Latest News from Chicago City Wire

City of Wheaton City Council met July 1

By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Jul 2, 2024

City of Wheaton City Council met Monday, July 1

Application period opens for local park development grants

By Chicago City Wire | Jul 2, 2024

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has announced the application period for the next round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants, which will be open from July 1 through September 13. This matching program provides an advance payment of 50% of the grant award amount for development projects shortly after the grant agreement is executed. Local agencies must demonstrate their ability to finance the remaining project costs before receiving the remaining grant funds.

Call for business-friendly policies in Springfield amid John Deere layoffs

By Chicago City Wire | Jul 2, 2024

We have to make Illinois a more business-friendly state in order to stay competitive and grow opportunities for our residents. We can’t afford to drive more job creators away.

Chicago Sky partners with Mamava for enhanced lactation support

By Chicago City Wire | Jul 2, 2024

CHICAGO (July 1, 2024) – The Chicago Sky and Mamava, the inventor of the lactation pod and a free app that helps breastfeeding parents find places to pump or nurse on the go, today announced a new multi-year partnership.

Chicago Red Stars' Natalia Kuikka called up to Finnish national team

By Chicago City Wire | Jul 2, 2024

Chicago Red Stars defender Natalia Kuikka has been named to the Finnish Women’s National Team roster ahead of their upcoming matches against Norway and Italy.

City officials announce safety measures ahead of Independence Day celebrations

By Chicago City Wire | Jul 2, 2024

The City of Chicago will celebrate the 4th of July holiday with fireworks at Navy Pier on Wednesday, July 3 at 9 p.m., alongside multiple festivals, Cubs games, parades, and more. The celebrations will be followed by the NASCAR Chicago Street Race in Grant Park on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7.

New public art installations announced for Millennium Park's 20th anniversary season

By Chicago City Wire | Jul 2, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and the Millennium Park Foundation have announced new temporary public art installations for Millennium Park's 20th Anniversary season. The exhibitions will include physical works by renowned sculptor Franz West and augmented reality pieces by Chicago-based artists Claire Ashley, Faheem Majeed, Yvette Mayorga, and Carlos Rolón. These installations will be available for viewing from July 22 through November 2025.

Chicago Teachers Union pushes unprecedented $51.5 billion contract

By Chicago City Wire | Jul 2, 2024

CHICAGO (July 2, 2024) – The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is advocating for a contract that could cost taxpayers $51.5 billion or more, setting a precedent not seen in other major cities. An analysis by the Illinois Policy Institute reveals that almost none of CTU’s political demands are present in teachers union contracts in New York, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Oakland, Columbus, or Minneapolis.

Chicago Red Stars players earn NWSL Week 14 honors

By Chicago City Wire | Jul 2, 2024

Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and forward Mallory Swanson received National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Week 14 honors, the league announced today. Naeher earned NWSL Save of the Week, presented by Deloitte, while Swanson was awarded NWSL Goal of the Week for their performances in Chicago’s 3-0 shutout of San Diego Wave FC on June 28.

Chicago’s airports prepare for over 1.75 million travelers during Independence Day weekend

By Chicago City Wire | Jul 2, 2024

Summer travel is underway at O’Hare and Midway International Airports, with projections indicating over 1.75 million passengers will pass through the airports between Wednesday, July 3 and Monday, July 8.

Cook County County Education: 472 Am. Indian students were enrolled in schools in 2021-22 school year

By Chicago City Wire | Jul 1, 2024

In the 2021-22 school year, less than 1% of students enrolled in Cook County County school districts identified as Am. Indian.

Enrollment Analysis: Am. indian students comprised less than 1% of Cook County County’s student body in 2022-23 school year

By Chicago City Wire | Jul 1, 2024

In the 2022-23 school year, less than 1% of students enrolled in Cook County County school districts identified as Am. Indian.

July 1: Lieutenant Governor Person's Bob Kustra Resigns in 1998

By Chicago City Wire | Jul 1, 2024

Robert Walter Kustra resigned from his position as Lieutenant Governor of Illinois on July 1, 1998, to assume the presidency at Eastern Kentucky University.

Chicago implements new labor ordinances; minimum wage rises to $16.20 per hour

By Chicago City Wire | Jul 1, 2024

CHICAGO — Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Paid Time Off and One Fair Wage ordinances go into effect while the minimum wage increases to $16.20 per hour. More Perfect Union, a nonprofit media company, released a video interview with Mayor Johnson about these changes and his vision for Chicago’s working families.

Chicago Fire FC announces new partnership with Avocados from Peru

By Chicago City Wire | Jul 1, 2024

Chicago Fire FC and Avocados from Peru have announced a new partnership, designating Avocados from Peru as the Official Avocado and Superfood of Chicago Fire FC. This collaboration will include various co-branding and activation opportunities at Fire matches, on social and digital channels, and throughout the Chicagoland area.

Chicago Fire FC announces Fourth of July commemorative jersey auction

By Chicago City Wire | Jul 1, 2024

Chicago Fire FC announced the launch of the Fourth of July Commemorative Jersey Auction, with all proceeds benefiting the Chicago Fire Foundation’s P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer) Program, presented by Meridian. The jerseys feature limited-edition numbers on the back in honor of Independence Day and will be worn by Fire players during their July 3 match against the Philadelphia Union. These jerseys will be autographed post-match.