The Latest Breaking News from General Iron

BRETT CHASE: As an environmental reporter, I dig for documents through open records requests and court filings, and I interview experts. But the most invaluable lessons come from spending time with families who say they just want clean air and a healthy place to live for their kids.

The EPA and Sims Metal must sort out the problems with air quality monitors so Pilsen residents get the vital and accurate air quality information to which they are entitled.

The move heads off a potential battle with federal housing officials who are calling for a change of zoning and land-use practices that they say put polluters in Chicago’s communities of color.

Lawyers for the metal shredder’s owner will ask two city officials under oath why the Southeast Side business was not permitted to open.

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

“If a voluntary resolution can’t be reached, HUD may initiate administrative proceedings or refer this matter to the U.S. Department of Justice for enforcement,” the agency says.

She was the first member of the Chicago Teachers Union to be elected to the City Council and the first woman to represent the 10th Ward — a position she’s held since 2015.

The Chicago Teachers Union says the teachers, including a hunger striker, are being retaliated against for embarrassing Mayor Lightfoot. The Chicago Board of Education is expected to vote Wednesday.

The mayor calls HUD’s accusations that City Hall has engaged in environmental racism “preposterous.” The funding that’s threatened by the dispute includes money that keeps 650 people with HIV or AIDS from living on the street.

Housing department also warned mayor’s office of funding losses if no action taken

City Hall could face losing hundreds of millions in federal housing money. A spokesman for Mayor Lori Lightfoot calls the HUD findings “absolutely absurd.”