Wicker Park Fest has released its lineup for this year, featuring music headliners Hotline TNT, Letters to Cleo, and Deep Sea Diver. The festival promises to bring vibrant entertainment to the community, contributing to the area’s cultural landscape.
In economic news, Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has entered into a significant 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy. This deal will ensure that Meta can power its AI initiatives at a nuclear plant located in Clinton, a small town in Central Illinois.
This agreement stands out as it marks a unique approach within Illinois as Meta and other major tech companies strive to lead in the AI sector that relies heavily on energy. The Clinton nuclear site operates one reactor and is the smallest amid the six nuclear plants owned by Constellation Energy across the state.
The deal comes in the wake of state lawmakers’ decision in 2016, which allowed for financial support to the Clinton plant through charges on electric customers’ bills. As demand for electricity escalates, ComEd customers are set to see a surge in their bills next month.
Amid these developments, President Donald Trump has proposed a drastic measure that could significantly impact public broadcasting in the U.S. He has formally requested Congress to rescind the $1.1 billion allocated for public broadcasters over the next two years.
This request, known as a rescission request, requires a simple majority in both chambers of Congress to take effect within a 45-day period. Given the slim Republican margins in Congress, passing this measure would necessitate careful navigation of potential defections.
Katherine Maher, the CEO and president of NPR, highlighted the immediate dangers of this funding cut, which could lead to budget shortfalls for local public radio stations, jeopardizing jobs and show continuity. Additionally, this move forms part of a broader $9.4 billion package proposed by the White House, which includes cuts to foreign aid, based on recommendations from a task force led by Elon Musk.
In Chicago, financial challenges are prompting city officials to reconsider tax structures for the local budget. Top aides to the mayor are advocating for the introduction of a sales tax on professional services and a revamp of the grocery tax that the state previously eliminated.
The city faces a substantial budget gap of $1.12 billion, necessitating these proposals to increase revenue streams. Chief Financial Officer Jill Jaworski criticized the outdated state sales tax code, urging the Illinois General Assembly to modernize it to align with current consumer spending trends.
Meanwhile, City Budget Director Annette Guzman underscored the urgency of reaffirming the grocery tax before an impending deadline. Failure to do so could lead to a loss of approximately $80 million in city revenue next year.
On the educational front, the University of Illinois is preparing for potential visa revocations that could affect its sizable population of Chinese students. With the second-largest number of international students among U.S. public universities, any reduction in their enrollment could adversely impact both the campus atmosphere and its financial health.
The recent actions proposed by the Trump administration have introduced uncertainties that may deter top students from choosing to study in the United States, creating a climate of apprehension within the academic community.
In more uplifting news, the famed Rosebud restaurant on Taylor Street is set to reopen this month, joining its counterparts in Naperville and the Gold Coast. Known for its Italian American cuisine, Rosebud has been a beloved establishment for public figures and celebrities alike, having closed earlier to function as a private-event venue.
The founder, Alex Dana, expressed enthusiasm about the restaurant’s return, emphasizing that the venue is not just about food but also about fostering a sense of community and celebrating Chicago’s rich cultural history.
Additionally, significant news has arisen concerning legislative matters. According to the Congressional Budget Office, a recent tax bill spearheaded by Trump could add $2.4 trillion to the federal deficit while increasing the number of uninsured individuals by 10.9 million.
In a somber turn of events on the global stage, a U.S.- and Israeli-supported group has paused food distribution in Gaza, following tragic incidents where numerous Palestinians lost their lives during food deliveries.
The arts community also experienced a loss with the passing of Edmund White, an influential figure in gay literature, who died at the age of 85. Chicago’s media landscape mourned the loss of prominent columnist Gary Deeb, who passed away at 79.
In light of Chicago’s historical context, it’s worth remembering the city’s longstanding issues with segregation that have historically influenced both residential patterns and cemetery practices. For decades, discriminatory practices like redlining and violence restricted African Americans from residing in white neighborhoods, a situation mirrored in funeral and burial practices.
Cemeteries maintained racial divisions from the Civil War era onward, but activism and legislation eventually instigated change. Following a scandal at Burr Oak Cemetery in 2009, which revealed grave displacement and bodies being hastily buried, a significant legislative reform was enacted in 2010 with the Cemetery Protection Act.
The act aims to ensure equality in burial practices, prohibiting any cemetery authority from denying burial space based on race, creed, marital status, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or color.
In more cheerful news, local art lovers are anticipating various exhibits this summer, including “First Homosexuals” at Wrightwood 659, Frida Kahlo at the Art Institute, and Hokusai at the College of DuPage. Community member responses share their enthusiasm for local art, noting personal experiences like visits to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, praised for its architectural beauty and cultural significance.
As the city navigates challenges and celebrates its arts and culture, the residents continue to engage and reflect on their past while looking toward the future.
image source from：https://www.wbez.org/wbez-newsletter/2025/06/04/the-rundown-an-illinois-nuclear-plant-to-help-power-ai
