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Chicago Public Schools laid off over 1,450 staff members, including 432 teachers, to address a $734 million budget deficit. The district expects further staffing cuts may be necessary as it faces a larger deficit than previously reported. CPS plans to hold public meetings next week to gather feedback on budget solutions.
The family of Nathaniel “Nate” Fejerang demands the prosecution of the Chicago police officer who fatally shot him during an arrest on May 29. Footage released by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability shows confusion around the initial gunfire that led to Fejerang's death, raising questions about the circumstances of the police intervention. A protest held by Fejerang's family and supporters highlighted their grief and calls for justice.
Small Cheval opens Monday in Logan Square, taking over the former The Freeze ice cream parlor. The renovated location will serve burgers, cocktails, and soft serve, maintaining some nostalgic elements from its predecessor. Unlike The Freeze, Small Cheval will operate year-round with an expanded kitchen.
A West Side man, Lontray Clark, 23, faces murder charges after setting his ex-girlfriend's apartment building on fire, resulting in four deaths, including a 5-year-old boy. The incident occurred on June 26 after Clark discovered his former girlfriend was dating his friend. Nearly 30 residents were displaced due to the fire.
Demonstrators rallied in Downtown Chicago to demand state lawmakers address a $770 million funding shortfall threatening public transit services. Advocates warned that without intervention, the Regional Transportation Authority could cut transit services by 40% next year, impacting hundreds of thousands of commuters.
Three piping plover chicks at Montrose Beach received Chicago-themed names—Bean, El, and Ferris—following a naming contest that attracted over 500 submissions. The names reflect the city's culture and heritage, with Bean referencing the Cloud Gate sculpture and El referring to the city's elevated transit system. The chicks hatched on June 20, marking a successful breeding season for their parents, Imani and Sea Rocket.
Chicago Fire fans protested at Soldier Field on July 13, 2025, after the club banned three members of Sector Latino for displaying an anti-ICE banner. Demonstrators turned their backs to the field for the first 15 minutes of the match to express their discontent with the front office. The protest highlighted long-standing tensions between the fan group and the organization regarding political expression and support for the Latin community.
Crews excavating Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Square uncovered metal tracks and wooden blocks from the 1895 electric streetcar system. Historians noted that these tracks were part of the Lincoln Avenue streetcar system, which served the area until the introduction of buses in the 1950s. The discovery highlights the historical significance of Chicago's transit evolution.
Two new Mexican restaurants, Mucho Gusto Barra + Cocina and La Lunita, have opened along Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square, offering modern takes on Mexican cuisine. A sushi spot, Omakase Box, is set to open later this month, adding to the neighborhood’s expanding dining scene.
Neighbors in Humboldt Park advocate for a permanent football field for the Humboldt Park Patriots, a youth football team established over 20 years ago. Ald. Jessie Fuentes is collaborating with the Chicago Park District to secure funding through tax increment financing. The new field aims to enhance local youth sports and community engagement.