The must-read news stories for Thursday, August 29, 2013
Former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon is one of the former NFL players involved in the now-settled concussion lawsuit. | Sun-Times library
NFL, former players settle suit
The NFL today reached a settlement with several thousand players — including former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon — who filed suit, alleging the NFL hid the effects of concussions. The $756 million settlement will break down among the plaintiffs depending on the injuries they sustained. Meanwhile, Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin is leading a new initiative for better screening and national guidelines for concussions sustained in prep sports. [Sun-Times, L.A. Times, Durbin’s national campaign]
Syria
The U.K. weighed in on joining the U.S. with a potential military strike on Syria. [N.Y. Times, Sun-Times]
Brand spanking new
Ground was broken this morning on the site of the future Green Line stop at Cermak near McCormick Place. [Sun-Times]
Same-sex win
The IRS and Medicare will now recognize same-sex marriages even if the couple is not living in a state that recognizes the marriage. [WaPo]
Hazing redux
A new suburban high school hazing scandal is emerging out in Plano. [Sun-Times]
Metra secrets!
The Metra mess finally has what it’s been missing all along: a secret memo! [Crain’s]
Heating up
More on CPS schools without AC. [Sun-Times]
Rahmbo
Weighing in on whether Mayor Rahm Emanuel is a “tough” leader or just a jerk. [The Reader]
American nightmare
Joe Walsh had a dream and it’s full of hot air. [Sun-Times]
Puff puff pass
The Department of Justice will brook no argument in clearing the way for legal weed in Washington state and Colorado. [HuffPo]
Awwww!
Welcome to the new baby black rhino (endangered!) at Lincoln Park Zoo. I’m calling him Maurice for now. [Sun-Times]
More than etc …
Another Transformers film blows up Chicago again. [Gapers Block]
10th man
Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey lent the Chicago Cubs a hand this summer as a lobbyist. [Sun-Times]
Rigged battle
So how did the whole story about Bobby Riggs fixing the “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match come about? [Deadspin, ESPN]
Mystery hip
Brandon Marshall and the Mysterious Injured Hip: coming to panicked Bears message boards all weekend long. [Sun-Times]
The Bright One
In the wake of yesterday’s Let Freedom Ring rally, Mary Mitchell reflects on where the country stands 50 years after MLK’s “I Have A Dream” speech. [Sun-Times]
Commute
Sudoku; Weather; Traffic; CTA; Metra; Flight delays
And finally
Add one more person to the list of those mad at Miley Cyrus about the debacle at Sunday’s VMAs: the creator of the foam finger. [The Atlantic]
