Good morning, Chicago.
The delta variant has led to a growing number of infections across the state, pushing Illinois to record more cases than during the spring’s third wave. There were 4,904 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases reported Friday — the highest one-day total since late January. The jump in numbers also spurred Cook County to institute an indoor mask mandate that goes into effect today, following in the footsteps of Chicago’s requirement.
Meanwhile, Illinois lawmakers said they’re planning to convene early next week to consider updates to the Democrat-draw state legislative maps based on the newest census data. My colleague Rick Pearson has the details here.
— Nicole Stock, audience editor
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Kenosha sees uneven recovery one year after Jacob Blake shooting and civil unrest
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A complicated mosaic has emerged in post-uprising Kenosha, where optimism and gloom are both easy to find and buildings aren’t all that need repair. Some are angry the police officer who shot Jacob Blake was not charged with a crime and remains on the force, while others say last year’s chaos has made the traditionally Democratic city ripe for a conservative overhaul.
Biden to nominate Rahm Emanuel as ambassador to Japan after months of speculation
President Joe Biden will nominate Rahm Emanuel as his ambassador to Japan, capping off months of speculation that the former Chicago mayor would be tapped for the prominent foreign post, the White House announced Friday.
The vaccine was only the latest fissure between Gary Eckstein and much of the rest of his family, who he said have adopted more extreme conservative viewpoints over the years. He is telling his mother’s story — highlighting a death that was likely preventable — in the hopes that it would persuade others to become vaccinated.
Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts on the Bears’ 41-15 loss to the Bills in their 2nd preseason game
Mitch Trubisky returned to Soldier Field and made himself at home, leading the Buffalo Bills to a 41-15 preseason victory over the Chicago Bears on Saturday afternoon. Brad Biggs examines what the Bears are prioritizing before the NFL regular season starts, and where they’re encountering obstacles.
The oldest hot dog stand in Chicago dates back to 1938. That’s not, however, what makes Dave’s Red Hots special, Tribune food critic Louisa Chu writes.
“I don’t see it as just a hot dog place. This restaurant is owned by Lawndale. It’s not owned by me and my mother,” said Eugenia “Gina” Fountain. She runs Dave’s with her mother, Shirley Fountain. Their late family patriarch bought the business from the original owners 50 years ago.