Chicago Has Hundreds of Thousands of Toxic Lead Pipes—and Millions of Unspent Dollars to Replace Them
20 Oct
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Chicago Has Hundreds of Thousands of Toxic Lead Pipes—and Millions of Unspent Dollars to Replace Them

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This story is a partnership between Inside Climate News, Grist and WBEZ, a public radio station serving the Chicago metropolitan region. CHICAGO—No U.S. city has more toxic lead pipes pumping water into people’s homes. And millions of federal and city dollars earmarked to replace them remain unused, a city official said Monday, at the same time that the city is struggling to keep up with deadlines to warn people of the risks. Replacements of Chicago’s more than 412,000 confirmed and suspected lead service lines are lagging. The city doesn’t anticipate replacing all its pipes until 2076, some 30 years after a federal deadline. Lead plumbing can leach the toxic metal into drinking water, causing brain damage, developmental delays and other harms. Water department officials say they can’t afford to move as quickly as federal deadlines require, but Department...
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says the city is ready to tackle protests against the DNC
18 Aug
Politics

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says the city is ready to tackle protests against the DNC

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Politics tamfitronics NPR's Scott Simon talks with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson about preparations for politics - and protests - ahead of next week's Democratic National Convention. SCOTT SIMON, HOST: Democrats are in the spotlight next week. So is Chicago. The city hosts the Democratic National Convention beginning Monday, and we are joined now by the mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson. Mr. Mayor, thanks very much for being with us.BRANDON JOHNSON: You're welcome. Thanks for having me.SIMON: Everything ready?JOHNSON: Everything is ready. The city of Chicago, this is what we do well.SIMON: Mr. Mayor, there are a number of protests planned. And, you know, you're a former union leader. You've participated in quite a few protests. A number of the groups complain...
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