The must-read news stories for August 15, 2013
A handcuffed protester sits on the ground as Egyptian security forces move in to disperse supporters of Egypt’s ousted president Mohamed Morsi in a huge camp in Cairo’s Al-Nahda square on Wednesday. Engy Imad/AFP/Getty Images
Egypt clashes
President Barack Obama took to the airwaves this morning, condemning the violent attacks by the new military regime in Egypt. But he once again stopped short of using the word “coup” and was vague about how the U.S. role might evolve or if he would cut off the $1 billion in aid the U.S. is currently sending Egypt. The only tangible action he took was officially canceling a joint military exercise that was planned with the Egyptian military. Meanwhile, the death toll in Egypt has eclipsed 600, with more than 4,000 injured, as military forces continue using live rounds on the protesters. [WaPo, NBC News, Sun-Times]
Fitz’s back
With all the Metra mess just getting messier, Gov. Pat Quinn has appointed former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald to head a transit reform board. [Sun-Times]
State unemployment up
While the national unemployment rate is showing signs of waning, the state’s unemployment rate ticked up in July to 9.2 percent from 9.1 percent in June. [Crain’s]
Mugabe redux
The second Chicago man accused of acting as an illegal lobbyist for Zimbabwean despot Robert Mugabe has turned himself in. [Sun-Times]
Forecasts
How the weather helps forecast what you’ll buy. [Wall St. Journal]
Heating up
Now it’s the Republican gubernatorial candidates’ turn to fight each other. [Sun-Times]
Stay pale
Gov. Quinn has signed a bill that bans indoor tanning for those under the age of 18, meaning you’ll have the use the sun like everyone else. [WBEZ]
Suit filed
The ACLU is filing a lawsuit against the CHA over its drug-testing policies. [Sun-Times]
Happy returns!
Chief Keef turns 18 today, which gives him access to a whole slew of cash from his record deal. [DNA Info]
Welcome back
The enigmatic Dave Chappelle returns to the stand-up spotlight. [N.Y. Times]
Bear Down, Take 2
The Bears play their second preseason game tonight, hosting the San Diego Chargers. [Sun-Times]
Here come the Hawks
Regular season Blackhawks tickets go on sale Monday, so set that paycheck aside; as much as tickets cost now, you’re going to need every penny. [ESPN]
The Bright One
Lynn Sweet looks at what could be waiting for the Jacksons once they finish their prison terms. [Sun-Times]
Commute
Sudoku; Weather; Traffic; CTA; Metra; Flight delays
And finally
In case you were wondering — which I know you were — the most popular beer among ER patients is Budweiser. [NBC News]
