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Good morning, Chicago. State officials reported 3,629 new known COVID-19 cases and 27 additional deaths Saturday and 4,245 new infections and 22 more fatalities Sunday. The weekend numbers followed Illinois announcing a record-high for new cases on Friday.
As a pandemic-weary public braces for winter, the latest Illinois figures have prompted researchers and public health officials to offer a mix of warnings and reassurance. Here’s a closer look at the data.
Meanwhile, President Trump held a large rally Saturday in Wisconsin, where he downplayed the pandemic in a state suffering from a surge in cases. On Sunday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker blamed the president and his local allies for rising case numbers and positivity rates in Illinois.
Here’s more coronavirus news and other top stories you need to know to start your day.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is considering a $94 million property tax increase, layoffs for more than 300 city workers and a gas tax hike as part of her plan to close a $1.2 billion budget deficit, sources told the Tribune.
The mayor is scheduled to explain her plans to close the city’s coronavirus-fueled budget deficit on Wednesday. One thing is clear: It won’t be easy.
In Washington, congressional Democrats and the White House remain at an impasse over a fresh package of coronavirus economic relief, as time runs out to get a bill passed before the election, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday.
When Chicago’s new top cop David Brown took over after leading the Dallas police department, he quickly found himself attempting to help steer the city through the pandemic crisis and its effects, surging summer violence and civil unrest.
Here’s a look at the moves he’s made and the challenges he’s faced as Chicago faces the prospect of ending 2020 with its most homicides in decades.
On Friday, an inspector general report detailed the incompetent response to ex-top cop Eddie Johnson being found asleep in his car, suggesting he got preferential treatment.
Chicago officials have proposed making part of Pilsen — one of the city’s largest Mexican American neighborhoods — a historic landmark district. But property owners and residents fear landmarking would force people from the area, citing unnecessary expenses and hurdles to maintaining their buildings.
“Saving buildings will not save people,” said one Pilsen property owner.
Arrivederci, Little Italy? Adio, Greektown? Two of Chicago’s global dining destinations struggle to save their souls.
In a year rocked by both violent unrest and streets brimming with protesters against racial injustice, Cook County voters will have a say this November in what they want in their top prosecutor: the progressive agenda of first-term incumbent Kim Foxx, or the law-and-order program of her Republican opponent Pat O’Brien. Here’s a look at the race.
O’Brien topped Foxx haul in the latest round of campaign fundraising, records show.
Get your copy of the Tribune Editorial Board’s ‘bedsheet ballot’ before heading to the polls
The Tribune Editorial Board has published its “bedsheet ballot,” a list of endorsed candidates that readers can carry with them into voting booths. Yes, it’s legal. Print your own copy here.
Planning to vote early and in person? Use our map to find polling places in the city and suburbs and know your rights before you go.
Want to vote by mail instead? Here’s how in Illinois and here’s where you can find a secure drop box near you.
