Six people in Cook County have died from heat-related causes so far in July. Two independent candidates seeking to replace Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia won’t appear on the fall ballot. A new study from Northwestern Medicine says women experience more severe neurological symptoms of long COVID than men. 

Plus, school districts across the country are seeing a spike in students with autism. As it has in other places, the increase in students with special needs is putting a tremendous strain on Chicago Public Schools’ budget. It’s a key reason why, despite declining enrollment, CPS has added staff.