Good morning, Chicago.
After the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it is redefining the scope of the nation’s bedrock clean water law to limit the wetlands it protects from pollution and destruction, environmental groups are urging Illinois legislators to establish safeguards. The state has already lost 90% of its original wetlands to urban development and agriculture.
The Trump administration’s action builds on a 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Sackett v. EPA that sharply limited the U.S. government’s authority to regulate water pollution in certain wetlands, effectively stripping 72% of remaining wetlands in Illinois — more than 700,000 acres — of federal protections and leaving them vulnerable to “catastrophic” loss, according to a September analysis by University of Illinois researchers.
Read the full story from the Tribune’s Adriana Pérez.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including the latest on the Epstein files, why the House admonished Rep. Jesús ‘Chuy’ García and the ‘Wizard of Oz’ collection goes on display at the Driehaus museum.
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Congress acts swiftly to force release of Epstein files, sending bill to Trump
Both the House and Senate acted decisively to pass a bill to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a remarkable display of approval for an effort that had struggled for months to overcome opposition from President Donald Trump and Republican leadership.
DHS plans to deploy 250 border agents to Louisiana in major immigration sweep, sources say
Around 250 federal border agents are set to descend on New Orleans in the coming weeks for a two-month immigration crackdown dubbed “Swamp Sweep” that aims to arrest roughly 5,000 people across southeast Louisiana and into Mississippi, according to documents obtained and three people familiar with the operation.
More immigration coverage:
- Pope Leo strongly backs US bishops in blasting Trump immigration crackdown, urges humane treatment
- Plea negotiations underway with Wisconsin judge accused of helping immigrant dodge agents
House admonishes Rep. Jesús ‘Chuy’ García over ballot maneuver as most Democrats defend Chicago congressman
Twenty-three congressional Democrats — including two fellow members from Illinois — joined with Republicans on Tuesday in favor of a resolution admonishing U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García for using old-school tactics to clear the way for his own House successor.
Related:
- US Rep. Jesús ‘Chuy’ García defends insider move that cleared path for top staffer to enter Congress
Oak Brook mansion sells for $5.3M, the highest sale price in that village in 16 years
Built in 2016 and set on wooded lot measuring just over an acre in Oak Brook’s guard-gated Hunter Trails subdivision, the mansion is made of wood, stone, glass and steel. It has 7 1/2 bathrooms, a glass paneled front door, an open floor plan, new European white oak floors, sculptural wood and stone accents and a brand-new kitchen with Gabana Quartzite slabs, custom cabinetry and a triple-width hood.
Dolton woman turned away by Crown Point hospital while in labor speaks out
As she was told to leave Franciscan Health Crown Point and had to give birth in her car, Mercedes Wells said she felt less than human.
Now, she wants the hospital staff to be held accountable for their actions.
Man wounded by police in Washington Park shooting
Chicago police said they shot a man while attempting to question a man they said had a firearm in the Washington Park neighborhood yesterday.
More Crime and Public Safety coverage:
- A ‘Loop puncher’ sentenced to seven years in prison for aggravated battery, burglary
- Person of interest questioned after woman set on fire on CTA train, police said
Shota Imanaga accepts his qualifying offer to stay with the Chicago Cubs, while Kyle Tucker rejects his
Shota Imanaga is staying with the Chicago Cubs for at least one more season.
Imanaga accepted the Cubs’ qualifying offer ahead of yesterday’s 3 p.m. deadline, a source confirmed to the Tribune. Kyle Tucker declined his qualifying offer as expected, which will net the Cubs draft-pick compensation if the 28-year-old right fielder signs elsewhere.
Women’s Pro Baseball League will play its inaugural season in Springfield
The Women’s Pro Baseball League will play its inaugural season at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield.
Venice’s newest marvel is a wild, acrobatic dolphin. His refusal to leave puts him in danger.
Venice has been charmed by a recent visitor: An acrobatic, wild dolphin. The feeling appears to be mutual — he so far refuses to leave — but proximity to humans has put him in danger.
‘Wizard of Oz’ collection goes on display at the Driehaus museum
Richard H. Driehaus began buying “Oz” items at auction in 1990 and this is the first time the collection is on view to the public.
Michelin announces 2025 awards, and Chicago has new one-star and two-star restaurants
The Michelin Guide Northeast ceremony in Philadelphia last night saw Chicago add a new one-star restaurant and a two-star restaurant to its repertoire. The ceremony featured restaurants from Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Boston.
