Bill Ruminski

The electric-vehicle revolution may be on shakier ground than you think Electric vehicles are facing an uncertain future under the Trump administration, with plans to scrap EV tax credits and slash funding for charging stations.

Republican plans to scrap nearly all federal support for electric vehicles could kneecap the nascent industry, auto industry experts say, just when more Americans are considering buying an EV and car companies are planning big investments.

Chicagoans urged to stay current on measles vaccinations amid national outbreaks Measles is on the rise, with a large outbreak in Texas and cases in other states. Doctors say the current two-dose vaccine will provide 97% immunity. For the 2023-24 school year, Chicago’s vaccination...

If youhave any doubts about your immunity to #measles just get the shot. #health #vaccine chicago.suntimes.com/health/2025/...

A plate of paczki

My PSA for the day ....

Paczki is plural, so there's no reason to add an "s" to the end.

If you can eat just one, you ate a paczek.

Thank you.

CTA has a pigeon problem. Birds get trapped, die on L platforms, woman says Pigeons have gotten trapped and died at the Clinton station for years. A commuter who has rescued some of the birds launched a petition demanding a permanent solution from the CTA.

A well-reported story from Rafaela Jinich chicago.suntimes.com/chicago/2025...

More suburban Catholic congregations are slated for closure, merger by Bishop Ron Hicks The latest wave of consolidations in the Diocese of Joliet follows other controversial closings in recent years. While "budgetary issues" are cited as among the factors, church officials refuse to dis...

When your church closes or merges with another, do you stay the course or look around for another faith community? chicago.suntimes.com/religion/202...

Michael Madigan guilty of bribery conspiracy, wire fraud: Live updates The decade-long FBI investigation that led to Madigan’s trial roiled local politics and changed the course of Illinois history.

A lot to unpack here chicago.suntimes.com/live/mike-ma...

Record-breaking Illinois pot sales light up ‘thriving cannabis industry’ — despite unregulated hemp market The average price of bud has fallen gradually, numbers show. Recreational sales grew 2.5% last year, with dispensaries logging $1.72 billion in sales.

Pot sales were higher in 2024 chicago.suntimes.com/cannabis/202...

'Heartbroken': Heartland Alliance Health shutting down food pantries and clinics, impacting 8,000 Chicagoans Heartland Alliance Health's three food pantries will close its doors Feb. 22. The organization's remaining operations will cease by April 7. The closure comes less than a year after Heartland Alliance...

Just a year after splitting off from Heartland Alliance chicago.suntimes.com/health/2025/...

'MUNCH,' 'BICHIN,' 'JAGWEED' are among the 335 vanity plates rejected by Illinois Secretary of State last year The Illinois Secretary of State's office also denied vanity plates that were deemed difficult to read and could pose a problem for law enforcement. Some of those included "MWMWMWM" or "OOQQOO."

I gave up on getting a personalized plate. Figured out I wasn't that clever. chicago.suntimes.com/news/2025/01...

Bird strikes drop by more than 95% at McCormick Place Polka-dotted window film was applied to windows at McCormick Place last summer ahead of the fall migration. The drop in collisions is a victory for the birds, bird advocates and the building and a mod...

Probably should use more of this film to help people (me) in glass office buildings chicago.suntimes.com/environment/...

Girl Scouts discontinuing 2 cookie varieties after 2025 season The Girl Scouts of the USA have announced plans to discontinue two of their “beloved” cookie offerings after the current cookie season, which kicked off Tuesday.

So long S'mores
wgntv.com/news/girl-sc...

Plenty of Chicago lore — and heartstring tugs — at Cooperstown's Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum A Thanksgiving visit to Cooperstown, New York necessitated a grudging stop at the Baseball Hall of Fame. What I found out there surprised me.

A wonderful read chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2...

Damen Silos owner Michael Tadin Jr. moves step closer toward demolition The city still has to approve the demolition of the massive grain silos that preservationists tried to save.

The owner of the historic Damen Silos on the West Side moved a step closer toward demolishing the former grain storage structures, though city officials still have to sign off on the plan.

Advocate plans $1 billion investment in South Side health care, will replace Trinity Hospital The hospital system hopes the investment closes Chicago's 30-year life expectancy gap between residents on the South and North sides.

Advocate to build a new South Side hospital and open 10 clinics chicago.suntimes.com/health/2024/...

Why is the Tom and Jerry a Midwest holiday tradition? The Tom and Jerry didn’t originate in Chicago, but it’s now a holiday tradition. Try the classic cocktail or update it with a torched top.

It's Christmas in a cup. Had a great Tom and Jerry at Sparrow over the weekend.
www.wbez.org/curious-city...

I would like to hear something about the innovative approaches/possible solutions.

Do I get partial credit for knowing most of the artists' names but none of the song titles?

I enjoy the beer, but I'm not likely to attempt to 'split the G.' Getting a proper pour has suffered as the beer has become more available.

McCormick Place manager took kickbacks from snowplow firm that racked up bogus charges, feds say Charges unsealed Wednesday allege McCormick Place operations manager Dominick Gironda, 54, and snow removal contractor James Sansone, 38, arranged for other contractors to overcharge for snow removal,...

A supervisor at McCormick Place was arrested on federal fraud charges for allegedly taking kickbacks on inflated bills for snow-removal work at the lakefront convention center. chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2024/1...

Easy part may be over for Danny Solis — defense expected to make FBI mole Madigan’s new punching bag Prosecutors finished their initial questioning of Solis before jurors were sent home for the holiday weekend. Cross examination is to begin Monday. The feds also played a video that included a glimpse...

Buckle up, things could get crazy chicago.suntimes.com/madigan-tria...

For a drink so many people claim to detest, Malort gets talked about a lot. A friend who tried it for the first time this weekend said he loved it. He described the flavor as being similar to dried Italian black olives.

Michael J. Madigan, Danny Solis and Michael McClain have arrived at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse as Solis resumes his testimony.

Live updates: chicago.suntimes.com/live/michael...

Malört is, in one word, unforgiving. It tastes a little like sucking dandelion juice through a straw made of car tires. It is also... kind of good. The divisive yet beloved liquor, once available only in Chicago, has gained devotees nationally. nyti.ms/4eOGy2u

What’s the oldest family-owned business in Chicago? Tracking down the oldest family-owned business is tougher than it sounds. We found two contenders that predate the Chicago fire.

I was sure it would be a bar www.wbez.org/2024/11/13/w...

Woodwork would work better, had I started long ago Trying new things, like a class at the Chicago School of Woodworking, is good in theory. In practice, well, there's the pain of being really bad at something.

Neil's description of dovetail joints and how his turned out is very relatable. chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2...