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Chicago's Home Repair program received 6,818 applications during its registration period, but only 250-300 homeowners will be served this year. The city halted the Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors program, which previously aided older homeowners, raising concerns about accessibility for low-income residents. Officials acknowledge the gap in resources and are prioritizing long-term homeowners for assistance.
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.
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.
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.
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 in Lincoln Square uncovered historic streetcar tracks dating back to 1895 during a construction project. Neighbors have expressed curiosity about the origins of the tracks, which were part of a streetcar system that served the area until 2017. The discovery highlights Chicago's extensive transit history and the transition from streetcars to buses.
Aurelio’s Pizza launched the “Poperoni Pizza” to honor Chicago native Pope Leo XIV, who previously dined at the restaurant. The new pizza features a layer of “cup and crisp pepperoni” atop the traditional pepperoni pizza. Available at all locations, the pizza celebrates the Pope’s connection to the Chicago area.