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Senate Approves Bill to Aid Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits, a Move Advocates Say Was Long Overdue

The Honoring Our PACT Act will make it so veterans who served in certain areas over a period from the ‘90s on, and who have conditions like certain cancers, will get the presumption it’s related to their service and burn pit exposure.

Report: Chicago Police Officers Arresting Many More Black Drivers Than Reported

Chicago police officers are arresting thousands more Black drivers after traffic stops than they report, according to a recent analysis of police data from Block Club Chicago and Injustice Watch.

Spotlight Politics: Darren Bailey Facing Backlash Over Abortion and Holocaust Comparison

The Republican nominee for Illinois governor, Darren Bailey, is feeling the backlash from both sides of the aisle for comparing abortion to the Holocaust. Our politics team weighs in on that story and more.

Chicago’s Newest Music Venue Breathes New Life into Iconic Salt Shed

The city’s newest concert venue, appropriately called the Salt Shed, which just celebrated its opening day Tuesday. The concert hall is on the site of the renovated Morton Salt shed. 

CTA President Dorval Carter Details Efforts to Combat Crime, Workforce Shortage

In an appearance on “Chicago Tonight,” CTA President Dorval Carter said the agency is working closely with the Chicago Police Department to deploy additional resources to address crime concerns. Recruitment efforts are also underway to help with a worker shortage. 

Conspiracy Theorist Alex Jones Concedes Sandy Hook Attack Was ‘100% Real’

Speaking a day after the parents of a 6-year-old boy who was killed in the 2012 attack testified about the suffering, death threats and harassment they’ve endured because of what Alex Jones has trumpeted on his media platforms, the Infowars host told a Texas courtroom that he definitely thinks the attack happened.

Highland Park July 4 Parade Attack Suspect Pleads Not Guilty

The man accused of killing seven people and wounding dozens more in a shooting at an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, a week after prosecutors announced he faces 117 felony counts in the attack.

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Aug. 4-7

Costumes, bugs, barbecued meats and Italian fare usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Indiana US Rep. Jackie Walorski Killed in Car Crash, Her Office Says

Republican U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski was killed Wednesday in a car accident in her northern Indiana District, according to her office.

Nature’s Flower Show: Check Out the Swamp Rose Mallow at Sand Ridge Nature Center

The native swamp rose mallow has hit full bloom, its super-sized six-inch blossoms bursting forth in seemingly every shade of pink from the palest blush to saturated fuschia

How the Climate Deal Would Help Farmers Aid the Environment

The climate deal reached last week by Senate Democrats could reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that American farmers produce by expanding programs that help accumulate carbon in soil, fund climate-focused research and lower the abundant methane emissions that come from cows.

Aug. 3, 2022 - Full Show

The alleged Highland Park shooter pleads not guilty. The president of the CTA is here to address issues of safety and service across the system. Why police are stopping more Black drivers during traffic stops, and more.

Aug. 2, 2022 - Full Show

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx is facing a deluge of criticism. How some tenants are responding to rapidly rising rents. The governor declares monkeypox a state health emergency. And a local artist re-envisions famous disasters.

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx Faces Mounting Criticism Over Prosecutor Resignations

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s office is seeing a degree of turnover that’s raising alarms among the criminal justice community. One recent high-profile departure has only added to the outcry. 

US House Speaker Pelosi Arrives in Taiwan, Defying Beijing

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday night despite threats from Beijing of serious consequences, becoming the highest-ranking American official in 25 years to visit the self-ruled island claimed by China.

As Monkeypox Spreads, Attention Turns Toward Jails

There are now 533 confirmed monkeypox cases in Illinois. And one of those cases was confirmed last week in Cook County Jail. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart’s office said the individual is believed to have contracted the virus in the community prior to being ordered into custody.

From Eastland Disaster to Train Derailments, Chicago Artist Inspired by History and Tragedy

Painter Eric Edward Esper creates accurate historical depictions of terrifying tragedies – fires, tornadoes and nautical disasters that took place in Chicago and elsewhere.

As Rents Rise, Push to Eliminate Illinois’ Ban on Rent Control Grows

Rent prices rose 9.4% in 2022, according to data firm CoStar Group. In response, groups of local tenants are unionizing in hopes of pushing for an end to a rent control ban that was passed in 1997.

After Stalemate, Senate Approves Bill to Aid Veterans Exposed to Toxic Burn Pits

The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 86-11. It now goes to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law. Biden described the legislation as the biggest expansion of benefits for service-connected health issues in 30 years and the largest single bill ever to address exposure to burn pits.

Chicago Awards $6.5M in CityArts Grants to Nonprofit Organizations

Funding for the CityArts Program increased by 280% in 2022, climbing from $1.7 million in 2021 to $6.5 million, according to a news release. The awards follow the announcement that $26 million will be provided in new arts and culture investments as part of the city’s 2022 budget.

Number of Uninsured Americans Drops to Record Low

The findings come days after Democrats hammered out a 725-page climate, health care and tax deal that would extend generous federal subsidies for people who buy private health insurance that are credited with driving down the uninsured rates. Democrats have proposed spending $64 billion to extend those price breaks for three more years.

8-Year-Old Boy Wounded in Highland Park Parade Attack Moves to Rehab-Focused Hospital

Cooper Roberts’ family said the boy was moved Sunday to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab from the University of Chicago’s Comer Children’s Hospital. The family’s statement released Monday said Cooper’s medical team will focus on physical and occupational therapy along with other rehabilitation and mental health services.

Even Simple Exercise May Help Aging Brain, Study Hints

New research hints that even a simple exercise routine just might help older Americans with mild memory problems.

Aug. 1, 2022 - Full Show

The future of Lollapalooza after the music festival rocked Grant Park this weekend. More controversy for a northwest suburban bakery that wanted to host a drag show. And Art on the Mart celebrates Bud Billiken.

CPS Teachers Who Are Keeping Their Jobs After Dispute Say Students’ General Iron Activism is Free Speech

The teachers say they were encouraging students to participate in the process of free speech by protesting metal scrap company General Iron, which planned to move into their South Side community.

Crain’s Headlines: State Farm Hits Illinois Drivers With Price Hike

State Farm hits Illinois auto customers with yet another price hike. Suburban apartments are seeing some major investment gains. And a look at what’s on the road ahead for electric truck maker Rivian.
 

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