Daywatch: Illinois Democrats fall short on state gun laws, Chicagoans plan for state’s full reopening and 5 best dishes from Dom’s

Good morning, Chicago. Yesterday, state health officials reported 408 new and probable cases of COVID-19 and 23 additional deaths. The seven-day statewide positivity rate now stands at 1.0%. The number of vaccinations has picked up a bit, with officials reporting 50,231 doses of the vaccine administered

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Meanwhile, as Chicago residents prepare for the impending lift in COVID-19 restrictions tomorrow, the Tribune asked people what they plan to do when the state is fully open. From going out to restaurants to planning weddings, here’s what readers shared.

And if you’re wondering what to expect as far as social distancing, capacity limits and more, as we enter Illinois’ phase five of the reopening plan, here’s our full guide.

— Nicole Stock, audience editor

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More than 2 years after Aurora mass shooting, Illinois Democrats haven’t addressed flaws it exposed in state gun laws

A month after Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office in 2019, giving Democrats complete control in Springfield, flaws in Illinois’ gun laws were exposed when a felon whose state firearm owner’s identification card had been revoked opened fire in an Aurora warehouse, killing five co-workers and wounding a sixth along with five police officers.

The case became a rallying point for gun safety advocates, who’ve pushed for mandatory fingerprinting for FOID card applications, universal background checks for gun buyers and a system that ensures people whose FOID cards are revoked hand over their weapons to authorities.

More than two years later, however, Pritzker and the Democratic-controlled legislature haven’t enacted those policies or any other major gun safety measures, even as they successfully pushed progressive measures that range from legalizing marijuana to abolishing cash bail.

Illinois Republicans sue in federal court to try to overturn Democratic-drawn legislative maps

Illinois’ Republican legislative leaders filed a federal lawsuit yesterday seeking to overturn redistricting maps drawn by Democrats, contending the party’s reliance on population estimates is “arbitrary” and “discriminatory” and violates the U.S. Constitution.

Cubs will have to live with COVID-19 protocols — but David Ross says not to judge his players who haven’t received the vaccine

With the Chicago Cubs failing to reach the 85% threshold of fully vaccinated Tier 1 personnel to relax MLB’s COVID-19 protocols, fans have played a guessing game as to which players have not received the vaccine. It’s all speculation, but it’s easy to look for clues on social media and in players’ comments.

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With Chicago Bears training camp around the corner, many players remain indecisive about whether to get the COVID-19 vaccine

An oral history of Chicago’s biggest restaurant group as it turns 50: From ‘one of the worst restaurant names of all time’ to a possibly cannabis-laced future

The Pump Room. Ed Debevic’s. Everest. Studio Paris. Restaurants that have found themselves woven into the history of Chicago and the fond memories of countless diners.

At the helm of those, plus another 100 or so in Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; and, of course, Chicago, is Lettuce Entertain You, the industry behemoth that witnessed — and played no small part in shaping — the modern era of dining.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Lettuce Entertain You, the Tribune spoke with key figures within the enterprise about its past — and its future. Here is an oral history of the restaurant group that started it all.

Dom’s Kitchen & Market is worth visiting for Bonci pizza alone. Here are the 5 best dishes from the posh new grocery store.

“I’m not usually in the business of writing about prepared food options at grocery stores, but Dom’s Kitchen & Market isn’t like most,” Tribune critic Nick Kindelsperger writes.

Sure, this new shop on the border of Lakeview and Lincoln Park sells lots of produce, meat and wine, but it’s clear within seconds of walking in the front door that the owners hope while you’re scoping out Brussels sprouts for dinner, you’ll stay for lunch.

Cooking classes, local brands and plenty of prepared meals: New store from Mariano’s founder bets people still want to buy groceries in person

Aurelio’s Pizza owner denounces sign at Bourbonnais franchise decrying lack of workers due to ‘government handouts’