* ABC Chicago…

Chicago Public Schools are grappling with a more than $700 million budget gap. […]

The governor has previously said there are no plans in place to boost education funding. […]

CTU officials are calling on the state to pay CPS $1.2 billion in what they believed is owed to them by Illinois and to call a legislative session to fund public schools.

“Enough is enough, that’s why we are here today calling on Governor JB Pritzker,” Jackson Potter, Chicago Teachers Union. “These cuts are severe as they are perverse and we won’t let it stand and neither should the governor especially one that wants to fight these Trump attacks on working families.”

* Rep. Dan Ugaste announced he’s running for re-election. He had been eyeing a run for governor. Press release…

State Representative Dan Ugaste announced today that he will seek re-election to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2026, reaffirming his commitment to fighting for Illinois families and restoring fiscal sanity in Springfield. Dan is a 30+ year resident of the Fox Valley He and his wife have three daughters and six grandchildren.

Rep. Ugaste, a leading voice for government accountability, economic opportunity, and individual liberty, said he wants to continue his fight from the House because there is still much that needs to be done for the people of the 65th District.

“I’ve spent my time in office fighting to lower taxes, grow jobs, and bring transparency to state government,” Ugaste said. “At this juncture, I will continue this fight from the Illinois State House.”

Illinois continues to suffer under failed one-party rule. The state ranks second-highest in the nation for property taxes, burdening working families and driving residents out. Just as troubling is the fact that according to a WalletHub Illinois remains 50th out of 50 states in economic racial equality — a stunning indictment of the Democratic majority’s failure to deliver real results for those they claim to help, minority communities.

Ugaste says these are just a few examples of why change is urgently needed.

“We’re being told by this administration that everything is working, but the numbers don’t lie,” Ugaste added. “People are struggling, businesses are leaving, and opportunity is shrinking — especially for the communities most in need. I’m running for re-election because I’m not ready to give up on Illinois.”

Representative Ugaste will continue advocating for practical reforms, including real property tax relief, fairer economic policies, and a return to responsible budgeting in Springfield.

Rich mentioned to subscribers last week the dearth of statewide Republican candidates. A few are talking about maybe running for US Senate and governor, but nothing else.

* Crain’s…

Latino leaders are warning residents of potential risk of deportation ahead of two upcoming festivals after more than a dozen Department of Homeland Security vehicles showed up yesterday afternoon at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture in Humboldt Park.

DHS agents told museum staff they were assessing entrance and exit points ahead of events that might draw undocumented immigrants, Ald. Jesse Fuentes, who represents the 26th Ward, said in a press release. […]

Public officials sounded the alarm at a press conference today ahead of this coming weekend’s Barrio Arts Festival and Colombian Fest Chicago. Both events will be held at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture.

* Stateline…

Thirty-four cities and counties, including Chicago and Los Angeles, have asked to join a California lawsuit seeking to stop the Trump administration from cutting federal funding based on sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with the administration’s mass deportation agenda.

The expansion of the case could be a sign that more cities are seeing the benefit of suing to protect their rights in court from a Trump administration that is often acting without regard for legal precedent. A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that significantly limits nationwide injunctions means that cities and states must be part of a lawsuit to get the benefits of any injunction that would stop such policies while the legal merits are debated in court.

The federal judge in the case, William Orrick of the U.S. District Court of Northern California, did issue an injunction April 24, telling the Trump administration it couldn’t use executive orders to withhold federal funding from the original 15 cities and counties in the lawsuit. Orrick updated the injunction June 23 to include later policy memos tying “all new federal awards” to immigration compliance. The Trump administration said it would appeal the injunction.

“It appears that the defendants continue to seek an end run around the preliminary injunction,” Orrick wrote in June. Orrick left the door open for the administration to withhold funds directly tied to illegal immigration, but he said the administration still must make a case that there’s a real connection between immigration and other issues — especially with seemingly unrelated programs like highway and housing funds.

* Block Club Chicago | After State Immigrants’ Health Care Program Ended, Other Options May Be Available: Residents who lost health care coverage may be eligible for affordable care programs, qualifying emergency care, temporary reproductive health care services and other financial assistance programs, according to health and immigrant advocates. To get help accessing health care, call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights’ Family Support Network hotline at 1-855-435-7693 and follow the prompts. Press 5 for health care.

