Good morning, Chicago.
Today, the Illinois Senate is set to return to Springfield to vote on an energy policy overhaul, which includes the nuclear plant bailout. Here’s what else is in the package, and other details you need to know, from my colleague Dan Petrella.
Meanwhile, recently released data shows an increase in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations among children in Illinois. It is important to note, however, that we don’t know for sure how much of the rise in cases is from more testing, vs. more spread, according to researchers, and we don’t know how much transmission is occurring in schools or elsewhere. If you want to stay up to date with outbreaks and cases in schools in the Chicago area, you can visit our tracker here.
— Nicole Stock, audience editor
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With school year underway, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rising for Illinois kids
Newly released federal and state data shows COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations climbing among Illinois children, along with outbreaks tied to schools, as the state tries to balance limiting the virus’s spread while keeping kids in class.
Since July, in all regions of the state, the number of confirmed infections for school-age children has climbed at least through early September, the most recent data available. Downstate regions have seen the biggest spikes. And childhood COVID-19 hospitalizations in Illinois — although still relatively rare — are nearing the levels seen at the peak of past surges.
After being released from jail this summer while awaiting a ruling on his deportation case, Cesar Elizarraraz feels “blessed” to be home in Crystal Lake and planning a backyard wedding with his fiancee.
After coming to the United States without authorization as a boy, and getting into trouble as a teenager, Elizarraraz had lived and worked here for decades without an issue, until a recent misdemeanor led to his imprisonment and the threat of being deported. He was issued an indefinite delay of his removal from the United States — but he still worries that his plans could end at a moment’s notice.
The 40-year-old has become an example of the issues at stake in the national debate over the jailing of people accused of immigrating illegally. The issue has come to a head in McHenry County, one of three counties in Illinois that jail immigrants.
In sports news, the Bears opened their 2021 season with a 34-14 loss on the road to the Rams. Read Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts on the defeat — and sign up here to get his analysis first. The defense looked not great, but rookie QB Justin Fields made an impact during his limited time on the field. We’ll hear what coach Matt Nagy has to say about it all today. Get the latest news at chicagotribune.com/bears.
When Chatrivia Kennedy was summoned to her doctor’s office for the results of a blood test at eight months pregnant with her second child, she prepared herself for the news.
Less than two weeks earlier, the then 24-year-old’s partner was diagnosed with pneumocystis pneumonia, a condition that strikes those with a compromised immune system. Kennedy’s partner’s doctor contacted her at his request, she said, and told her she should get tested for HIV. She immediately did.
How far would you be willing to travel for the best deep-dish you’ve ever tried? Tribune food critic Nick Kindelsperger is talking about a picture-perfect pie, one with bright red chunks of tomato resting on a base of gooey, tangy cheese with tempting chunks of freshly made Italian sausage scattered about. It’s all held by a crackly and remarkably light crust that’s only about one-third inch thick in the middle.
For Kindelsperger, the number is apparently 45 miles, or however long it takes to get to Uncle Jerry’s Pizza Company in Cary, Illinois. Read his full review here.
Chicago’s best pizzas — 27 pies across all styles
