With $1 Billion In Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds, Cook County Plans A Hiring Spree
County board President Toni Preckwinkle said she also expects a deficit next year, but no new taxes or tax hikes to fill the gap — yet.
Top Stories
Illinois Has A New Law To Remove Lead Pipes. What Happens Now?
Chicago has about 400,000 lead service lines connecting to people’s homes. The city has 50 years to replace them all.
The Pandemic Led To The Biggest Drop In U.S. Life Expectancy Since WWII, Study Finds
Life expectancy fell by nearly two years between 2018 and 2020, largely due to COVID-19. Declines were most pronounced among minority groups, including Black and Hispanic people.
With Progress Toward Infrastructure Deal, President Biden Invites Senators For New Talks
A bipartisan group of senators is “very, very close” to an agreement on a deal for an infrastructure package, Ohio Republican Rob Portman told Capitol Hill reporters.
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- TRACKING THE VIRUS
COVID-19 in Chicago and Illinois
WBEZ’s news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic focuses on equity, the vaccine rollout in Chicago and the state, and the impact on our daily lives.
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Chicago Workers Are Going Door To Door To Improve Vaccination Rates
As Chicago looks to fully reopen next week, city officials are focusing on improving vaccination rates in some neighborhoods lagging behind.
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LISTEN: Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, From Activist To Party Boss
She’s one of the most powerful members of the Democratic Party, though she has a hard time owning it. Could be her immigrant upbringing.
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PHOTOS: Residents Clean Up After Devastating Tornadoes West Of Chicago
Tornadoes swept through Chicago’s western suburbs on Sunday, damaging homes, knocking down trees and injuring multiple people.
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Chicago City Council Delays Votes — Again — As Power Struggle With Mayor Lightfoot Continues
Amid complaints of disorder and disrespect, the council pushed off key votes on whether to rename Lake Shore Drive and a broad business package favored by the mayor.
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The Teamsters Want To Unionize Amazon Workers. Here’s What That Means.
At a convention of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters this week, the union announced plans to create a special division focused on organizing Amazon workers across the country.
Ex-Blackhawks Coach Convicted Of A Sex Crime Had Been Investigated For Other Allegations
A police investigative report obtained by WBEZ shows authorities investigated at least two other encounters involving youth. No charges were filed.
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This Is How Chicago Progressives Want To Spend $1.8 Billion In COVID Relief
The plan would also create a guaranteed basic income for Chicago’s poorest residents, forgive debt from unpaid water bills and provide housing assistance. Left out are Chicago police, fire and emergency management departments.
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White House Says The U.S. Will Narrowly Miss Its Vaccination Goal
President Biden set a goal of 70% of U.S. adults fully vaccinated by July 4. The White House is acknowledging Tuesday that it will likely come up short of that.
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Nerdette Book Club: ‘Great Circle’
This month, Bethanne Patrick and Laurie Muchnick join to talk about Maggie Shipstead’s sweeping novel. Join us!