* ABC Chicago | Illinois to return $45 million of missing money to residents: ‘This is not a scam’: The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office will return $45 million to residents. Approximately 600,000 people will receive money they didn’t even know they had from the state’s missing money program, according to Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. “The first thing we tell people, is this - the money belongs to you, the check is real, and this is not a scam,” Treasurer Frerichs said. “The second thing we tell them, is to cash the check! Who couldn’t use a little extra pocket money this summer?”

* NBC Chicago | Survivor wants Illinois to ban sex between teachers and students ages 18 to 22: That’s because in Illinois, educators can certainly be fired if they’re found having sex with their students, but it’s not considered a crime if that student is 18 years old or older and consents. […] But two bills filed in the Illinois General Assembly over the last two legislative sessions that would’ve addressed this have languished. When asked about why the legislation hasn’t advanced, John Patterson, a spokesman for State Senate President Don Harmon, said there wasn’t an ability to reach an agreement on specific language contained within the legislation. “There is a recognition of the issue that’s trying to be addressed and the problem has been the drafting – and just not being able to reach an overall agreement,” Patterson told NBC 5 Investigates, adding that they remain hopeful they will be able to find consensus.

* WQAD | Illinois woman drops out of state senate race due to alleged threats: Jennifer Fredrick alleged supporters of Patrick Harlan left threatening phone calls and text messages. Harlan has condemned the threats and said he wasn’t involved. […] When Harlan saw the harassment claims, he says he tried to start an investigation with the Galesburg Police Department. An on-duty officer spoke to Fredrick and when we spoke to the chief on Monday, he says the two sides have had little contact since. The police department has not opened an investigation since a formal complaint was not filed.

* Sun-Times | Indicted ex-Ald. Carrie Austin found medically unfit for trial: In his 19-page ruling Wednesday, U.S. District Judge John Kness acknowledged that Austin is presumed innocent but “remains under the cloud of a criminal indictment.” “Barring a material improvement in her health, she may indeed never face the prospect of a guilty verdict,” Kness wrote. “But then again, she may also never enjoy the restorative benefit of a not guilty verdict.”

* Sun-Times | Homeland Security swarms parking lot of Chicago’s National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture: Ocasio told reporters the agents also “aggressively” asked if they could leave their vehicles in the lot, to which the museum staffers said no. She said agents were in unmarked clothing and admitted that they were with DHS. The museum shared footage of the vehicles in the lot, as well as the agent entering the museum. “I am upset, frustrated and literally in disbelief of what happened yesterday between the hours of three and five in our parking lot,” Ocasio said at a news briefing. “Homeland Security presented themselves in force, Gestapo-style intimidation to our staff, who was not ready. We were not ready. And we, as a staff, as the National Puerto Rican museum, will not allow this bullying and intimidation to happen here.”

* Sun-Times | Chicago’s summer jobs program sees another year of growth following pandemic-era dip:
So far this season, 28,839 young people between the ages of 14 to 24 have secured jobs, internships or other paid enrichment positions through the city, partner organizations or corporate partners, Mayor Brandon Johnson said at a news conference. “Our youth, the ones who are standing up here today, they are truly our greatest asset and resource. It’s up to all of us to give them the tools and the resources that they need,” he said.

* Tribune Northwestern University postdoctoral researchers petition school to recognize union | Northwestern University postdoctoral researchers petition school to recognize union: Northwestern University Postdoc Union would represent about 1,300 scientists and academic research staff, who say they’re fighting for higher wages, better healthcare and workplace protections. Many expressed concerns that their research funding and employment could be abruptly pulled amid an environment of political uncertainty on campus. “There’s a lot of fear,” said Ahmad Othman, a postdoctoral scholar in the university’s Department of Urology. “People are scared … being a postdoc puts you in a very vulnerable position.”

* WGN | Stopping street showrooms: How Illinois is cracking down on illegal car sales: Frustrated by the flurry of illegal car sales on their block, a group of neighbors on Chicago’s West Side reached out to WGN Investigates for help. They alleged their street too often looked like a showroom, with up to a half dozen cars with dealer license plates parked on the block, and buyers arriving frequently. Despite their repeated complaints, they say little was being done to stop it.

