A story in which nobody speaks up for the idea and the reporter produces the simplest of he-said, she-said, leaving us readers mostly in the dark about why the story in the first place.

Simplest as regards the formula, but hard reading — of stuff that would have been best paraphrased by the writer, with key phrases in quotes. It’s his job as middle man and explainer for readers.

Sources are from Northwestern, U. of Chicago (shown at podium next to the mayor), and Johns Hopkins. Usual suspects.

The N.U. man used the “idiots” term in reference to non-specialists who spout off. In answer to a reporter’s question, to be fair.

Thank you, Chi Trib.