More than 47,000 Illinois residents lost Medicaid health insurance coverage this month — joining millions of people across the country losing Medicaid as states ask recipients to prove they’re still eligible for the program, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
Get the latest news from around Illinois.
The Center Square: Mayor downplays youth crime; reaffirms Chicago's migrant 'sanctuary' status
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson downplayed the arrest of about 40 juveniles in the city this past weekend, pushing back at a reporter’s use of the word “mob.” He also reaffirmed the city’s “sanctuary city” status for foreign nationals.
According to Chicago police data, last weekend saw 29 separate shooting incidents throughout the city, which resulted in 47 people being shot and five who died.
Chicago Tribune: Lollapalooza’s new contract with Chicago could make this year’s fest the biggest ever, and give the city a bigger cut
Except for the remote version held during COVID-19, Lollapalooza has been a marquee event for Chicago’s “front yard,” Grant Park, every summer since 2005.
But besides the festival’s usual public safety, weather and traffic challenges, this year marks the first test of a new contract overseen by a new mayor, Brandon Johnson. The deal to keep Lolla in Chicago for at least another 10 years — inked by the mayor Johnson later defeated, Lori Lightfoot — makes this year’s fest potentially the biggest Lollapalooza yet: It allows up to 115,000 attendees per day, up 15,000 from the previous contract.
Chicago Sun-Times: All bets are ... ‘a little delayed’? Temporary Chicago casino now expected to open in September
Hold your bets on the opening date for Chicago’s first casino.
Bally’s executives said Thursday they expect their temporary gambling house at the historic Medinah Temple to open sometime in September, a few weeks later than initially suggested by leaders of the Rhode Island-based corporation.
Daily Herald: Gas prices are rising (again). Here's why.
U.S. gas prices are continuing to rise — giving drivers across the country another headache at the pump.
The national average for gas prices stood at about $3.82 a gallon on Thursday — about 29 cents higher than that seen one month ago, according to motor club AAA. While today’s prices at the pump remain far lower than they were last year, when energy costs soared worldwide in the months following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, experts say such a jump is unusual.
WGN: Chicago shootings, murders decline; Still not back to pre-pandemic level
Chicago police are reporting continued declines in several key categories of crime in the first seven months of the year.
There have been 1,448 shootings so far this year, a decline of 9% from the same period last year. The 363 murders so far this year is 6% fewer than 2022, according to newly released department data. However, murders remain 23% higher than the year before the pandemic.
The Pantagraph: More than 47,000 Illinois residents lose Medicaid
In all, 47,625 Illinois residents lost coverage as of Aug. 1, said Jamie Munks, spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, in an email.
WCIA: State officials focus on fair, ride safety ahead of Illinois State Fair
The Illinois State Fair is a week away and fair officials said safety is a top priority.
Part of that involves ride safety. Before anyone gets on any of the rides at the fair, they must go through an inspection.
WMBD: Governor signs bill to help grandparents raise grandchildren
Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday signed House Bill 780 to establish and administer a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program.
The program will begin Jan. 1, 2024, in Will County, Pritzker’s office said in a news release.
The bill amends the Illinois Act on Aging and will require an intake coordinator for Will County to be responsible for connecting grandparents raising grandchildren to relevant resources and services provided by state agencies.