Good afternoon, Chicago! As we prepare for a potentially stormy afternoon with rounds of thunderstorms predicted in the area, here are today’s key updates.
The U.S. Senate kicked off a series of votes on amendments to its significant tax and spending bill this morning, working under pressure from Republican leaders to maintain consensus among party members. Although debates were held over the weekend, divisions persist around key provisions, particularly concerning Medicaid adjustments, which could impact low-income Americans’ healthcare.
The Senate’s plan proposes that able-bodied adults must perform 80 hours of work each month until reaching age 65 in order to remain eligible for benefits. Exceptions exist for parents of children under 14 and for individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, internal disagreements have surfaced regarding the national borrowing cap. The Senate is advocating for an increase of $5 trillion to the debt limit, surpassing the House’s proposed $4 trillion. Notably, House Republicans have integrated several of President Donald Trump’s tax promises into the legislation, which includes temporary provisions allowing Americans to deduct up to $25,000 for tip wages and $12,500 for overtime pay through 2028.
In local news, the city has revealed safety protocols regarding the impending demolition of the Damen grain silos in McKinley Park, although the necessary permit is still pending. At a recent community meeting held at the Arturo Velasquez Westside Technical Institute, city officials and contractors discussed the demolition plan. Residents posed numerous questions concerning how the process would protect both their safety and the environment.
To prevent a repeat of previous demolition mishaps, notably the 2020 incident involving a former coal plant smokestack that left Little Village covered in dust, the Damen Silos will be dismantled methodically without major explosions. The demolition project revolves around five structures, focusing mainly on two 80-foot concrete silos and a 110-foot tower.
These silos carry a complex history marked by fires, financial scandals, and worker fatalities, transitioning over the years into a venue for art and a significant acquisition by a politically influential family.
In a significant move to address fiscal challenges, Chicago Public Schools recently laid off 161 workers, equating to a 15% reduction in crossing guard positions. This decision comes as part of broader budgetary measures aimed at confronting a projected shortfall of $734 million. Officials have classified these layoffs as a careful strategy to cut costs while attempting to minimize the negative impact on educational services.
The layoffs, which affect only central office and citywide staff, signify an initial step, with further layoffs of teachers and other school-based staff anticipated in July. Typically, CPS conducts such layoffs in May, but delays occurred this year due to leadership transitions within the district.
In a troubling incident, a lifeguard was charged with murder following a shooting that resulted in the death of one teenager and injuries to another at Douglass Park. Charles Leto, 55, now faces multiple felony counts related to the shooting of 15-year-old Marjay Dotson, who was killed, and Jeremy Herred, 14, who was wounded. Notably, Jeremy is the cousin of Laquan McDonald, a name synonymous with police violence in Chicago.
According to police accounts, Leto alleged he was acting in self-defense during the incident in which he reportedly fired a handgun from his backpack as the two teens approached him while he was repairing his bicycle.
In cultural news, The Violet Hour, an acclaimed cocktail bar situated in Wicker Park, has closed its doors for good after 18 years of operation. The establishment, known for its innovative cocktails, succumbed to significant damage to its building, and despite efforts to negotiate with their landlord, the leadership team announced their decision to shut down.
This bar, opened in 2007 by a group of well-known restaurateurs, played a crucial role in Chicago’s craft cocktail revival and was awarded the James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program in 2015.
Additionally, in a somber turn of events, officials reported that a man started a fire in Idaho before fatally shooting two firefighters in an ambush. Such tragedies underscore the risks faced by first responders.
In other news, initiatives by the Trump administration to develop a national citizenship data system have raised eyebrows and concern among various groups.
On a more uplifting note, the WNBA has expanded, adding teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, which reflects the growing popularity of women’s sports across the nation.
In memory, a monument dedicated to slain Palestinian American boy Wadee Al Fayoumi was recently unveiled in a Plainfield park, serving as a poignant reminder of the lives lost due to violence.
As the week progresses, this Friday marks Independence Day. Readers are encouraged to share their favorite ways to celebrate, from grill favorites to the best spots for fireworks viewing. Responses may be featured in a dedicated newsletter segment later this week.
Finally, reflecting on history, we remember the Ambassador Theatre, which opened its doors a century ago in October within the Austin neighborhood. Originally adorned with grand architectural features and capable of seating over 3,500 guests, the theater underwent many transformations over decades. Today, remnants of its opulence are mostly lost, as it now serves as a place of worship, exemplifying the evolution of community spaces over time.
As we navigate these updates, let’s stay informed and engaged with what matters most in Chicago today.
image source from：wbez
