HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (CBS) – The family of Cooper Roberts, the 8-year-old boy shot during the Highland Park July 4 parade, provided an update on his road to recovery Thursday, saying he might be suffering some memory loss and motor skill issues.
“This week, we have learned some unfortunate news. The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab team is seeing some patterns of behavior that may indicate some cognitive loss. Cooper wasn’t well enough or talking enough to notice these issues earlier while in the hospital. Therapists are seeing short term memory loss, issues with word recovery, and loss of acuity around fine motor skills. They are doing a comprehensive neurological and psychological evaluation this week and working on new therapies,” the family said in a statement.
The team is also working with the family to think through long-term needs for Cooper when he goes home — including the assistive technologies he needs to help him with daily living, and house features necessary for a child who will grow up with a pediatric spinal cord injury.
The family says the news is overwhelming to consider, but are grateful for the support Cooper has received.
“We remain grateful for every prayer, kind wishes, gift, and donation, and for the good moments when our family can be together.”
It’s been nearly a week since Cooper’s IV and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines were removed – no longer requiring intravenous pain medication and antibiotics. He was also taken off his intravenous feeding tube and was able to eat some of his favorite foods.
The family set up a GoFundMe to help pay for Cooper’s medical expenses. So far, it has raised over $2 million.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-modern-backyard-pool-scene-with-clear-blue-water-bordered-by-light-beige-tiles.jpg?id=60016004&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C337%2C0%2C337"/><br/><br/><p>If you've got a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal/outdoor-swimming-pools-montreal-heatwave">pool</a> in your backyard in Quebec — whether it's an in-ground oasis or a blow-up one you grabbed on sale at Canadian Tire — heads up: the rules are changing, and fast. </p><p>Starting September 30, 2025, every residential pool in the province, no matter when it was installed, will have to meet the same safety standards <a href="https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cr/S-3.1.02,%20r.%201">introduced back in 2010</a>. </p><p>Previously, only pools built after 2010 had to follow certain safety rules. But the province is cracking down, and that old inflatable unicorn floatie might not be the only thing in your yard needing an upgrade.</p><p>The change is all about keeping kids safe. The Quebec government is <a href="https://cdn-contenu.quebec.ca/cdn-contenu/adm/min/affaires-municipales/publications/ministere/securite_piscines_residentielles/GUI_InspecteurPiscineResidentielle.pdf">hoping to prevent tragic drownings</a> by tightening up regulations — especially for the types of setups that might seem harmless but can actually be pretty risky.</p><p>So, what exactly do you need to do? Well, it depends on your setup.</p><p>If you've got an in-ground pool, you'll need a fence at least 1.2 metres high all the way around it. And the existing pool walls do not count as a fence, even if they're tall. </p><p>What's more, all gates or doors to the pool area must close automatically and have a working latch. </p><p>For above-ground pools, there's a bit more wiggle room. If the pool walls are at least 1.2 metres high and are not easy to climb, they can be considered a natural barrier. If not, the pool must be surrounded by a fence. </p><p>If you've got a ladder or platform, those must also be fenced off or secured with a proper locking system.</p><p>Temporary or inflatable pools — even if they're only up for the summer — also have to follow the same fence rules if they're deeper than 60 centimetres (around two feet). That's not a lot, so a number of backyard setups might be affected. And yes, you may be required to get hold of a municipal permit, even for a temporary pool.</p><p>One last thing: make sure there's nothing close to the fence that someone could use to climb over it — no barbecues, picnic tables, recycling bins, or anything like that within a metre of the barrier.</p><p>Some cities may have additional rules, so checking with your municipality is essential if you want to get familiar with the specifics. </p><p>And not playing by the rules could cost you. Fines come in between $500 and $700, and can go up to $1,000, especially if you don't fix things after getting a warning.<br/></p><p>So, if you want to enjoy your pool worry-free this summer, now's the time to make sure you're in the clear. </p><p>Call your municipality, double-check your setup, and get ahead of it before the hot days hit. Because nothing ruins a pool party like a fine — or worse.</p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p><p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p>
CHICAGO (CBS)– A toddler was found wandering on the street in Englewood early Tuesday morning. Chicago police said a good Samaritan spotted the little girl…
