Through meetings and research, the University of Chicago’s Health Lab is working with community members to see how the nation’s emergency response system can be transformed to better serve people in crisis.
Stories by blair paddock
Illinois Repeals HIV Criminal Transmission Law
People with HIV can no longer be criminally prosecuted for exposing someone else to the virus without their knowledge. Advocates say the law discouraged testing and treatment for HIV — and the repeal is long overdue.
New Illinois Laws on Marriage Certificates More Inclusive of LGBTQ Residents
For transgender and gender non-conforming people, the process of changing your name and getting documents to reflect those changes can be a burden. How two new laws in Illinois aim to ease that process.
University of Chicago Examines Connection Between Poverty and Child Welfare
Families living in poverty are more likely to be involved with the child welfare system, according to a recent brief from the University of Chicago. As part of our “Firsthand: Living in Poverty” series, we look at the barriers facing families that need financial assistance.
Narcotics Arrest Diversion Program Will Soon Be Citywide
The city is expanding a program that works to keep people from getting a drug offense and, instead, places them into treatment. Eleven police districts are currently eligible for the program, but officials say it will be available in all districts by the end of the year.
Lollapalooza Will Go on Despite Rising COVID-19 Cases
The massive music festival that routinely attracts more than 100,000 people per day to its stages starts next week as the delta variant drives a rise in COVID-19 cases. Should the show go on? A local music critic and an infectious disease doctor share their thoughts.
Chicago Auto Show Puts Spotlight on Electric Vehicles
One of the show-stopping entries at this year’s event? The Ford F-150 Lightning. That truck and other electric cars that were on display have electric vehicle advocates eager to accelerate the shift from gas to electric.
Cook County Chief Judge Responds to Officials’ Blame of Courts for Rise in Crime
Are the courts to blame for a spike in crime? Chief Judge Timothy Evans responds to the repeated accusations from Mayor Lori Lightfoot and police Superintendent David Brown.
Amid Spike in Gun Violence, Cook County’s Foxx, Mitchell Address Concerns Over Courts
More than 100 people were shot over the Fourth of July weekend in Chicago, one of the city’s deadliest in years. Some officials are blaming the courts for the recent violence. Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx and Public Defender Sharone Mitchell Jr. respond.
How Countries are Filling Gaps in COVID-19 Vaccinations
About 46% of the United States’ population is fully vaccinated, but many countries have much lower rates. What the U.S. and other countries are doing to promote vaccine equity across the world.
How Cook County is Addressing the Opioid Epidemic After Spike in Overdoses
Opioid-related overdoses in Cook County increased by more than 40% last year. While this spike began in December 2019 — before COVID-19 was widespread — the pandemic accelerated the trend. We discuss the state of the opioid epidemic in the Chicago area.
In Humboldt Park, Anti-Violence Groups Work Toward Healing, Prevention
Two people were fatally shot and another 10 were injured this weekend on the city’s West Side. How a local anti-violence group is working alongside the community to prevent further violence.
Chicago Area Trans Survey Will Collect Data ‘Made By and For Trans People’
A transgender-led research group is working to create a comprehensive data set that reflects the trans community in Cook County more wholly. “We’re really trying to not just tell stories of trans pain, but also tell stories of trans joy,” said Dylan Felt of Northwestern University.
Why a Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline is Drawing Controversy
A bill heading to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk would provide funding for a proposed natural gas pipeline in a village outside Kankakee. Supporters say the pipeline could provide economic growth for the area, but others are concerned about the plan’s environmental impact.
With Ban Set to Expire, Advocates Hope Rental Assistance Will Stave off Evictions
The Chicago Emergency Rental Assistance Program application window closes June 8
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides grants to cover 15 months of missed rental payments. By August, the eviction ban is set to be lifted in Illinois. Will this assistance be enough to keep people afloat?
Some Not Ready to Give Up Masks Despite Relaxed Guidelines
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday lifted the state’s mask mandate for fully vaccinated residents. But not everyone is ready to follow the new guidance. We talk about the future of masks with Jocelyn Carter, director of clinical training at DePaul University.
Chicago Expands Vaccine Eligibility for Youth Ages 12 to 15
Vaccine eligibility is expanding. We speak with Dr. Allison Bartlett, a pediatrician and associate professor of the pediatrics section of infectious diseases at University of Chicago Medicine, to learn more about vaccinating young people.
Group Works to ‘Redefine the Narrative’ and Reduce Number of Women in Prison
At the end of 2020, about 1,400 women were in the Illinois prison system, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections. One group is aiming to cut that number in half.
How to Stay Informed and Avoid Burnout from 24-7 Media
Over the past year, news coverage about traumatic topics like the pandemic and fatal police shootings have caused many to feel burnt out. Is there a balance between staying informed and not feeling overwhelmed by distressing stories?
At What Point Does a COVID-19 Infection Become a Disability?
COVID-19 has put some people on disability benefits, but others say the system isn't built for people with the virus. We discuss the obstacles people with long COVID-19 symptoms are facing.
COPA Investigation Just Beginning as Community Responds to Toledo Shooting Video
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability delivered on its promise to publicly release video of the fatal police shooting of Adam Toledo within 60 days, but the agency’s work has just begun. What’s next for the investigation.
Another Spike in COVID-19 Cases Shows Clear Pattern, Cause for Caution
A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that easing restrictions on indoor dining in restaurants can increase COVID-19 cases and deaths. After easing restrictions in Chicago, the city’s positivity rate is again on the rise.
Universal Basic Income Skeptics Say Cash Should Go to Existing Services
Chicago aldermen recently approved a resolution calling for the city to use federal relief funds for a basic income pilot program. Some organizations have already been testing out the idea, but skeptics are looking to build up social services instead.
Alderman Calls for Equity in Metered Parking Along Lakefront
Metered parking is already in place at lakefront destinations like Rainbow Beach, North Avenue Beach, 31st Street Beach, 63rd Street Beach and Foster Avenue Beach. Now it’s coming to Montrose Harbor — and some residents aren’t happy about it.
Atlanta Attacks Raise Concerns About Increasing Violence Against Women
A mass shooting in Atlanta last week has left Asian women across the country heartbroken and scared for their safety. We discuss a rise in racial and gender-based violence — and resources for those in need.
Cook County’s New Public Defender Talks Goals, Challenges
Sharone Mitchell Jr. is coming in at a turbulent time: Jury trials resumed Monday with a massive backlog of cases, and a controversial criminal justice bill was signed by the governor last month. All of this, of course, comes against the backdrop of COVID-19.
