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A coalition of faith leaders rallied in Downtown Chicago to oppose President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” urging lawmakers to reject it ahead of a crucial vote. They criticized the proposed legislation for its significant cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, which they argue would harm low-income residents and exacerbate poverty.
Chicago Public Schools laid off 161 employees, including many crossing guards, in response to a growing $734 million budget deficit. The district plans to make further cuts and not fill over 200 vacant positions, raising concerns about the impact on school staffing as a new fiscal year begins.
A Chicago Park District lifeguard, Charles Leto, faces murder charges after fatally shooting a teenager and wounding another near Douglass Park pool. Leto previously shot two dogs in 2023, raising concerns about his violent behavior and suitability for his role. Legal representatives argue that Leto's past incidents should have prompted action from the Park District.
Feed, a beloved country diner in Humboldt Park, is up for sale after 20 years of operation. Owner Nelson Sumba, who has struggled with a back injury, seeks $50,000 for the business, which is known for its rotisserie chicken and homestyle dishes. The restaurant has undergone several ownership changes since its opening in 2005.
Chicago residents can enjoy various outdoor activities this July, including stand-up paddleboarding and attending the 4th Annual Wild Mile Block Party. Events cater to families and pet owners, promoting community engagement.
Chicago Transforming Retail Economics of Neighborhood Development (TREND) sold Chatham Plaza for $3.2 million after acquiring it for $2 million in 2022. The profit will benefit both TREND and over 380 community investors, primarily from low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. TREND plans to continue managing the plaza to enhance community engagement and investment.
Four people, including Austin Voice founder Brad Cummings, died in an apartment fire in Austin, Chicago, believed to be caused by arson. The fire displaced at least 27 residents, prompting community gatherings to honor the victims and support those affected. Local officials emphasized the devastating impact on the community.
Proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could impact over 200,000 Illinois residents, including Cody Martin, who relies on food assistance after losing his job. The legislation, part of President Trump's budget plan, includes stricter work requirements and shifts costs to states, raising concerns among hunger relief organizations about increased food insecurity.
NASCAR plans to hold its Chicago Street Race this weekend, but uncertainty looms over the event's future as its three-year contract expires. Aldermen are pushing for a post-race meeting to address concerns about the race's impact, citing a lack of communication from the Mayor's Office.
U.S. Rep. Danny Davis led a caravan through Chicago's West Side hospitals to protest a proposed spending bill that would cut $793 billion from Medicaid over the next decade. He warned that such cuts could lead to mass hospital closures and increased uninsured rates among low-income and disabled individuals. Davis emphasized that safety-net hospitals, like Loretto Hospital, rely heavily on Medicaid funding to serve vulnerable populations.