Good afternoon! Today’s highlights include the name of Shedd Aquarium’s newest otter, alongside significant updates impacting Chicago and Illinois residents.
The Shedd Aquarium has officially named its latest otter Jade, bringing joy to animal lovers in the community.
In other news, the cost of fireworks for this year’s Independence Day celebrations is expected to increase significantly, a trend that may also affect some suburban areas.
Due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imports from China, the price of fireworks is rising. According to Ambar Colón of the Chicago Sun-Times, some items, particularly Roman candles, which were priced at $6.95 last year at Uncle Sam’s Fireworks Store in Hammond, Indiana, will now cost $13.95 per package.
Local park districts and organizations that typically organize fireworks displays may feel the pinch as well, potentially leading to increased costs for larger city-sponsored celebrations.
Although consumer fireworks are illegal in Illinois, many municipalities contract with pyrotechnic companies to host shows for the Fourth of July.
If you’re looking for an official fireworks display in the Chicago area this Independence Day weekend, numerous shows are planned for both the city and its suburbs.
In political news, President Donald Trump’s new tax bill, which is currently moving through the Senate, could have far-reaching effects on Illinois residents.
According to projections from the Joint Economic Committee, approximately 163,674 people in Illinois might lose their Affordable Health Care Act coverage, while 335,000 could lose their Medicaid support directly due to this legislation.
The proposed tax bill includes about $4 trillion in cuts, making the tax rates established in 2017 permanent. Among its various provisions, the bill also suggests eliminating taxes on tips and allocates $350 billion for border and national security, which includes funding for deportations.
As Republican leaders aim to pass this measure before the Fourth of July deadline set by President Trump, the political climate surrounding the bill is tense. Following a tumultuous overnight session, Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of the bill, allowing it to pass in the Senate with a narrow margin.
The measure will now return to the House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson has advised senators to align with the earlier version approved by his chamber, although the Senate made some amendments, particularly regarding Medicaid, which may complicate the bill’s progress.
On the local electoral front, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has announced that Christian Mitchell will be his lieutenant governor candidate as he runs for re-election.
Mitchell, currently serving as the vice president of civic engagement at the University of Chicago, was previously appointed by Pritzker to the board of the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority. He played a critical role in navigating some of the state’s most complex logistics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His selection guarantees that a person of color will maintain a prominent position on the Democratic ticket alongside Pritzker, especially as the current lieutenant governor, Juliana Stratton, is campaigning for the U.S. Senate seat that will soon be vacated by Senator Dick Durbin.
This position is increasingly significant as Pritzker contemplates a presidential bid in 2028, necessitating a strong second-in-command to take over should he win the White House.
Looking ahead at local events, the NASCAR Chicago Street Race may face an uncertain future after its current contract with the city is set to expire at the end of this season.
Once considered an unusual choice for the city, the race has quickly become ingrained in Chicago’s sports calendar. The 2025 event, taking place this weekend, could be the last unless a new deal is struck.
Reports indicate that NASCAR is close to finalizing a deal for a street race in San Diego, which would leave Chicago’s race in a precarious position. Julie Giese, president of the Chicago Street Race, mentioned that it remains a possibility for both events to coexist.
In cultural news, the Goodman Theatre is preparing to celebrate its 100th birthday with a series of free performances across various parks, thanks to a collaboration with the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
Starting later this month, the free performance series will continue throughout the 2025-26 season, as stated by Goodman’s artistic director, Susan V. Booth.
She emphasized that this initiative represents a way for the theater to give back to the community that has supported it for a century, especially during challenging times following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amid these various updates, other headlines include President Trump’s visit to Florida to tour a controversial migrant detention facility located in the Everglades, as well as Northwestern University’s president facing a congressional panel regarding ongoing antisemitism accusations on campus.
Additionally, Chicago Police confirmed that a 911 call from an ICE worker led them to patrol a protest opposing an immigration raid.
On an upbeat note, the K-pop group BTS has announced their return in spring 2026, complete with a new album and a world tour, much to the excitement of their fans.
Lastly, art enthusiasts might want to check out the ongoing Gustave Caillebotte exhibition at the Art Institute, which will run through October 5.
The exhibition focuses on Caillebotte’s unique representation of men, a theme less frequently explored by his contemporaries in French painting.
This summer blockbuster is reminiscent of a major retrospective held at the Art Institute in 1995, which sparked renewed interest in Caillebotte’s work. The current showcase features over 20 pieces that have never before been exhibited in the United States, including ‘The Bank of Petit Gennevilliers and the Seine’ (1890), showcasing the artist’s signature brushwork and charming subjects.
As we look forward to Independence Day this Friday, readers are encouraged to share their favorite ways of celebrating the day, from grilling foods to ideal locations for watching fireworks.
Reader Steve highlighted the Independence Day Salute concert by the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra, stating that the conductor’s festive attire always adds to the fun and the music is exceptional.
Another reader, David, expressed excitement about participating in the ‘4 on the 4th’ race in Elmhurst, which he enjoys due to the competitive spirit and delicious post-race snacks available.
Please feel free to share your Independence Day plans, and your responses may be featured in this week’s newsletter.
image source from：wbez
