Good morning, Chicago.
Has the latest omicron-driven surge peaked in Illinois? The state’s top public health official said Wednesday it’s too soon to say. Illinois is still setting records for new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, with coronavirus-related deaths reaching levels not seen in nearly a year.
At-home COVID-19 rapid tests will soon be free to many people, following an announcement that President Biden’s administration will require insurance companies to cover their cost. But details of how it will work remain nearly as scarce as the tests themselves, which have been in short supply in recent weeks. Here’s what Illinois insurers and pharmacies have to say.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.
COVID-19 tracker | More newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Daily horoscope | Ask Amy | Today’s eNewspaper edition
The Chicago Teachers Union has voted to approve the COVID-19 agreement with Chicago Public Schools, formally putting an end to their latest dispute over school safety, though the omicron surge that prompted the conflict rages on.
The CTU rank-and-file narrowly passed the measure Wednesday, with about 56% of the vote in favor. That came hours after schools reopened following five days of canceled classes that resulted from the impasse, when union members refused to teach in person.
With Republicans hammering the statewide spike in crime as their top election year issue, Democratic state legislators are being forced to defend last year’s sweeping criminal justice legislation and have opened the door to adding crime-fighting proposals to the agenda in Springfield.
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch was vague about what measures could be under consideration, but acknowledged a need to address increases in crimes like carjackings and organized retail theft.
It’s another tough winter for Chicago restaurants. And depending who you ask, the city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate is either hurting or helping.
In highly vaccinated neighborhoods, and in restaurants already asking customers for proof of vaccination, the mandate has largely been a relief. In less-vaccinated neighborhoods, many of which are on the city’s South and West sides, it is making a difficult time harder.
The elegant sights and sounds of the Illinois state Capitol will soon be masked by dusty specks of brick and mortar and blaring power tool drills as the 19th century symbol of state government business undergoes a massive renovation this year to meet 21st century needs.
It will be the second major construction project on the building in a decade and will force some legislative sessions to find new locations for the next few years, while also being a temporary inconvenience for school groups and other tourists who won’t get to see the historic structure’s full grandeur.
Officials gathered Wednesday, Daily Southtown columnist Ted Slowik reports, to witness the demolition of a once-lavish home of a former NBA star.
Basketball great Ken Norman once owned the home at 19020 S. Kedzie Ave., across from Homewood-Flossmoor High School. But the property sat vacant for many years and had become an eyesore.
“It’s a reflection on our community,” Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson said. “In its heyday it was a beautiful reflection on the community. In its current state it is not.”
