Good morning, Chicago.
Yesterday two suburban schools joined the list of those across the state facing penalties for defying Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s school mask mandate. Private schools in Naperville and Itasca were listed as “nonrecognized” for noncompliance with the mask mandate. Read the full story from my colleague Karen Ann Cullotta.
Meanwhile, with COVID-19 booster shots on the horizon, the city’s top doctor Allison Arwady warned yesterday that unvaccinated Chicagoans should get inoculated now, in an effort to get ahead of what will likely be a rush for third doses this fall.
— Nicole Stock, audience editor
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Amid stories about her compassion and desire to help others, Chicago police Officer Ella French was eulogized Thursday at a funeral replete with the traditions and tributes bestowed upon a police officer killed in the line of duty.
“We are only beginning to know her as you have known her over a lifetime,” Cardinal Blase Cupich told French’s family. “A woman with empathy for the sufferings of others, humble enough to know she could always improve and generous enough to the point of dedicating her life to making a difference in the world.”
Photos: The funeral for Chicago police Officer Ella French
Chicago Park District watchdog says his suspension is attempt to thwart probe of lifeguard sex abuse
A Chicago Park District watchdog said he’s been suspended while investigating allegations of sexual abuse by district lifeguards and thinks he’s being punished for trying to expose officials’ attempts to cover up the misconduct.
Over two decades, 800,000 Americans served in Afghanistan; many are now watching the disintegration of that country. The Tribune spoke with Chicago-area veterans and their families about the collapse. Many said their feelings were complicated.
The Bears will return to preseason action Saturday afternoon at Soldier Field against the Buffalo Bills. It will be another opportunity for the Bears to continue sorting through their depth chart and knocking off the game-day rust. It will also offer another glimpse of rookie quarterback Justin Fields, who lit a spark in his preseason debut last week.
Given the Bears’ current developmental plan, Saturday may be Fields’ last game action in front of home fans for a while. But there’s more to keeps tabs on. As kickoff approaches, here’s a snapshot look at Saturday’s game.
Mitch Trubisky will start for the Buffalo Bills in his return to Soldier Field as the Justin Fields hype grows. What will the preseason reunion with the Bears be like Saturday?
A deep dive into Justin Fields’ preseason debut with the Bears — and where the road leads from here: ‘He’s locked in, man. It’s pretty cool.’
With La Birrieria joining storied roster, it’s official: Chicago is a birria hot spot
Halfway through a bowl of birria at the recently opened La Birrieria, Tribune food critic Nick Kindelsperger experienced a meat-induced realization. It’s happening, he thought. Chicago is turning into a birria hot spot.
Sitting in front of him was a small bowl of birria brimming with fat chunks of goat, braised until tender, yet still juicy. Some pieces came with spindly rib bones still attached, which somehow made the meat even more luscious.
