Good morning, Chicago.
The Senate is slogging through a tense overnight session that has dragged into today, with Republican leaders searching for ways to secure support for President Donald Trump’s big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts while fending off proposed amendments, mostly from Democrats trying to defeat the package.
An endgame appeared to be taking shape. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota spent the night reaching for last-minute agreements between those in his party worried the bill’s reductions to Medicaid will leave millions without care and his most conservative flank, which wants even steeper cuts to hold down deficits ballooning with the tax cuts.
Vice President JD Vance arrived at the Capitol, on hand to break a tie vote if needed.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including what new laws take effect today, when Northwestern University President Michael Schill will appear before Congress again and 26 Fourth of July events and restaurant specials in Chicago.
Today’s eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History
In: Tax hikes for gas, Zyn and betting. Out: Hotel mini shampoos.
People looking to hit the road, bet on sports, book a stay through a short-term rental platform or buy a vape at their corner convenience store in Illinois will have to pay a little more to the state in taxes starting today.
Visitors to larger Illinois hotels will no longer find mini shampoo, conditioner and lotion bottles on their counters due to a new state ban on single-use bottles for personal care products. Hotels with fewer than 50 rooms can keep offering the bottles for an additional year until the law goes into effect for them in July 2026.
Chicago ended 2024 with a $161M deficit
Major sources of revenues in the city’s general fund came in far lower than anticipated, most notably a $175 million pension payment that City Hall wanted Chicago Public Schools to pay back but didn’t, and a $165 million drop in personal property replacement taxes from the state. In all, general fund revenues in the $16.77 billion budget were $378 million lower than the city expected.
Chicago Housing Authority gives another big payout to terminated executive
Another recently departed Chicago Housing Authority executive has received a hefty payout from the agency, marking the 10th exited senior leader to obtain a settlement in the last five years and topping off the agency’s payout expenditures at more than $868,000.
Feds want nearly 5 years in prison for ex-ComEd exec John Hooker, say he ‘corrupted the highest levels of state government’
Federal prosecutors are asking for nearly five years in prison for former ComEd executive John Hooker, saying in a filing yesterday he “corrupted the highest levels of state government” in a scheme to funnel more than $1.3 million in do-nothing payments to associates of then-House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for the speaker’s help with legislation in Springfield.
Man charged in Douglass Park shooting that killed one is linked to prior self-defense claim in shooting of dogs
For the second time in three years, Charles Leto has claimed he opened fire in self-defense.
Over the weekend, prosecutors say, he shot at three unarmed teenagers in Douglass Park, killing a 15-year-old boy and seriously wounding a 14-year-old in a crowded park during a summer evening. More than two years earlier, he shot two dogs in Lakeview, killing one and sparking a response by a Chicago police SWAT team, according to an attorney for the Douglass Park victims.
Northwestern University president to appear again before Congress in August
Northwestern University President Michael Schill is slated to appear for a second time before a congressional committee over alleged antisemitism on campus. He last appeared before Congress in spring 2024, weeks after students erected a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus as part of a nationwide movement.
Chicago Blackhawks draftee Mason West is ‘100% hockey’ — after 1 more shot at a football state title
Some might say Chicago Blackhawks first-round draft pick Mason West, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 220 pounds, has a football player’s build. They would be right.
West, 17, is a rising senior at Edina (Minn.) High School whom the Hawks traded up with the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday to select with the No. 29 pick. He’s also the starting quarterback on the Hornets football team and led them to an 8-3 record in 2024.
Tre Jones is staying with the Chicago Bulls after agreeing to a 3-year, $24 million deal
The Chicago Bulls reached an agreement yesterday to re-sign point guard Tre Jones, bringing back a member of the 2024-25 roster on the first night of free agency.
Jones, 25, will return on a three-year, $24 million contract — an affordable option for the Bulls, who are trying to stay financially nimble as they prioritize young players while rebuilding the roster.
Advocates look at next steps after Illinois law requiring halal, kosher options at state-run facilities left out of budget
Advocates of a new law requiring state-run facilities to offer halal and kosher meal options upon request are busy brainstorming what’s next after the bill, which was subject to appropriations, did not make it into the Illinois budget in June.
The Faith by Plate Act, also referred to as the halal/kosher bill, was a hard-fought victory for the Muslim Civic Coalition and other advocacy groups that rallied behind the bill for years. But hurdles remain as the legislation requires state funding before lawmakers can enact a 12-month implementation period.
26 Fourth of July events and restaurant specials in Chicago for 2025
America’s birthday falls on Friday this year, offering a full weekend to spend celebrating with fireworks, parades and festivals. Bars and restaurants offer their own ways to enjoy Independence Day, whether it’s supplying desserts for your backyard barbecue, hosting parties with games and hot dogs, or serving flights of red, white and blue drinks. Enjoy some fun in the sun or cool off with frozen treats with these 26 Fourth of July events and specials.
