fiscal year. Will a property tax hike be imposed to fill the city’s budget gap? Census data released shows Chicago’s population grew slightly, while the nation’s white population is shrinking and diversity is growing. This data will help shape U.S. House districts for 2022 races.

Guests

Laura Washington, Chicago Sun-Times, ABC 7 News |@MediaDervish, @SunTimes
Christian Farr, NBC 5 Chicago |  @ChrisFarrNBC5, @nbcchicago
Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune | @JeremyGorner, @chicagotribune
Tony Arnold, WBEZ | @TonyJArnold, @WBEZ

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