Daywatch: Forever chemicals are on the rise in Lake Michigan

Good morning, Chicago.

Toxic forever chemicals are on the rise in Lake Michigan, an alarming finding that reflects how the Great Lakes act like sponges soaking up pollution from near and far.

Rain and contaminated air are major sources of the contamination detected by a team of researchers from Indiana University and Canada’s top environmental agency. So are discharges from sewage treatment plants and industries.

The new study found airborne concentrations of PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are much higher near Chicago and other urban areas than at rural monitoring stations in northern Michigan and upstate New York. Previous research recorded similar patterns for flame retardants and other toxic chemicals.

But unlike many other contaminants, PFAS in rain were consistent throughout the Great Lakes region, likely because the chemicals are so widespread in the environment.

Read the full story from the Tribune’s Michael Hawthorne.

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Biden prepares an order that would shut down asylum if a daily average of 2,500 migrants arrive

The White House is telling lawmakers that President Joe Biden is preparing to sign off on an executive order that would shut down asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border once the average number of daily encounters hits 2,500 at ports of entry, with the border reopening only once that number declines to 1,500, according to several people familiar with the discussions.

The Democratic president is expected to unveil the actions — his most aggressive unilateral move yet to control the numbers at the border — at the White House today.

Mexican nationals in Chicago celebrate first woman president after some waited hours to vote

For some Mexican nationals in Chicago, the historic landslide win means another six years of “a government that puts its poor and working-class first,” said Elvira Arellano, one of the leaders of the Morena movement in Chicago.

College graduates are concerned pro-Palestinian activism could deter future employers

The fear of long-term professional consequences has been a source of concern for pro-Palestinian students out protesting, though several of them plan to enter professions well served by activism such as community organizing, nonprofit work, politics or academia.

Bill aimed at assisting public defenders falls short this spring, backers say they’ll try again in fall

A measure to create a statewide office to assist under-resourced public defenders stalled in the Illinois General Assembly this spring, but the bill’s backers say they will try again when the legislature reconvenes in the fall.

Former Illinois youth detainees allege widespread abuse, call for reform

In another set of sweeping lawsuits, former residents of juvenile detention centers have alleged widespread sexual abuse in youth prisons across Illinois and are calling on state officials to reform the system.

From decay to dazzling, Ford restores grandeur to Detroit train station that once symbolized decline

The once-blighted monolithic Michigan Central train station — for decades a symbol of Detroit’s decline — has new life following a massive six-year, multimillion-dollar renovation to create a hub for mobility projects in the rebirth of the Motor City.

The hulking, scavenger-ravaged structure that ominously shadowed the city’s Corktown neighborhood is now home to Ford Motor Co. and the centerpiece of a sprawling 30-acre mobility innovation district.

A Black medic wounded on D-Day saved dozens of lives. He’s finally being posthumously honored

Waverly Woodson Jr., a medic who was part of the only Black combat unit to take part in the D-Day invasion of France during World War II, is being posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of the heroism and determination he showed treating troops under heavy enemy fire.

Column: A brief history of the 118-year-old Cubs-White Sox rivalry, from ‘bitter dregs’ to booing Michael Jordan

The Cubs and White Sox begin the battle for the Crosstown Cup tonight at Wrigley Field, renewing a rivalry that started in 1906.

From the first intracity World Series to the A.J. Pierzynski-Michael Barrett fight to Eloy Jiménez’s game-winning home run at Wrigley, it has been one long, strange trip.

Paul Sullivan has a CliffsNotes version of some of the key moments of the last 118 years.

Minnesota Vikings reach agreement with WR Justin Jefferson on 4-year extension to give him NFL’s richest non-QB contract

The Minnesota Vikings and wide receiver Justin Jefferson agreed Monday to a four-year extension, the richest contract in NFL history for a non-quarterback.

Jefferson will get $110 million guaranteed in the deal that’s worth as much as $140 million, with more than $88 million due at signing.

4 movies, 5 panel talks: The titles and a quick primer on Sundance x Chicago

The Sundance x Chicago weekend’s five panel discussions range from the screenwriter and filmmaker-centric “Playing for Keeps: How development labs could be the investment that leads to local artistic sustainability,” i.e., how the Sundance Institute’s projects might be adapted to other cities such as Chicago, to “Stronger Together: How festivals, art houses, and independent exhibitors are working together to revive and reinvent the theatrical experience in the post-pandemic era.”

Chicago summer food festivals: Chow down at these 34 events, from Taste of Chicago to Vegandale

Summer in Chicago means festival season, with every weekend bringing celebrations ranging from block parties to giant concerts. The city’s diverse food and beverage offerings get plenty of time to shine, with festivals devoted to specific foods such as tacos and burgers or providing the chance to taste beers from dozens of local breweries. Beyond offering a huge array of options from local restaurants, the festivals also include plenty of other fun in the sun, including live music, games and eating contests.