* Center Square | ACLU against Chicago measure seeking to require more surveillance cameras: The proposed ordinance was introduced earlier this year by city lawmakers after a West Side store worker was shot and killed while on the job at an establishment where security cameras were inoperable. The measure would require companies to maintain surveillance that covers all entrances and exits, including public sidewalks near doors and parking lots. “Once again, we’re being told that more cameras in Chicago will equal more public-safety and the math just simply doesn’t add up,” Yohnka told The City Square. “Since the early 2000s, Chicago has added an integrated surveillance camera system of upwards of 80,000 cameras and none of those cameras have ever yielded the promised public safety.”

* Sun-Times | CTA yanks up ‘Commuter Carpet’ artwork at Brown Line station: “The tiles loosen up and the grout work breaks up over time,” CTA spokesperson Catherine Hosinski said. “We’ve had repairs done to it, but it just continued to worsen and it got to the point where we had multiple consultants come out and they simply indicated that it is beyond repair.” […] The agency, experts and Commuter Carpet’s creator, Brooklyn, New York-based artist Ellen Harvey, are working to figure out a new life for the mosaic.

* Block Club | From 12 People To 4,000: How A Free Pilates Class Took Over Oak Street Beach: Struggling with anxiety and depression through her early 20s, Santelli, a Chicago native, used movement, meditation, breath work and journaling to help her heal and cope. After graduating from Michigan State University and briefly working for the Chicago Cubs, she found herself wanting something different. It took Santelli about a year to get certified. She wanted to share her knowledge with others, so she posted a summer class schedule on her Instagram, advertising free sessions for summer 2024. The post went viral. The first class had 12 students — the third, more than 1,000. Now, it’s standard to see 2,000-4,000 people registered for Santelli’s weekly free class.

* Sun-Times | Sky’s Angel Reese will be cover athlete for NBA 2K26 video game: “Being on the cover of NBA 2K26 and debuting my first-ever signature shoe with Reebok on that cover, the Angel Reese 1, is more than a milestone — it’s a statement,” two-time All-Star Reese said in a news release. “It’s about representation and showing young girls they can be confident, bold, and take up space unapologetically. To be cemented in NBA 2K history is a special honor that reflects not only my journey, but also all the veteran WNBA players who have paved the way before me and the growing impact of the league as a whole. I’m proud to be part of a game that continues to elevate women’s basketball and can’t wait for fans to see how NBA 2K26 brings our game to life like never before.”

* Crain’s | Cook County now faces class-action lawsuit over tax sales that stripped home equity: U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly on July 7 certified class-action status for a lawsuit filed in 2022 against Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas that alleges the county’s tax sales illegally strip homeowners of equity when auctioning off their delinquent taxes. The ruling means the case will now include potentially hundreds of people who hadn’t previously signed onto the lawsuit.

* Daily Herald | Des Plaines to limit cannabis dispensaries through new license system: Under a licensing program approved Monday, no more than three dispensaries will be allowed in Des Plaines. Licenses will cost $200 and must be renewed annually. That’s a paltry sum for a city with a $198 million annual budget. But the goal of the licensing program isn’t to make money, Mayor Andrew Goczkowski said — it’s to prevent proliferation within city limits.

* NBC Chicago political reporter Mary Ann Ahern…

* Daily Herald | Suburban NAACP chapter to host 67th annual gala: The theme is “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” which, according to a news release, expresses the need to carry out the mission, vision and objectives of the NAACP for all citizens of our country. “Now, more than ever, we must stand against all efforts to dismantle our government and the hard-fought for freedoms we have accomplished,” according to the release.

* Daily Herald | ‘A far more acceptable project’: Final plan approval granted for The Reserves of Lake Zurich: A proposed residential development rejected by Lake Zurich officials more than two years ago has final approval after several revisions. That clears the way for construction of 18 single-family homes and 18 townhouses comprising The Reserves of Lake Zurich between South Old Rand and Buesching roads. “This is 2,000% better than what we saw the first time,” Mayor Tom Poynton said during Monday’s village board meeting.

* Daily Herald | Former intern returns to Bartlett as newly appointed police chief: Bartlett Village Board President Dan Gunsteen noted the selection process for the next police chief was not an easy task. “I wanted to ensure we got it right. We reviewed more than 27 applicants and interviewed eight final candidates,” he said. “After our conversations with Ryan, I felt confident we had found the right leader for the future of our police department.”

