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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that over 360,000 residents will lose food assistance due to changes in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under President Trump's recent legislation. The law imposes work requirements for recipients and shifts funding burdens to states, jeopardizing support for vulnerable populations in Illinois.
Unforgettable Edibles Catering closed its doors after 35 years in Edison Park, marking the end of a significant chapter for the community. Owners Mary O’Connor and MaryEllen Stanton expressed gratitude for their successful run and community support while transitioning staff to Tasty Catering. The duo, known for their contributions to local events and employment, reflected on the bittersweet nature of their closure.
Nonprofit One Tail at a Time warns that some puppy yoga classes in Chicago source dogs from puppy mills. The Puppy Yoga Club Chicago faces multiple citations for operating without the necessary licenses and for advertising the sale of puppies. Concerns arise as the studio is linked to breeders known for poor conditions.
Uprising Theater & Cafe, the first Palestinian American theater in the U.S., opened its cafe in Avondale after over a decade of planning and construction. The venue aims to showcase Palestinian voices and social justice themes, with plans to stage its first production, “The Olive Tree,” this fall. The cafe will serve traditional Palestinian drinks and pastries while supporting the theater’s mission.
Chicago theaters feature five must-see shows in July, including Tony Kushner's "Angels in America" and H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds." The events range from a seven-hour spectacle to an improv festival, showcasing the city's vibrant arts scene. For those interested in magic, the Chicago Magic Lounge offers an intriguing weekly performance.
Kristol Bell and the Leo High School Choir impressed the judges on "America’s Got Talent" with a powerful performance, earning praise from Simon Cowell. The choir, consisting of 22 boys from the all-boys Catholic high school in Auburn Gresham, will return for the quarterfinals in August. Their national exposure has led to $5,000 donations for each member to support their education.
A former single-room occupancy building in Lincoln Park may be redeveloped into a five-story complex with 25 market-rate apartments and retail space. The project includes a two-story addition and five affordable units to meet city requirements. Developers are seeking a zoning change to proceed with the plans.
Uptown's Clarendon Park Community Center reopened after a $13 million renovation, enhancing its amenities and accessibility. The renovation includes a new fitness space, dance studio, and outdoor plaza, aiming to provide safe community spaces as emphasized by Ald. Angela Clay. Programs will resume this fall, along with the return of the Garfield-Clarendon Model Railroad Club.
Chicago firefighters express concern over proposed policy changes that could delay response times to fires, potentially endangering civilians. The new guidelines instruct initial responders to remain outside buildings until a battalion chief arrives, limiting their ability to act quickly. Union leaders argue this could hinder operations and compromise safety.
Two factory-built homes in Humboldt Park, Chicago, have been completed as part of a $12 million Cook County pilot program aimed at increasing affordable housing. The homes, developed by Inherent Homes, offer down payment assistance to eligible buyers earning up to 120 percent of the county’s median income. This initiative is expected to create 120 homes in the area over the next few years.