Good morning, Chicago. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.
Good morning, Chicago.
The Senate is slogging through a tense overnight session that has dragged into today, with Republican leaders searching for ways to secure support for President Donald Trump’s big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts while fending off proposed amendments, mostly from Democrats trying to defeat the package.
An endgame appeared to be taking shape. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota spent the night reaching for last-minute agreements between those in his party worried the bill’s reductions to Medicaid will leave millions without care and his most conservative flank, which wants even steeper cuts to hold down deficits ballooning with the tax cuts.
Vice President JD Vance arrived at the Capitol, on hand to break a tie vote if needed.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including what new laws take effect today, when Northwestern University President Michael Schill will appear before Congress again and 26 Fourth of July events and restaurant specials in Chicago.
Today’s eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History
In: Tax hikes for gas, Zyn and betting. Out: Hotel mini shampoos.
People looking to hit the road, bet on sports, book a stay through a short-term rental platform or buy a vape at their corner convenience store in Illinois will have to pay a little more to the state in taxes starting today.
Visitors to larger Illinois hotels will no longer find mini shampoo, conditioner and lotion bottles on their counters due to a new state ban on single-use bottles for personal care products. Hotels with fewer than 50 rooms can keep offering the bottles for an additional year until the law goes into effect for them in July 2026.
Chicago ended 2024 with a $161M deficit
Major sources of revenues in the city’s general fund came in far lower than anticipated, most notably a $175 million pension payment that City Hall wanted Chicago Public Schools to pay back but didn’t, and a $165 million drop in personal property replacement taxes from the state. In all, general fund revenues in the $16.77 billion budget were $378 million lower than the city expected.
Chicago Housing Authority gives another big payout to terminated executive
Another recently departed Chicago Housing Authority executive has received a hefty payout from the agency, marking the 10th exited senior leader to obtain a settlement in the last five years and topping off the agency’s payout expenditures at more than $868,000.
Feds want nearly 5 years in prison for ex-ComEd exec John Hooker, say he ‘corrupted the highest levels of state government’
Federal prosecutors are asking for nearly five years in prison for former ComEd executive John Hooker, saying in a filing yesterday he “corrupted the highest levels of state government” in a scheme to funnel more than $1.3 million in do-nothing payments to associates of then-House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for the speaker’s help with legislation in Springfield.
Man charged in Douglass Park shooting that killed one is linked to prior self-defense claim in shooting of dogs
For the second time in three years, Charles Leto has claimed he opened fire in self-defense.
Over the weekend, prosecutors say, he shot at three unarmed teenagers in Douglass Park, killing a 15-year-old boy and seriously wounding a 14-year-old in a crowded park during a summer evening. More than two years earlier, he shot two dogs in Lakeview, killing one and sparking a response by a Chicago police SWAT team, according to an attorney for the Douglass Park victims.
Northwestern University president to appear again before Congress in August
Northwestern University President Michael Schill is slated to appear for a second time before a congressional committee over alleged antisemitism on campus. He last appeared before Congress in spring 2024, weeks after students erected a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus as part of a nationwide movement.
Chicago Blackhawks draftee Mason West is ‘100% hockey’ — after 1 more shot at a football state title
Some might say Chicago Blackhawks first-round draft pick Mason West, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 220 pounds, has a football player’s build. They would be right.
West, 17, is a rising senior at Edina (Minn.) High School whom the Hawks traded up with the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday to select with the No. 29 pick. He’s also the starting quarterback on the Hornets football team and led them to an 8-3 record in 2024.
Tre Jones is staying with the Chicago Bulls after agreeing to a 3-year, $24 million deal
The Chicago Bulls reached an agreement yesterday to re-sign point guard Tre Jones, bringing back a member of the 2024-25 roster on the first night of free agency.
Jones, 25, will return on a three-year, $24 million contract — an affordable option for the Bulls, who are trying to stay financially nimble as they prioritize young players while rebuilding the roster.
Advocates look at next steps after Illinois law requiring halal, kosher options at state-run facilities left out of budget
Advocates of a new law requiring state-run facilities to offer halal and kosher meal options upon request are busy brainstorming what’s next after the bill, which was subject to appropriations, did not make it into the Illinois budget in June.
The Faith by Plate Act, also referred to as the halal/kosher bill, was a hard-fought victory for the Muslim Civic Coalition and other advocacy groups that rallied behind the bill for years. But hurdles remain as the legislation requires state funding before lawmakers can enact a 12-month implementation period.
26 Fourth of July events and restaurant specials in Chicago for 2025
America’s birthday falls on Friday this year, offering a full weekend to spend celebrating with fireworks, parades and festivals. Bars and restaurants offer their own ways to enjoy Independence Day, whether it’s supplying desserts for your backyard barbecue, hosting parties with games and hot dogs, or serving flights of red, white and blue drinks. Enjoy some fun in the sun or cool off with frozen treats with these 26 Fourth of July events and specials.
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