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Illinois Legislators’ Checklist for May

The month of May means it's prime time for action in Springfield. The legislature is set to wrap up its business by the end of the month. Here’s a look at what’s on the to-do list.

Lightfoot Stops Short of Calling on Ald. Daley Thompson to Resign After Indictment

Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who campaigned on a promise to root out corruption in City Hall, has repeatedly called for Ald. Ed Burke, the other indicted member of the Chicago City Council, to step down. But on Wednesday she stopped short of calling on the 11th Ward alderman to resign.

‘Unacceptable Disparities’ Persist Among Maternal Deaths: Report

Black women are three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts, according to a new report. While that disparity has narrowed, officials say it’s not due to conditions improving for Black women but instead worsening conditions for white women. 

Report: ‘Breakdown of Communication’ Led to Mischaracterization of Toledo Shooting in Court

An internal investigation by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office found a “breakdown of communication” and other issues were responsible for the inadvertent mischaracterization of the Adam Toledo shooting in a hearing last month.

The Secret Behind Some of Illinois’ Most Celebrated Honey

Illinois is known for growing corn and soybeans, but there’s another local crop some say is ready for its close up: honey. We visit a bee farm just north of Chicago that has become one of the most celebrated in the entire state.  

Latino Unity Day: Leaders Address Challenges on Many Fronts

Chicago’s Latino community has been especially affected by the events of the past year, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the fatal police shootings of Adam Toledo and Anthony Alvarez. We discuss key issues community leaders want elected officials to address. 

As US Economy Surges Back, Economists Forecast 2021 Boom

The U.S. economy grew at 6.4% in the first quarter of 2021 as the combined impact of a mass vaccination rollout and federal stimulus checks triggered a surge in consumer spending. But how long can this economic boom last?

Former Ald. Ricardo Muñoz Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Fraud, Money Laundering Charges

The former 22nd Ward alderman pleaded not guilty Wednesday after being indicted on charges that he drained more than $38,000 from the bank account of the City Council’s Progressive Reform Caucus and used those funds to pay for trips, jewelry, iPhones and tickets to sporting events.

Chicago River Day Cleanup is Around the Corner, and it Has an Unexpected Mascot

The American mink is the poster critter for Chicago River Day, the annual cleanup hosted by Friends of the Chicago River that has volunteers fanning out from Lake County to Calumet to clear litter and trash from sites along the waterway. Here’s how to participate in Saturday’s event.

COPA Chief Sydney Roberts Resigning From Agency

The chief administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, the agency which investigates police misconduct, has announced she will be resigning from the organization “with a heavy heart” after three years on the job.

Peloton Treadmills Recalled After Death of Child, 72 Injuries

A 6-year-old child recently died after being pulled under the rear of the Peloton Tread+ treadmill, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The company has also received dozens of reports of injuries.

Lightfoot to Allow Some Summer Festivals to Take Place — But Not Air and Water Show

As the COVID-19 pandemic eases, a plan takes shape for a number of Chicago events this summer and fall, the “latest step in our mission to fully restore a sense of normalcy within our city,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said.

Facebook Board Upholds Trump Ban, Just Not an Indefinite One

Former President Donald Trump won’t return to Facebook — at least not yet. Four months after Facebook suspended Trump’s accounts for inciting violence that led to the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the company’s quasi-independent oversight board upheld the bans.

Looking for a Mother’s Day Gift? Get Vaccinated, Cook County Officials Say

Flowers, candy and jewelry are all go-to gifts for mom. But this year, Cook County officials say the No. 1 gift can’t be bought in a store. “This year all your mother wants for Mother’s Day is for you to get vaccinated,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. 

Parent Group Makes List of Recommendations for Next CPS CEO

As Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson prepares to walk away from the district at the end of next month, a local parent organization has begun outlining steps it hopes her eventual replacement will take to improve public education across the city.