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Trump Abandons Bid to Include Citizenship Question on Census
| Associated Press
President Donald Trump abandoned his controversial bid to demand citizenship details from all respondents in next year’s census Thursday, instead directing federal agencies to try to compile the information using existing databases.
Trump Administration Plans Immigration Enforcement Operation
| Associated Press
The Trump administration is moving forward with a nationwide immigration enforcement operation this weekend targeting migrant families, despite loud opposition from Democrats and questions over whether it’s the best use of resources given the crisis at the border.
CDC: Pools Linked to Increase in Diarrhea Outbreaks
| Kristen Thometz
Sound advice from public health officials for your text trip to a public pool: don’t swallow the water. Officials say a parasite that caused a national increase in diarrhea outbreaks between 2009 and 2017 can be found once more in public pools.
Why Alligators Don’t Make Good Pets (and 9 Other Fun Gator Facts)
| Alex Ruppenthal
As the search for the Humboldt Park Lagoon alligator continues, learn more about these fear-inducing creatures – and why they shouldn’t be brought home as a pet.
Deep Frydays: Frango Frolics
| Nick Blumberg
Many Chicagoans have sweet memories of the confection we’re about to dunk in hot oil: the Frango mint. But they might be surprised to learn that the signature candy of Marshall Field’s was not created in Chicago.
CTU Threatens Teachers Strike in a Month if No Contract Completed
| Matt Masterson
The head of the Chicago Teachers Union is using the “s” word as their negotiators return to the bargaining table Thursday to continue working toward a new contract with Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Public Schools.
Illinois Betting on a Rapid Pace for Casino Expansion
| Amanda Vinicky
State legislators laid out a rapid pace in the new gambling expansion law that will give Illinois six new casinos, including one in Chicago – so fast that it appears the state is already struggling to keep up.
Spotlight Politics: Murky Waters of Lead Pipe Debate
| Paris Schutz
Mayor Lori Lightfoot wades into the murky waters of the lead pipe debate. Our politics team takes on that story and more in our weekly roundtable.
Drawing History: Chicago Tribune Editorial Cartoonist on Slowing Down
| Alexandra Silets
After a decade commenting on news for the Chicago Tribune, editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis is stepping back from the daily grind. He joins us.
Illinois Officials Urge Preparedness Following California Earthquakes
| Alex Ruppenthal
In the aftermath of two major earthquakes that shook southern California last week, officials in Illinois are urging residents to prepare themselves and their homes in the event of a similar incident.
Geoffrey Baer Reflects on Frank Lloyd Wright World Heritage Designation
| Quinn Myers
Eight buildings by famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Geoffrey Baer walks us through the designation and the Wright sites.
Juror’s Courtroom Exit Highlights Peculiarity of Brendt Christensen Trial
| Matt Masterson
Defense attorneys called a juror’s actions this week “unprecedented” and sought a mistrial on Wednesday. That request was denied, but the walkout marks one more oddity in the high-profile case.
Salesmanship Cedes to Love in ‘The Music Man’
| Hedy Weiss
The overall pacing of this bear of a show can sometimes feel a bit off. At the same time, there is such a sense of jubilation about this production that its imperfections are easy to overlook.
Monarch Butterflies Bred in Captivity May Lose Ability to Navigate, Study Finds
| Alex Ruppenthal
New research by University of Chicago scientists shows that despite the positive intentions of conservationists who promote captive breeding for monarchs, the practice may not be producing the desired effect.
Illinois Unemployment System Down, Payments Delayed
| Amanda Vinicky
The outage means people cannot file for unemployment and 29,000 of the 86,000 claimants who are already certified will see their payments delayed.
Sinai Health Opens $6.5M Unit to Address Mental Health Emergencies
| Kristen Thometz
The new crisis stabilization unit at Holy Cross Hospital will serve as an alternative to emergency rooms which are often crowded and ill-equipped to handle psychiatric emergencies.
Chicago’s ‘Queen of Tape’ Makes Art with Duct Tape
| Evan Garcia
When most people see a roll of duct tape, they probably see a drab, everyday object that’s occasionally useful for fixing stuff. Anna Dominguez is different.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: July 11-14
| Kristen Thometz
Outdoor eats, hidden gardens and a retro roller skating party usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.
Chicago Police Investigators Confirm Alligator in Lagoon
| Associated Press
Chicago police investigators have cracked the case: A 4- to 5-foot alligator is living in a lagoon at one of the city’s most popular parks.
Lead Concerns Halt Chicago Water Meter Installations
| Amanda Vinicky
Chicago’s water meter installation program is on an indefinite hold after new data showed an increased level of lead in some metered homes.
Illinois Cancels Band from Fair Lineup Over Confederate Flag
| Associated Press
Country rock band Confederate Railroad has been barred from performing at an Illinois state fair because of its use of the Confederate flag.
Mary Zimmerman Reimagines ‘The Music Man’ at Goodman Theatre
| Marc Vitali
“The Music Man” marches into the Goodman Theatre. Tony Award-winning director Mary Zimmerman gives us details on the big parade.
Bob Fosse’s ‘Riff Brothers’ Dance Partner Gives Old Routine New Life
| Jay Shefsky
As a teen, Charlie Grass was Bob Fosse’s dance partner. Now at age 91, he’s teaching their old routines to young Chicago dancers.
Shedd Kayak Trips Encourage Paddlers to Explore and Restore Chicago River
| Nick Blumberg
Restoring the Chicago River has been a project many decades in the making. One of many organizations taking part in that effort offers a water-level view of the work underway. We go for a look.
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