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Good morning, Chicago.
The city is now recording an average of more than 400 new COVID-19 cases a day, as of yesterday. This is the highest it’s been since May 7 and a tenfold increase from the rate’s lowest point in June. Not only is this number of cases an indication of latest coronavirus surge, it’s also a metric that officials pointed to in August 2020 when Chicago Public Schools decided to begin the year with remote learning.
Chicago is far from alone in facing a COVID-19 surge. As the delta variant continues to spread across the country, the U.S. is reporting an average of 130,000 new coronavirus cases a day. Despite the summer starting off on a more hopeful note, experts now say that COVID-19 is not going away anytime soon.
And, yesterday NorthShore University HealthSystem announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all 18,000 of its employees, volunteers and contractors, the latest health care institution to do so. The news came on the heels of another organization announcing its shot requirement: East Bank Club. The high-end River North health club is one of the first major gyms in Chicago to require vaccines.
— Nicole Stock, audience editor
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Biden says he stands ‘squarely behind’ Afghanistan decision
Striking a defiant tone, President Joe Biden said Monday that he stands “squarely behind” his decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan as he acknowledged the “gut-wrenching” images coming out of the country after the swift Taliban takeover of the government.
Many disagree with Biden’s decision, angered by the chaos the world witnessed over the weekend as the Taliban ultimately captured Kabul, the capital, and Afghanistan’s president left the country.
7 killed in Kabul airport evacuation chaos, US officials say, as thousands flee Afghanistan after Taliban takeover
Editorial: With Afghanistan ending in failure and chaos, all the more reason to appreciate those who served.
Dozens of Chicago Park District workers disciplined after probe of sexual misconduct by lifeguards
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Disciplinary action has been taken against 42 employees of the Chicago Park District’s Beaches and Pools Unit, including nine workers tied to an investigation of sexual misconduct and abuse in the unit, parks CEO Michael Kelly announced Monday.
The employees affected include two high-level managers — the assistant director of recreation and the beaches and pools manager, who have been placed on emergency suspension while the district awaits the outcome of an inspector general’s office investigation.
‘What type of animal could do this?’ asks grandmother of 6- and 7-year-old girls shot Sunday
Moments after two young sisters had gotten into their car seats Sunday afternoon, gunshots rang out. There was chaos and confusion all around, but in the back seat of their parents’ vehicle, the two girls, ages 6 and 7, clung to one another, a relative said.
“They were hugging,” said Regina Broughton, paternal grandmother of Serenity Broughton, 7, who was fatally shot, and her sister, Aubrey, 6, who was wounded. “When they separated and pulled apart, there was blood on both of them.”
Illinois Republican leaders said Monday that last week’s release of federal census data proves their contention that new state legislative district boundaries drawn by Democrats violate voting rights laws and said they will ask a judge to rule the maps invalid.
The Illinois Commerce Commission announces new area code for south and west suburbs that use 708
Before he ever took a bite, Tribune food critic Nick Kindelsperger knew he had found the best al pastor tacos in Chicago. It began the moment he walked into the Little Village storefront and spotted the towering trompo — a large cone of pork slices stained red from the complex chile marinade and stacked at least 4 feet high.
Move over, margaritas — here’s why red wine and tacos are the perfect pair