Daywatch: The effort to block carbon dioxide pipelines in Illinois

Good morning, Chicago.

With the prospect of vast networks of carbon dioxide pipelines looming in Illinois and other Midwestern states, the state legislature has taken steps to protect landowners, taxpayers and the environment.

Among the key measures in a new bill, passed by both houses: a ban on construction of the controversial underground pipelines for up to two years, or until federal regulators complete their work on new safety regulations, whichever comes first.

Underground storage of CO2 — part of a national effort to reduce planet-warming greenhouse gases and fight climate change — has never been done on the scale contemplated in Illinois and other Midwestern states.

Now, with billions of dollars of federal incentives for carbon storage at stake, and the national race to reduce global warming heating up, companies are seeking approval for massive new projects.

Read the full story from the Tribune’s Nara Schoenberg.

Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.

Subscribe to more newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Today’s eNewspaper edition

D-Day anniversary haunted by dwindling number of veterans and shadowed by Europe’s new war

As young soldiers, they waded through breaking waves and gunfire to battle the Nazis. Now bent with age, the dwindling number of World War II veterans joined a new generation of leaders on Thursday to honor the dead, the living and the fight for democracy on the shores where they landed 80 years ago on D-Day.

The war in Ukraine shadowed the ceremonies in Normandy, a grim modern-day example of lives and cities that are again suffering through war in Europe. Ukraine’s president was greeted with a standing ovation and cheers. Russia, a crucial World War II ally whose full-scale invasion of its smaller neighbor in 2022 set Europe on a new path of war, was not invited.

The commemorations for the more than 4,400 Allied dead on D-Day and many tens of thousands more, including French civilians, killed in the ensuing Battle of Normandy were tinged with fear that World War II lessons are fading.

Donald Trump, in his first post-trial rally, demands that appeals courts reverse his felony conviction

Donald Trump returned to the campaign trail Thursday with a trip to Arizona, his first appearance in a battleground state since he was convicted in a hush money scandal, repeating his critiques of the case against him as politically motivated and calling for his conviction to be overturned on appeal.

Oberweis $21 million sale to Winnetka private equity firm gets bankruptcy court approval

A Chicago bankruptcy judge approved the sale of the century-old Oberweis Dairy to a Winnetka-based private equity firm, which plans to expand production and retail locations while preserving the venerable brand name.

There may even be a few new product offerings in the pipeline, but the premium ice cream and milk will remain the same.

AJ Freund caseworker gets 6 months in jail for child endangerment

A former child abuse investigator was sentenced to six months in jail Thursday for failing to protect AJ Freund, a 5-year-old boy killed in 2019 by his mother in Crystal Lake, and welfare workers took the occasion to protest what they said was a dangerous workload.

Pilsen’s St. Adalbert’s Church wins landmark recommendation, will face council

Pilsen’s St. Adalbert’s Church building cleared a key hurdle in the years-long fight by former parishioners to have it declared a landmark to spare it from demolition or a complete overhaul.

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks voted unanimously to recommend it get the protection, setting up a final decision next week by the City Council.

Bears minicamp recap: Caleb Williams’ balancing act, defense making noise and a joint practice is set

The Bears held their final mandatory minicamp practice Thursday morning at Halas Hall, sending their veterans into summer break before the team reports for training camp next month.

For most of the 90-man roster, yesterday marked the end of the offseason program. After a week of competitive practices and insightful interview sessions, here are the highlights from minicamp.

• Caleb Williams remains unsigned as Bears wrap up minicamp. Is there any reason for concern?
• Column: Caleb Williams is learning on the job. The Bears must weigh patience vs. urgency in the QB’s development.

Veteran broadcaster Rick Ball is the new Blackhawks play-by-play voice, replacing Chris Vosters

The Blackhawks have replaced TV play-by-play voice Chris Vosters with veteran broadcaster Rick Ball, the team announced Thursday.

Darren Pang will return for his second season as the Hawks color analyst.

Pat Sajak’s final ‘Wheel of Fortune’ airs tonight. What to know about his spin as host

Pat Sajak will wind down his record-breaking spin hosting “Wheel of Fortune” tonight. Here’s what to know about the game show icon’s decadeslong tenure on the show.

Review: ‘Six’ is back in Chicago

“Six” is back in Chicago for a six-week run. This is a first-class tour, indistinguishable from the show on Broadway, writes Tribune theater critic Chris Jones.

What to do around Chicago: James Taylor, Blues Fest and the Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade

Also this weekend, Godzilla at Music Box Theatre, comedian Katherine Blanford and a street fest in Andersonville.