Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Good morning, Chicago.

Colder temperatures are fast approaching, and for many of us it raises an important question when we start to feel under the weather: Is it a seasonal cold or is it COVID-19? Here are some quick tips from experts that could help you protect yourself and the people around you.

Meanwhile, two Chicago physicians have criticized the Food and Drug Administration’s plan to limit COVID-19 booster shots to certain groups, saying that it doesn’t go far enough and could leave large segments of the population with less protection. Read more here from my colleague Angie Leventis Lourgos.

— Nicole Stock, audience editor

Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.

COVID-19 tracker | For your smart speaker | More newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Daily horoscope | Ask Amy | Today’s eNewspaper edition

Standing among politicians, child care workers, working parents, and children, President Joe Biden praises Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood as they tour the Children's Learning Center at McHenry County College on July 7, 2021, in Crystal Lake.
Standing among politicians, child care workers, working parents, and children, President Joe Biden praises Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood as they tour the Children’s Learning Center at McHenry County College on July 7, 2021, in Crystal Lake.

Biden coming to Chicago to push his COVID-19 vaccination mandate for businesses

President Joe Biden, facing pressure to deal with the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, is scheduled to come to Chicago on Wednesday to highlight his order that businesses with 100 or more workers require employees to be vaccinated or face weekly testing, the White House said Thursday.

Aiming to boost vaccine rates in Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot launches new marketing campaign, Vax-Chi-Nation

A body found in the Illinois River in LaSalle County has been identified as Jelani Day.
A body found in the Illinois River in LaSalle County has been identified as Jelani Day.

Body found in Illinois River is identified as missing ISU student Jelani Day

A body found floating in the Illinois River in LaSalle County has been identified as that of missing Illinois State University graduate student Jelani Day, according to the Bloomington Police Department.

Day, 25, was last seen the morning of Aug. 24 walking into Bloomington cannabis dispensary Beyond/Hello, according to Bloomington police. He was reported missing the following day, and his car was found Aug. 26 concealed in a wooded area in Peru, in LaSalle County.

People wait at the secretary of state's driver's license facility in the James R. Thompson Center on March 27, 2019.
People wait at the secretary of state’s driver’s license facility in the James R. Thompson Center on March 27, 2019.

Requirement to obtain a federal Real ID has been postponed until 2023. Here’s what Illinois residents need to know.

Good news for procrastinators and the perpetually late: Those wanting to fly out of state no longer need to rush to the secretary of state’s office for a Real ID by the end of the month. The deadline for the updated identification cards again has been postponed amid the pandemic.

Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks celebrates after the team clinched the American League Central title by defeating the Cleveland Indians in Game 1 of a doubleheader Sept. 23, 2021, in Cleveland.
Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks celebrates after the team clinched the American League Central title by defeating the Cleveland Indians in Game 1 of a doubleheader Sept. 23, 2021, in Cleveland.

Chicago White Sox win the American League Central — their 1st division title since 2008: ‘It’s a good vibe in there’

The Chicago White Sox entered 2021 with high expectations. And the team accomplished its first goal Thursday, clinching the American League Central title for the first time since 2008 with a 7-2 victory in Game 1 of a doubleheader with the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field.

Paul Sullivan column: The Chicago White Sox’s work isn’t done yet, but they can finally exhale after clinching the AL Central in a season of overcoming injuries and putting pieces together

A Starship delivery robot navigates through campus with a food order at the University of Illinois at Chicago on Sept. 21, 2021.
A Starship delivery robot navigates through campus with a food order at the University of Illinois at Chicago on Sept. 21, 2021.

Robots are delivering food to UIC students, and they couldn’t be cuter

Students and faculty at the University of Illinois at Chicago might notice something new wandering around this academic year. Among the throngs heading to classes, you can now spot the occasional squat autonomous vehicle valiantly trying to make its way through campus. What are these robots up to? They might be delivering your lunch.