Good morning, Chicago.
With the Fourth of July and the annual NASCAR Chicago Street Race making for a jam-packed few days ahead, Chicagoans can expect a hot — and potentially stormy — holiday weekend.
Should weather predictions hold, forecasts called for temperatures hovering in the mid-90s Friday and Saturday, with a 50% chance of thunderstorms by Sunday afternoon, said Kevin Birk, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
“The main thing that’s going to be consistent through the weekend is just that overall hot summer weather here,” Birk said.
Read the full story here.
And here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including everything you need to know about this year’s NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race, the latest on the River North shooting and a look at Michael Madsen’s best films.
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2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race: What to know about the 2.2-mile course around the city
The first two years of NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race were accented by rain, but maybe the third edition will be a charm for fans and drivers.
The race weekend, which has drawn mixed reaction from locals because of the road closures, returns to downtown Chicago on Saturday and Sunday. The future of the race in the city, however, is murky.
Here’s everything you need to know about the race — including the course map, road closures and how to watch (or avoid) it all.
‘This wasn’t some random shooting’: Police dig in after drive-by attack at River North album release party kills 4, wounds 14 others
Late Wednesday night, assailants armed with at least one rifle rolled up outside an album release party for a local drill rapper in River North and opened fire on a crowd gathered on the sidewalk.
Within a matter of seconds, police Superintendent Larry Snelling said, the attackers were able to shoot an astonishing 18 people, killing four in a spot close to the center of the city as Chicago is preparing for the holiday weekend and playing host to a high-profile NASCAR road race.
The shooting was among the city’s worst in recent years and served as a warning that even though violent crime has fallen in recent years, gun violence — especially that fueled by rivalries on Chicago’s splintered gang landscape — remains stubbornly persistent.
This Independence Day, immigrants face how to celebrate a nation deeply divided over Trump’s deportation efforts
This Independence Day, immigrants are facing how to celebrate a nation deeply divided over President Donald Trump’s mass deportation efforts, which have sparked massive protests across the country. Some activists are urging immigrants on social media to sit out celebrations this year as a form of protest; others are urging them to stay home to stay safe. But even amid this volatile backdrop, some immigrants in Chicago said they will be celebrating July Fourth not because of the Trump administration, but in spite of it.
What’s in President Donald Trump’s big bill
Republicans muscled President Donald Trump’s tax and spending cut bill through the House yesterday, the final step necessary to get the bill to his desk by the GOP’s self-imposed deadline of July 4th.
City issues permit for demolition of Damen Silos in McKinley Park
The Chicago Department of Buildings issued a permit yesterday for the demolition of the iconic Damen Silos, a relic of the Southwest Side’s once-prominent grain processing industry. A demolition date is expected to be announced next week.
Residents of Blue Island mobile park being shuttered by city say they have no where to go
Pedro Rodriguez said when he moved to the Forest View Mobile Home in Blue Island 27 years ago, every trailer was filled with neighbors he knew like family.
Today, most trailers are abandoned, and about 65 people live on the mobile home property being shut down by the city of Blue Island.
Highland Park bans e-bikes, e-scooters from sidewalks, trails
Highland Park has approved new regulations kicking e-bikes and e-scooters off of sidewalks and trails due to growing safety concerns.
Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. arrested by ICE for deportation, federal officials say
Famed Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. has been arrested for entering the United States illegally and will be deported to Mexico, where he faces organized crime charges, U.S. federal officials said yesterday.
The arrest comes only days after the former middleweight champion lost a match against Jake Paul in Anaheim, California.
Chicago Bulls announce full summer league roster, which includes Matas Buzelis, Yuki Kawamura and Josh Primo
The Chicago Bulls are bringing in a handful of familiar names to round out their roster for the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, which will be headlined by 2025 draft picks Noa Essengue and Lachlan Olbrich and second-year star Matas Buzelis.
Column: Time for another 2016 Chicago Cubs homecoming — but things could get awkward for Willson Contreras
Willson Contreras’ homecoming at Wrigley Field in May 2023 was as awkward as one could imagine.
After surviving trade rumors in his final year with the Chicago Cubs and leaving as a free agent, Contreras signed a five-year, $87.5 million deal with the arch rival St. Louis Cardinals, who seemed to have buyer’s remorse from the get-go.
Here are 6 of Michael Madsen’s best films — and where to watch them
For fans looking to revisit Michael Madsen’s most memorable moments, as well as those who want to get acquainted with his work, here are six of his best films and where to watch them.
Demi Moore, Miley Cyrus and Timothée Chalamet to receive stars on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet and Demi Moore were among the 35 honorees announced Wednesday by Eugenio Derbez and Richard Blade.
Inductees were selected across five categories: motion pictures, television, live theater and live performance, recording and sports entertainment. There were no radio honorees. Others who made the class of 2026 include actors Emily Blunt, Rachel McAdams, Molly Ringwald, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Rami Malek and Noah Wyle; former NBA star turned sports analyst Shaquille O’Neal; and “Good Morning America” co-anchors Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos, who will have a double ceremony.