Gasoline with 10% ethanol is already sold nationwide, but the higher blend has been prohibited in the summer because of concerns it could worsen smog during warm weather.
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The EPA is Again Allowing Summer Sales of Higher Ethanol Gasoline Blend, Citing Global Conflicts
Apr 19, 2024 | Associated Press
Week in Review: Pritzker Calls for CTA Changes; City Council Approves $70M More for Migrant Care
Apr 19, 2024 | Blair Paddock
Gov. J.B. Pritzker puts his foot on the gas pedal calling for changes at the CTA. And what’s in store for the Chicago Sky as WNBA ticket sales soar.
City Council Votes 32-17 to Borrow $1.25B to Fund Economic Development, Affordable Housing Projects
Apr 19, 2024 | Heather Cherone
The approval represents a major win for Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has touted the proposal as a way to make Chicago a more equitable place to live by “investing in people” and expanding the city’s economic capacity — without raising taxes on Chicago property owners.
City Council Votes 30-18 to Spend $70M More to Care for Migrants in Chicago
Apr 19, 2024 | Heather Cherone
Officials expect it will cost an additional $321 million through the end of 2024 to care for the migrants. The Chicago City Council and the Cook County Board of Commissioners have approved plans to contribute $70 million each. State lawmakers are expected to set aside $182 million as part of the state’s budget for the next fiscal year.
The Bluebells Are Here. Catch These Short-Lived Beauties Before They’re Gone
Apr 19, 2024 | Patty Wetli
These gorgeous spring ephemerals love woodland habitats near creeks, and they’ll spread like a carpet on the forest floor. But only for a couple of weeks, and then they’re gone.
Mural on the 94th Floor: Chicago Artist Spotlights City Neighborhoods and Her Heritage at the Top of a Skyscraper
Apr 19, 2024 | Marc Vitali
High above Michigan Avenue, artist Katie Chung pays tribute to the neighborhoods below. She uses many colors while keeping in mind Obangsaek, a color scheme known as the five cardinal colors of Korean culture.
Pritzker Says CTA Needs ‘Evolution of Leadership’ as Agency Faces Ridership, Financial Concerns
Apr 19, 2024 | Amanda Vinicky
“Changes are going to have to take place, there’s no doubt, at the CTA, and I think that’s going to take some new leadership and additional leadership,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. The agency has been under scrutiny amid rider frustration, unkempt train cars and safety concerns.
Judge Tosses Large Portions of Evanston Residents’ Lawsuit Over Northwestern’s Ryan Field Deal
Apr 19, 2024 | Matt Masterson
Judge Pamela McLean Meyerson dismissed three counts brought by a group of 13 residents who live near the stadium who had asked the court to invalidate Evanston City Council’s 5-4 vote to change the city’s zoning law.
Illinois Now Home to Federally Recognized Tribal Land After Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Given Back Portion of Ancestral Land
Apr 19, 2024 | Eunice Alpasan
A U.S. Department of the Interior decision places portions of Shab-eh-nay Reservation land, which is located in DeKalb County, into trust for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, which gives the tribal nation sovereignty over the land.
Sour Cherries: Weird Weather Stunts Blossoms in Jackson Park for Second Year in a Row
Apr 19, 2024 | Patty Wetli
The Cherry Blossom trees in Jackson Park won’t reach peak bloom this year, the Chicago Park District said.
House Sends Bill Restricting Chicago Selective Enrollment School Changes to Senate Despite Rebukes From CTU, CPS Board
Apr 19, 2024 | Amanda Vinicky
An increased moratorium on closing Chicago Public Schools – including charters – easily passed the state House heads to the Senate over the objections of the Chicago Teachers Union and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s appointees to the city’s school board.
Final Tally: Ex-Ald. Ed Burke Spent $3.8M in Campaign Cash on Legal Fees Before Conviction
Apr 19, 2024 | Heather Cherone
Former Ald. Ed Burke paid two law firms, Blegen & Garvey and Breen & Pugh, approximately $769,000 one month after his conviction, according to state records.
Suburbs Slow to Apply for Migrant Aid From $20M Cook County Fund
Apr 18, 2024 | Sean Keenehan
The deadline for applications is Friday. And while there are more than 100 suburbs in the county that are eligible, only two have applied, including Oak Park and Ford Heights.
Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, April 18, 2024 - Full Show
Apr 18, 2024 | WTTW News
Cook County suburbs have until tomorrow to apply for funds set aside for migrant assistance. Exploring the health impacts of food deserts. And why repairing Chicago sidewalks may not be as straightforward as you think.
As Illinois Launches ‘New Stores in Food Deserts’ Grant Program, Local Groups Work to Fill the Gaps
Apr 18, 2024 | Emily Soto
A city report found 29% of Latinos in Chicago are experiencing food insecurity. Not only do families struggle to access enough food, but finding nutritious foods to stay healthy can also be more difficult.
Illinois Senate Advances Bill to Ban Food Additives Linked to Health Problems
Apr 18, 2024 | Cole Longcor — Capitol News Illinois
The Illinois Food Safety Act passed on a 37-15 bipartisan vote and will head to the state House for consideration. The banned chemicals are used in a wide variety of food products.
Afghan Evacuees’ Resettlement in Chicago Offers Lessons for Caring for Future Humanitarian Arrivals: Report
Apr 18, 2024 | Eunice Alpasan
After the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, an initial 80,000 Afghans were evacuated to the U.S. in 2021 following America’s botched withdrawal from the country. More than 2,300 Afghan evacuees have since resettled in Illinois, according the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Howard Brown Health, Union Workers Reach Tentative Contract Agreement After 1.5 Years of Negotiations
Apr 18, 2024 | Blair Paddock
It comes after about 1.5 years of negotiations, two strikes, a ruling from the National Labor Relations Board that found merit in charges of unfair labor practices, and the layoffs of 61 unionized workers — some of whom were subsequently brought back on due to an NLRB recommendation.
Wayfair to Open First Physical Furniture Store in Wilmette
Apr 18, 2024 | CNN
The large-format store, clocking in at 150,000 square feet and located in Edens Plaza in Wilmette, Illinois, will open to shoppers on May 23. It will also feature an onsite restaurant called “The Porch,” the company said, taking a page out of Ikea’s store setup.
Education Leaders Seek Added State Funding to Help Accommodate Influx of Migrant Students in Illinois
Apr 18, 2024 | Peter Hancock — Capitol News Illinois
The recent surge of migrants arriving in Illinois has brought with it a host of new challenges for state and local officials. Advocates say the state has not done enough to address educating the children of those coming across the border.
Highland Park to Resume Fourth of July Parade This Summer, 2 Years After Mass Shooting
Apr 18, 2024 | Matt Masterson
The city of Highland Park is planning to resume its annual Fourth of July parade — two years after a gunman opened fire on attendees, killing seven and wounding dozens more.
Need a Notary? Now You Can Get One Online as Illinois Launches New E-Notary Service
Apr 18, 2024 | Amanda Vinicky
Important documents — the volumes of paperwork that go along with buying or selling a home, for example, or granting the power of attorney — require notarization. Under a new initiative announced Wednesday by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, the entire process can now be done remotely.
Justice Department Ramps up Efforts to Reduce Violent Crime With Gun Intel Center, Carjacking Forces
Apr 18, 2024 | Associated Press
The Justice Department is ramping up its efforts to reduce violent crime in the U.S., launching a specialized gun intelligence center in Chicago and expanding task forces to curb carjackings.
Look Who's Coming to the DNC: Stephen Colbert Bringing Live 'Late Show' Broadcasts to Chicago
Apr 18, 2024 | Patty Wetli
Stephen Colbert, host of CBS's "Late Show," announced Wednesday night he'll be broadcasting live from Chicago during the convention, Aug. 19-22.
Who Decides Which Chicago Sidewalks Get Repaired? Patchwork of Programs Creates Geographical Disparities, Rewards Most Complaints
Apr 18, 2024 | Jared Rutecki
Bad sidewalks can be found all across Chicago, but the slow pace in getting them repaired is tied to a lack of funding and the city’s complaint-based approach to maintenance, experts say. While a shared cost program has improved some areas, it has also caused disparities.
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, April 17, 2024 - Full Show
Apr 17, 2024 | WTTW News
The history of housing segregation. The latest from today’s Chicago City Council meeting. And a new book on the unraveling of America’s suburbs.