* Tribune | Lombard’s booming Yemeni coffee shops underscore demand for ‘third places’ and culturally appropriate nightlife: At the recent soft launch opening of Shibam Coffee in suburban Glendale Heights, customers swarmed in, lined the red-roped entrance area and stared in wonder at the lavishly decorated interior, with marble floors and Arabic calligraphy on the walls. A few patrons started snapping photos even before getting to the main door. A teenager asked an employee setting up chairs if the Yemeni coffee shop was hiring. What used to be a Chase Bank next to a Taco Bell in a busy plaza on North Avenue was now an immaculately designed cafe serving cardamom coffee and pistachio lattes to customers eager to become regulars.

* WICS | Sangamon County sheriff aims to rebuild trust after death of Sonya Massey: Recently, every deputy underwent de-escalation training at the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center. Crouch emphasized the importance of addressing mental health situations, noting, “Yeah, we have a pretty significant number that of our calls deal with mental health or some kind of substance abuse that then oftentimes causes a spiral into some mental health crisis.” Crouch’s push for in-person training extends to reforms in hiring practices, with investigators visiting past departments where applicants have worked. “When we go in-person, we’re also oftentimes allowed to look at those personnel files to see what exactly is in there, because what’s important to one law enforcement person might be a little different than what we’re looking for in a personality trait for our deputies here,” she said.

* WCIA | As homelessness rises nationwide, rates are up 116% in Illinois, 27% in Champaign Co.: The Illinois Shelter Alliance said that last year, homelessness increased 116% statewide. Organizations in Champaign County are feeling that spike as well. “Hard to argue that anything’s more important than food and shelter,” said Illinois Shelter Alliance Co-Founder Doug Kenshol. “That’s what people need to survive. And I think as a state, we should prioritize those items.”

* WGLT | McLean County Board member Lyndsay Bloomfield resigns: McLean County Board chair Elizabeth Johnston has confirmed Lyndsay Bloomfield, a Republican serving District 3, previously submitted her resignation, effective July 4. Bloomfield cited work and family obligations as the reasons for her departure, according to Johnston. Bloomfield did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

* WSIL | Spoofing calls continue to target Johnson County authorities: Scammers are spoofing the sheriff’s office’s number. They will then call residents and inform them that there is a warrant for their arrest and that they must pay bond. Spoofing is highly deceptive as it shows the trusted organization’s caller ID when targeting a victim. If you receive these calls, the JCSO urges you to immediately hang up and call the sheriff’s office back to check if the call was legitimate.

* News-Gazette | Having fun on Illinois 1: From Watseka to Paris: Tucked away on a 100-acre property about a mile off Illinois 1 is the home of Freckles the goat, a reigning horse of the year and a small business that provides the furry star power for animal events across Illinois — and beyond. Welcome to Bertrand’s Horse Ranch, Petting Zoo and Pony Rides of rural Watseka, where Lennie Bertrand has just about “everything” to pet or purchase — 45 miniature horses and ponies, cows and Watusi cattle, goats, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, and a pig.

* WSIL | Mike Bost announces $11.1M for Crab Orchard trail network: U.S. Rep. Mike Bost of Illinois announced the Federal Highway Administration has allocated $11.1 million for the Crab Orchard Greenway Multimodal Network. This funding supports the construction of 12 miles of new multi-use trails. The project aims to enhance access and safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists in Southern Illinois.

* Tribune | The US is having its worst year for measles in more than three decades: The U.S. is having its worst year for measles spread in more than three decades, with a total of 1,288 cases nationally and another six months to go in 2025. […] The Illinois Department of Public Health has reported 10 measles cases in the state so far this year. There were 67 cases last year.

* Bloomberg | Rivian’s micro-EV spinoff valued at $1 billion: Also was spun out of Rivian earlier this year with $105 million in funding from the automaker, which retained a minority stake, and venture capital firm Eclipse. Unlike Rivian, which builds full-size EVs for the consumer market, Also dubs itself as a “micromobility” company developing smaller vehicles for short trips. […] While Also hasn’t revealed details of the vehicles it will roll out, the company has said its technology platform will be applicable to e-bikes as well as three- and four-wheel products, including neighborhood EVs and micro cars.